High‑Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

Description

1. Product Overview
High‑Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a cost‑effective, rubber‑modified thermoplastic known for its exceptional impact resistance, dimensional stability, and ease of fabrication. It is primarily used in injection molding and extrusion applications across packaging, consumer goods, electronics, and signage. For industrial buyers, HIPS offers the optimal balance between processability and toughness—delivering a lower‑cost alternative to ABS and a more durable solution than general‑purpose polystyrene, making it strategically vital for high‑throughput, margin‑sensitive operations.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Polystyrene matrix with 5–15% polybutadiene rubber graft copolymer

• Purity / Grade: Virgin HIPS, standard injection molding grade / extrusion grade; FDA‑compliant for food contact available

• Physical form: Solid, round or lenticular pellets

• Color: Natural (white/off‑white); custom colors available on request

• Melt Flow Index (MFI): 5–15 g/10 min (200°C / 5 kg, ISO 1133)

• Density: 1.04 – 1.06 g/cm³

• Tensile strength at yield: 15 – 25 MPa

• Izod impact strength (notched, 23°C): 80 – 150 J/m

• Heat deflection temperature (HDT, 0.45 MPa): 80 – 88°C

• Packaging options: 25 kg multi‑layer paper/PE bags; 750 – 1,200 kg super sacks; bulk truck or silo

• Shelf life: 12 months minimum (stored dry under 50°C, away from UV exposure)

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Electronics & appliances: TV and monitor rear housings, air conditioner grilles, refrigerator liners, small appliance bodies – HIPS provides high rigidity with lower cost than ABS, plus excellent paint and print adhesion.

• Food packaging & consumer goods: Yogurt cups, disposable cutlery, lids, toys, hangers – FDA‑compliant grades enable direct food contact; HIPS offers superior drop‑impact resistance compared to GPPS.

• Retail displays & signage: Point‑of‑purchase displays, indoor signage, model making – HIPS is easily thermoformed, glued, painted, and screen‑printed, enabling faster prototyping and lower tooling costs.

• Medical & laboratory products: Test tube racks, diagnostic device housings – gamma and ETO sterilizable grades available; lower residual monomer than competitive thermoplastics.

Why HIPS outperforms alternatives: Versus GPPS → ≥3× higher impact strength. Versus ABS → 15–25% lower material cost with comparable stiffness. Versus PET → easier thermoforming cycles and lower energy consumption.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: ≤2% batch‑to‑batch MFI variation; ISO 9001:2021 certified production with full traceability from reactor to shipment.

• Supply reliability: Dual‑sourcing from ASEAN and Middle East polymer hubs; 99.6% on‑time delivery over 24 months.

• Logistics capability: In‑house desiccant drying and anti‑static bagging; export‑ready packaging for tropical and temperate climates.

• Price competitiveness: Direct mill allocation removes 2–3 intermediary layers; volume‑based rebates from 500 MT/quarter.

• Sustainability: Contains 20–30% post‑industrial recycled HIPS content on request; fully recyclable as class 6 plastic; optional ISCC PLUS mass‑balance certified circular grades.

• Technical support: Dedicated application engineers for mold flow analysis, warpage reduction, and cycle time optimization; free initial sample validation (5 kg).

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 MT (20 metric tons) per grade and color

• Loading capacity: 26 – 27 MT per 20‑ft standard container (dense packing, 25 kg bags on pallets)
  or
  18 – 20 MT per 20‑ft container for super sacks / octabins

• Lead time: 14–21 days from confirmed LC or deposit for stock grades; 30–45 days for custom colors or recycled blends

• Incoterms available: FOB, CIF, CNF, EXW (source port: Laem Chabang / Jebel Ali / Rotterdam)