HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
Signature Plastics extrudes custom HIPS profiles for applications where rigidity and appearance are needed, but with more impact tolerance than standard polystyrene. HIPS is commonly selected when a profile must hold its shape and visual quality while better handling handling, installation, or light impact.
HIPS extrusions are typically used in interior and semi-protected environments where profiles may be bumped or handled but are not exposed to heavy loads or outdoor conditions.
What is HIPS?
High impact polystyrene is a modified form of polystyrene that includes rubber content to improve impact resistance. In extrusion, HIPS offers a balance between stiffness and toughness, making it more forgiving than standard PS while maintaining clean detail and a smooth surface.
HIPS is not intended for high-impact, outdoor, or high-temperature environments. It is chosen where appearance and durability need to coexist.
Typical HIPS Applications
HIPS is commonly specified for extruded profiles used in visible or handled applications. Applications include:
- Retail display and fixture profiles
- Appliance trims and covers
- Signage and framing profiles
- Interior protective covers
- Equipment housings in controlled environments
- Decorative and functional trim profiles
Many HIPS profiles are cut, drilled, or assembled after extrusion to meet installation or layout requirements.
Advantages of Extruded HIPS
- More impact resistant than standard PS
- Maintains rigidity and shape
- Smooth surface suitable for visible use
- Better handling durability during installation
- Lightweight and easy to fabricate
- Cost-effective for interior applications
HIPS is typically selected when a profile needs to look clean, stay rigid, and tolerate handling or light impact, without moving to heavier or more industrial materials.
Materials
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)
- PE (Polyethylene)
- TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
- PP (Poly Propylene)
- HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene)
- LDPE (Low Density Poly Ethylene)
- PS (Poly Styrene)
- HIPS (High Impact Poly Styrene)
- EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acelate)
- PC (Polycarbonate)
- PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate)
- Customized Applications
