Description
White HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) Sheets are available in three thicknesses: 1/32" (.030"), 1/16" (.060"), and 1/8" (.118"). All thicknesses are available in standard 48" × 96" full sheets and cut-to-size options for custom dimensions up to 48" × 96".
White HIPS Sheet features a professional matte finish on both sides, eliminating glare and providing an ideal surface for painting, printing, or vacuum forming. Manufactured by Primex under the trusted Impax brand, this high-impact polystyrene offers excellent durability and workability at an economical price point.
HIPS combines the easy fabrication of styrene with enhanced impact resistance, making it perfect for applications requiring lightweight yet durable plastic. The material cuts cleanly with standard tools, thermoforms easily, and provides excellent dimensional stability for precision work.
Features
- High impact resistance - stronger than standard polystyrene
- Matte finish on both sides eliminates glare
- Excellent thermoforming and vacuum forming properties
- Easy to cut, drill, and machine with standard tools
- Lightweight yet durable construction
- Cost-effective alternative to ABS and other engineering plastics
- Excellent paintability and print adhesion
- Good chemical resistance to most household chemicals
- Manufactured by Primex - trusted Impax brand quality
- Dimensional stability for precision applications
Applications of White HIPS
- Vacuum forming and thermoforming projects
- Prototype development and model making
- Point-of-purchase displays and signage
- Equipment housings and enclosures
- Jigs, fixtures, and tooling
- Architectural models and scale replicas
- Food service trays and containers
- Educational and craft projects
- Packaging inserts and protective covers
- Templates and patterns
Available Sizes & Options
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1/32" (.030") Thickness
Standard Size: 48" × 96"
Cut-to-Size: Available up to 48" × 96"
Thinnest option - ideal for templates, light-duty applications, and flexible forming
1/16" (.060") Thickness
Standard Size: 48" × 96"
Cut-to-Size: Available up to 48" × 96"
Popular thickness for model making, signage, and general fabrication work
1/8" (.118") Thickness
Standard Size: 48" × 96"
Cut-to-Size: Available up to 48" × 96"
Maximum strength and rigidity for structural applications and vacuum forming
Custom Cut-to-Size Options
- Custom widths: Any size from 1" up to 48"
- Custom lengths: Any size from 1" up to 96"
- Available in all thicknesses listed above
- Precision CNC cutting to your exact specifications
- Optional finishing: Radius Corners, Holes
Need help choosing? Select the "Cut-to-Size" tab above to enter your custom dimensions and get instant pricing, or call 844-970-0650 for expert guidance.
About HIPS vs. Other Plastics
HIPS vs. Polystyrene: Higher impact resistance and toughness. HIPS vs. ABS: More economical with similar workability. HIPS vs. Acrylic: Less brittle, better impact resistance, easier to thermoform. Perfect for applications where you need durability without the premium cost of engineering plastics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HIPS stand for and how is it different from regular polystyrene?
HIPS stands for High Impact Polystyrene. It's regular polystyrene that has been modified with rubber additives to dramatically increase impact resistance and toughness. While standard polystyrene is brittle and cracks easily, HIPS can withstand significant impacts and stress without breaking.
Can HIPS be thermoformed or vacuum formed?
Yes, HIPS is one of the most popular materials for thermoforming and vacuum forming. It heats evenly, forms well without thinning excessively, and holds detail beautifully. The matte finish also eliminates issues with glare or surface imperfections that can occur with glossy materials.
Is HIPS food safe?
Yes, HIPS is FDA approved for food contact applications and is commonly used for disposable food service items like cups, plates, and takeout containers. However, always verify specific food safety requirements for your particular application.
How does the matte finish affect painting and printing?
The matte finish provides excellent paint adhesion and eliminates the need for surface preparation in most cases. For printing, the matte surface reduces glare and provides consistent ink adhesion. The finish also helps hide minor scratches and surface imperfections during handling.
Customer Reviews
Perfect for vacuum forming
Using 1/8" thickness for prototype parts. The matte finish is ideal - no glossy surfaces to worry about and it thermoforms beautifully. Cuts clean with standard tools and the Primex quality is consistent.
Great for model making
Ordered 1/16" cut-to-size for architectural models. The matte finish eliminates glare in photos and it's easy to paint. Only issue was one corner arrived slightly bent, but the material itself is exactly what I needed.
Excellent impact resistance
Using this for equipment housings where we need something tougher than acrylic but not as heavy as polycarbonate. The 1/8" HIPS is perfect - takes impacts well and the matte finish hides minor scratches.
Good material, packaging needs work
The HIPS sheet quality is solid and cuts easily, but the packaging could be better. Sheet arrived with some surface scratches from shipping. Material performed well for my project once I got past the cosmetic issues.
Budget-friendly alternative to ABS
Needed a cost-effective plastic for jigs and fixtures. This HIPS is much more affordable than ABS but still plenty strong for our shop applications. The 1/32" works great for templates that need some flexibility.
