ABS & Styrene (HIPS) Plastic Sheets: Properties, Uses, Fabrication & Comparison Guide (2025)
ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) and Styrene (HIPS) are two of the most widely used thermoplastics in Canada for vacuum forming, fabrication, prototyping, enclosures, displays, and general manufacturing. Although both materials contain styrene, their properties and performance differ significantly. This guide explains their characteristics, advantages, applications, and how to choose between them.
What Is ABS Plastic?
ABS is an engineering-grade thermoplastic made from three components:
- Acrylonitrile – adds chemical resistance and heat stability
- Butadiene – provides impact strength and toughness
- Styrene – offers rigidity and glossy surface finish
This combination produces a strong, durable sheet material used in thousands of products across Canada. ABS is known for its impact resistance, machinability, heat performance, and excellent thermoforming characteristics. It is available in smooth, haircell-textured, flame-retardant, and UV-stabilized grades.
What Is Styrene (HIPS) Plastic?
Styrene sheets—also called HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)—are lightweight, printable, and highly formable. HIPS is made by adding rubber modifiers to standard polystyrene, improving its impact strength while keeping cost low. Styrene is commonly used where low cost, easy printing, and fast forming are priorities.
ABS vs Styrene (HIPS): Key Differences
Although ABS contains styrene as part of its chemical structure, HIPS and ABS behave differently in real-world applications. Here is how they compare:
| Property | ABS | Styrene (HIPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Strength | Very high | Moderate |
| Rigidity | Strong & durable | Lightweight & flexible |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent | Lower |
| Cost | Higher | More economical |
| Machinability | Excellent | Good |
| Thermoforming | Very good | Excellent |
| Typical Finish | Smooth or haircell texture | Matte smooth |
| Printing | Possible | Outstanding (screen & digital) |
Conclusion: Choose ABS for strength, heat performance, and durability. Choose HIPS for cost-effective forming and high-quality printing.
Key Properties of ABS Sheets
- High impact resistance
- Good heat stability
- Excellent machinability and drilling
- Resistant to chemicals and abrasion
- Low moisture absorption
- Available in UV-stabilized grades for outdoor applications
Key Properties of Styrene (HIPS) Sheets
- Lightweight and economical
- High-quality printing surface
- Fast forming and trimming
- Moderate impact resistance
- Odor-free and food-safe grades available
- Works well for disposable or short-life products
Applications of ABS Sheets
- Automotive interior parts
- Machine guards and equipment housings
- Recreational vehicle panels
- Electronics enclosures
- Protective cases and tool housings
- Point-of-purchase displays
- Custom fabricated parts
Applications of Styrene (HIPS) Sheets
- Point-of-sale displays and signage
- Prototype models
- Thermoformed trays and packaging
- Appliance interior liners
- Printable graphics and posters
- Short-term retail products
- Food-grade packaging (selected grades)
Fabrication & Thermoforming Guide
Cutting & Machining
Both ABS and HIPS can be cut using:
- CNC routers
- Table saws
- Band saws
- Laser engraving (HIPS only — ABS burns)
Thermoforming
ABS forms at slightly higher temperatures than HIPS. For best results:
- ABS forming temperature: 150–170°C
- HIPS forming temperature: 130–150°C
- Use controlled cooling to avoid stress marks
- Haircell ABS should be formed textured-side-out
Bonding
- ABS bonds well using solvent cements (for example Weld-On 1802, 2007)
- HIPS bonds using standard polystyrene cements
- For structural assembly, use cyanoacrylates or epoxies
Thicknesses & Sheet Sizes
Common ABS and HIPS thicknesses:
- 0.020″ to 0.250″ (0.5 mm to 6 mm)
- Sheet sizes up to 48″ × 96″ (varies by supplier)
Canadian Market Insight
In Montreal, Laval, and across Canada, ABS is chosen for durable parts, enclosures, and automotive components, while HIPS dominates the display, signage, and packaging markets due to its affordability and printability.
Where to Buy ABS & Styrene Sheets in Canada
ABS and HIPS sheets are available through plastic distributors, fabrication shops, and industrial suppliers. PolyDX Plastic supplies ABS and Styrene sheets in multiple thicknesses, colours, and surface finishes, with fabrication services such as cutting, CNC machining, and thermoforming.
Conclusion
ABS and Styrene (HIPS) are essential thermoplastics for manufacturing, forming, and display applications. ABS offers superior durability, while HIPS delivers excellent printability and cost efficiency. Understanding their differences ensures proper material selection for your project.
External Resources
To learn more about ABS sheets, check out this comprehensive ABS Sheets Overview on Wikipedia.
Related Pages
- ABS Sheets
- Polycarbonate Sheets
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Acrylic Sheets
- PETG Sheets
- CNC Plastic Cutting Services
- View all our Plastic Sheets, Film and Rods