There are great similarity between HIPS and ABS plastic sheets, in terms of their chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. In some applications cases, they are replaceable.
- ABS refers to “Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene”
- HIPS refers to “High Impact Polystyrene”
Material specifications of thermoformable ABS and HIPS plastic sheet
| Specifications | ABS plastic sheet | HIPS plastic sheet |
| Density (specific gravity) | 1.08 g/cm³ | 1.06 g/cm³ |
| Softening temperature | 97 – 101°c | 97°c |
| Forming Temperature | 140 – 190°c | 120 – 140°c |
| Tensile strength | 30 – 40 MPa | 20 MPa |
| Melt flow index | 6.0 g/10min | 4.5 g/10min |
| Mould shrinkage (linear) | 0.4 – 0.7% | 0.4 – 0.7% |
Similarity of HIPS and ABS sheets
Similarity in appearance
Sometimes, it is quite difficult to distinguish HIPS from ABS plastic sheets by appearance and first feeling. Both are opaque and non-transparent in most conditions. In most cases, they are of less gloss surface, more like matte feeling. Although some ABS has high gloss surface.
Both can be extruded the same textured surface. If using the same textured rollers to extrude, it would be quite difficult to tell the difference of ABS and HIPS by texture. And they have similar coloring effect, if using similar color shade of masterbatch.
Similar rigidness and flexural strength
Both have great rigidness and good flexural strength, although ABS sheet is a slightly tougher than HIPS. Both of them are used for vacuum forming or shaped into plastic covers, enclosures for machine covers, for protection.
Similar thermoplasticity for vacuum forming
HIPS and ABS plastic sheets have excellent thermoplasticity. Both are excellent for thermoforming/ vacuum forming molding. In some projects, HIPS and ABS plastic sheets are often exchangeable, although ABS would be tougher and more expensive.
Sample Projects for ABS or HIPS vacuum formed products
Difference of HIPS and ABS sheet
The difference between the two types of plastic sheet is also perceptible. In long terms use, and under more impact, ABS is much more tougher and impact- resistant.
Less strong HIPS plastic sheet
HIPS, known as high impact Polystyrene, is improved and modified from PS plastics. PS material itself is fragile and easy to crack. Through modifications via addictive, HIPS improve in impact resistance. However, still not as good as ABS sheets.
For applications, HIPS sheets are mostly used for less harsh conditions. Some are built as displays and some are for printing purpose.
ABS sheet with better performance
Compared with HIPS plastics, ABS plastic sheets have better comprehensive performance: higher impact strength, chemical stability, and good electrical properties. It also have higher impact resistance, heat resistance, flame retardant.
In a word, HIPS is more similar to ABS in features, compared with other plastics. It is lower in price than ABS.
ABS and HIPS are both general plastics, which has a vast application, compared with special engineering plastics. Both are used in many vacuum forming applications in medical, industrial, agriculture fields and so on.