Material guide
PS, polystyrene
PS, polystyrene, is the affordable, easily machined sheet plastic for signs, display and thermoformed parts. Stiff and dimensionally stable with an even surface that takes print and machining well, a good choice when the price weighs heavily and the requirements are moderate.
What it is
PS, polystyrene, is one of the cheapest and most easily machined plastics. It is stiff, dimensionally stable and has an even surface that takes color and print well, which makes it a classic choice for signs, decor and thermoformed parts. Polystyrene is easy to cut, mill and form, and it is available both in a clear and in an impact resistant version. Count on PS when you want an affordable sheet for visible parts with moderate strength requirements, not when the part has to carry load or take a lot of punishment.
Properties
One of the cheapest sheet plastics
Stiff and dimensionally stable in a normal environment
Takes color, print and finishing well
Easy to cut, mill and thermoform
Available both in a clear and in an impact resistant version
Classic choice for visible parts with moderate requirements
Common applications
PS sits in signs, decor, display parts, interiors and thermoformed covers and inserts where price and machinability weigh heaviest. The impact resistant version is used where a visible part needs to take some handling, and the clear version in simpler transparent guards and lids. When a customer wants a cheap, easily machined sheet for a visible but not heavily loaded part, PS is often the choice.
Limitations
PS is brittle in its clear form and does not handle impact, heat or chemicals particularly well, so for parts that have to carry load or take knocks you choose ABS or polycarbonate instead. It is not UV stable as standard and is therefore a poor fit for prolonged exposure to sunlight outdoors. The material is a standard choice for moderate requirements, not for demanding mechanical or chemical environments.
Grades and variants
PS is available in a couple of versions that solve different needs. The grades differ in toughness and surface, and the material is available both clear and matte.
Base grades
- PS, polystyrene. The clear standard grade, stiff but brittle, for signs and simpler parts.
- HIPS, High-Impact PS, that is, impact resistant polystyrene. Tough and matte, for parts that have to take some handling.
PS is also one of the plastics we can produce to special order, for example in your own color or your own blend. Get in touch and we will work out what is possible for your series.
Formats we can supply
PS is available from us as sheet and as roll. You see formats and dimensions in the range. Would you like a piece cut to size? Enter the dimensions in VisualCutter and you will see the price straight away.