What is HIPS?
Supplying high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) for thermoforming, vacuum forming, and injection molding. Stable supply with quick quotations.
What is HIPS?
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a rubber-modified polystyrene designed to enhance toughness and durability. Its classification typically depends on:
- Rubber Content: The amount and type of butadiene rubber added affect impact strength and flexibility.
- Physical Properties: Density, melt flow index (MFI), and mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation are key factors.
- Processing Characteristics: Variations in processing parameters help distinguish grades suitable for injection molding, extrusion, or thermoforming applications.
Industry standards and technical data sheets provide benchmarks for these classifications.
HIPS is cost-effective, available in a wide range of colors, and recyclable, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking practical and eco-friendly options. These attributes position HIPS as a preferred option for wholesale plastic requirements.
Supplying various grades of HIPS pellets
| Grades | Manufacturer | Brand | Melt Flow Index (g/10 min 200°C/5kg) | IZOD Impact Strength (23℃ kJ/m²) | Characteristics | Applications |
| 476L | BASF | Bycolene | 5 | Not Applicable | Download | Electrical enclosures, refrigerators, drawers |
| 2710 | BASF | Bycolene | 4.5 | Not Applicable | Download | Refrigerator liners and sheet applications |
| HP835G | Formosa | TAIRILAC | 3.7 | Not Applicable | Download | Electrical and appliance component applications |
| HP825G | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 4 | 0.09 | Download | Appliance components, such as air conditioner housings |
| HP825N | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 3 | 0.15 | Download | Distribution boards and appliance housings |
| HP8250 | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 5.5 | 0.12 | Download | TV housings, terminal cable sheathing, and prototyping |
| HP9450 | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 3 | 0.15 | Download | Conduit pipes, extruded sheets, and buoyancy devices |
| HP825S | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 2.7 | 0.1 | Download | Automotive door liners and refrigerator liners |
| HP825T | Formosa | TAIRIREX | Not Applicable | 0.11 | Download | Refrigerator liners, refrigerator door liners |
| MP6500 | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 6.7 | 0.08 | Download | Appliance components, stationery, clock housings |
| HP825F | Formosa | TAIRIREX | 9 | 0.115 | Download | Appliance housings, stroller components |
| 825 | Huajin Chemical | Huajin Chemical | 6 – 10 | Not Applicable | Download | Injection molding and extrusion applications |
| 4241 | INEOS Styrolution | INEOS Styrolution | 3.5 | 11.5 | Download | Food packaging, household products, extrusion |
| 6351 | INEOS Styrolution | INEOS Styrolution | 3.5 | 10 | Download | Electrical and electronic (E&E) products, toys |
| 8265 | INEOS Styrolution | INEOS Styrolution | 3.5 | 13 | Download | Refrigerator liners, thermoformed sheets |
| 495F | INEOS Styrolution | INEOS Styrolution | 9.5 | Not Applicable | Download | Consumer electronics and home appliance components |
| HIPS622 | SECCO | SECCO | 4.5 | 12 | Download | Toys, household products, and appliance components |
We are committed to meeting all your HIPS requirements
High Impact Polystyrene FAQ
What are the key factors that differentiate HIPS grades?
HIPS grades are primarily distinguished by the following factors:
Impact resistance: Graded based on standardized tests (e.g., Charpy impact test); higher impact values indicate greater material toughness.
Melt Flow Index (MFI): Determines the resin's flow performance during processing; lower MFI values typically indicate higher molecular weight and greater strength.
Surface finish and color consistency: Certain applications require specific opacity or surface effects, which directly influence classification criteria.
Thermal properties: Heat deflection temperature and softening point are critical for applications requiring dimensional stability at elevated temperatures.
Industry-standard test data ensures that each grade meets specific performance criteria.
What are the common types of HIPS?
The HIPS market is typically categorized as follows based on formulation and application requirements:
Standard-grade HIPS: Designed for general-purpose applications, offering a balanced combination of processability and impact strength.
High-impact grade HIPS: Contains a higher rubber content to enhance toughness, suitable for components requiring superior durability.
Heat-resistant grade HIPS: Specially formulated to maintain physical stability at elevated temperatures, commonly used in automotive and electrical applications.
Specialty HIPS: Tailored to meet specific end-use requirements, such as improved colorability, surface gloss, or flame retardancy.
Manufacturers provide detailed technical data sheets to assist end users in selecting the appropriate type based on performance data.
How does butadiene content affect the classification of HIPS?
Butadiene is a key modifier in HIPS that imparts improved impact resistance. The classification of HIPS is influenced by the following factors:
Rubber particle size and distribution: Higher butadiene content promotes more uniform dispersion of rubber particles, thereby enhancing toughness.
Impact performance: Typically, HIPS with higher butadiene content can achieve impact strength 2-5 times greater than that of unmodified polystyrene.
Processability: While increasing butadiene content improves impact performance, it also alters flow characteristics; therefore, each grade must be balanced to meet specific processing requirements.
This balance is critical and is ensured through rigorous testing and certification in accordance with industry standards.
Which applications are best suited for each HIPS grade?
Each HIPS grade is tailored for a range of industrial applications:
Standard and high-impact HIPS: Commonly used in consumer goods, appliance housings, and packaging where durability and ease of processing are required.
Heat-resistant grade HIPS: Frequently selected for automotive components, electrical enclosures, and parts subjected to thermal stress.
Specialty grades: Designed for applications requiring specific aesthetic or performance characteristics, such as medical devices or high-quality consumer electronics.
Grade selection is based on technical data and performance indicators provided in product data sheets, ensuring optimal compatibility with the end-use environment.
How do manufacturers ensure consistency across different HIPS classifications?
Consistency across different HIPS classifications is maintained through:
Rigorous quality control: Regular in-house testing of mechanical, thermal, and processing properties in accordance with ISO or ASTM standards.
Standardized raw material sourcing: Collaboration with certified suppliers to ensure consistent resin quality.
Process control and monitoring: Continuous monitoring of process parameters such as temperature, pressure, and melt flow index (MFI) to maintain batch-to-batch product consistency.
Documentation and certification: Provision of comprehensive technical data sheets and certification documents demonstrating material performance and behavior.
These measures ensure that each HIPS grade consistently meets the detailed performance standards required for various industrial applications.
How can customers determine the most suitable HIPS grade for their application?
Selecting the appropriate HIPS grade requires consideration of multiple technical and practical factors:
Review the Technical Data Sheet (TDS): These documents provide detailed information on mechanical strength, impact resistance, thermal properties, and processing characteristics.
Application-specific requirements: Factors such as anticipated impact loads, environmental conditions (e.g., temperature), and aesthetic considerations (e.g., surface finish) should guide the selection process.
Consult technical support: Most manufacturers offer expert advisory services to help identify the most suitable HIPS grade based on specific performance needs.
Prototyping and testing: For critical applications, conducting trial runs or prototyping can provide practical insights into material performance under real-world conditions.
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