Material - HIPS

(High Impact Polystyrene)

Vacuum Forming - Thermoforming - CNC Machining

When it comes to creating custom plastic products, HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a leading choice for many manufacturers. At Waveform Plastics, we specialize in delivering high-quality vacuum forming and thermoforming services using HIPS. With over 25 years of experience, we ensure your unique requirements are met with precision and care.

What is HIPS?

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is a versatile thermoplastic, modified from standard polystyrene through the addition of an elastomer. This creates a two-phase structure in which rubber particles are dispersed within a continuous polystyrene matrix. The result is a material that offers strong impact resistance while remaining easy to process. With its balance of toughness and manufacturability, HIPS has become a valuable material across a wide range of industries.

What is HIPS Vacuum Forming?

Vacuum forming is a process where a thermoplastic sheet is heated until pliable, then shaped over a mold using vacuum pressure. With HIPS, this method leverages the material’s strength and versatility to produce lightweight, durable, and precise components. It is especially effective for manufacturing larger parts with straightforward geometries while still achieving excellent detail and consistency.

Vacuum Forming & Thermoforming Grade HIPS Sheet

HIPS sheets for vacuum forming are engineered to deliver reliable performance and consistency. Available in a range of thicknesses, they can be tailored to suit the specific needs of your project. Below is an outline of the key properties that make HIPS sheets ideal for vacuum forming applications.

An assortment of HIPS sheets

HIPS Material Properties for Vacuum Forming

Property

Description

Typical Applications

Impact Resistance

  • HIPS is recognized for its superior durability, making it a dependable choice for applications that demand strength and long-lasting performance.

Protective housings for consumer electronics, dunnage trays

Dimensional Stability

  • HIPS maintains excellent dimensional stability with low moisture absorption, ensuring consistent performance in varied environments.

Precision industrial components, structural panels

Surface Finish

  • HIPS provides a smooth, high-gloss surface that is easy to paint, print, or coat for enhanced aesthetics and functionality.

Retail displays, appliance interior and exterior panels

Electrical Insulation

  • HIPS offers excellent dielectric properties, making it a reliable material for electrical insulation applications.

Low-voltage electrical housings, switch and circuit board covers

Odorless

  • HIPS is naturally odorless, making it suitable for products that require a clean, neutral material presence.

Medical disposables and lab trays, household storage products

Key Benefits Of HIPS Vacuum Forming

Cost-Effective
HIPS is an affordable material, making it an economical choice for large production runs.

Quick Turnaround
The vacuum forming process is faster than other methods, allowing for rapid prototyping and production.

Lightweight
HIPS offers a strong yet lightweight solution, ideal for various applications.

Easy to Process
HIPS can be easily molded into complex shapes, providing flexibility in design.

Versatile Applications
Suitable for numerous industries, from packaging to medical devices.

Typical Applications Of HIPS Forming

The versatility of HIPS vacuum forming makes it suitable for a wide range of industries and applications, including:

Medical: Trays, containers, disposable items

Consumer Electronics: Casings for computers, televisions, and other devices

Toys & Recreation: Durable components for toys and recreational goods

Industrial: Custom enclosures, protective covers, lightweight panels

Retail & Displays: Point-of-purchase displays, signage, packaging inserts
HIPS Sheet

Examples of HIPS parts thermoformed by Waveform

Automated assembly / parts handling trays 

Dunnage trays and containers

Containers

Stormwater control systems

Commode buckets and medical components

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