Polystyrene (PS) is one of the most popular thermoplastic materials in the world, but depending on your application you’ll want to use High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) or General-Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS). Each has unique properties that should be taken into account before deciding which one is best for your project and end-user.

High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is easy to process material that has a glossy look. It is durable and sturdy and flexible enough for spreading on any surface. As it can resist high impact it is widely used in varied range of applications. Moreover, this is visually attractive and is hygienic too.

It can retain the properties for long and hence it is recyclable. As they are easily moldable, and they can be used for making toys too! If you are interested in using this material for anything, then you should know about the advantages and disadvantages of these plastic sheets.

What Do HIPS and GPPS Have in Common?
While there are some key differences between high-impact and general-purpose polystyrene resins, they do share several characteristics. Both are resins that are low-cost, rigid and easy to process and manufacture. These methods of processing include injection molding, extrusion, blow molding and thermoforming.

HIPS and GPPS are both FDA-compliant, making them very common in kitchenware and food packaging applications. These aren’t the only application categories they share, as they both can be used in healthcare and houseware applications as well.

These polystyrene resins have excellent aesthetics, good gloss and are easy to paint, glue and print on. HIPS and GPPS also each hold Underwriters Laboratory recognition 94HB and are recyclable.

What are the Unique Qualities of High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)?
High-impact polystyrene is a polystyrene resin that’s used in lower heat applications. As its name suggests, HIPS has high impact strength and good dimensional stability. HIPS is easy to thermoform and can be printed using Digital, Screen, Flexo and Litho inks.

HIPS is naturally a white color and has a matte finish, and while it’s not naturally transparent, HIPS can be painted on and glued easily for excellent aesthetics. A good example of HIPS food packaging is yogurt cups.

Several HIPS grades are designed to have exceptional resistances for specific end-use, such as in refrigeration liners, toilet seats and tanks, or disposables that require high environmental stress crack resistance.

Advantages of High Impact Polystyrene
The use of High Impact Polystyrene is increasing day by day due to the various advantages this product has. It is useful in many industries. Different advantages that you get from high impact polystyrene are

• Good impact resistance
• Good dimensional stability
• Excellent machinability
• Easy to paint and glue
• Excellent aesthetic quality
• Can be easily molded
• Its use is very versatile