ABS
& HIPS Sheet
ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
ABS is a terpolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene
discovered during WWII and commercially available from the 1950’s. A widely
used, hard and tough plastic. Typical properties include : Good mechanical
strength and rigidity. High Impact resistance especially at low temperatures.
Needs additive protection for prolonged outdoor use. Good electrical insulating
properties. Easily thermoformed. Can be printed, glued, electroplated, recycled.
Absorbs moisture – stock rotation important. Standard sizes of plastic sheet
ex stock (sold in packs) or extruded on special order. Can be blended/co-extruded/laminated
with other polymers to enhance specific properties .
ABS
Extruded Sheet – Applications
Signage
& Advertising boards
Fabrication
Thermoforming
(vacuum forming)
- Chair backs
- Bins and trays
- Medical equipment
- Motor industry components
ABS Production Information
Standard thicknesses
0,6 to 5,0mm
Maximum width
1500mm
(subject to certain limitations)
Lengths As
required
Standard Colours
Black/White
Sign colours
(only
0,9mm thickness
Non standard
colours Minimum 1 ton
Finishes Smooth,
Semi-gloss, Matt, Leathergrain & Deepgrain
Additives
Fire
retardants, colours, UV stabilisers,etc (by special arrangement – minimum
quantities
apply)
Working Temperature
: -20deg°C to 80deg°C - Special Grades –50°C to 100°C
ABS - Watchpoints
Material absorbs
moisture so stock rotation is very important and packs should be re-sealed
after opening
If sheet has
absorbed moisture, pre-drying will be required in an oven for 2 – 4 hours
at 85 deg C (time required determined by thickness) prior to thermoforming
If sheet has
absorbed moisture there will be bubbles/blisters in the sheet when thermoformed
Limited UV
resistance unless specially stabilized
Moderate chemical
resistance so check before using aggressive chemicals
Ensure compatibility
of printing inks and glues
Try to avoid
sliding sheets out of packs as this damages the sheet below – rather open
packs and lift sheets
Best to be
stored flat, preferably on a pallet
Polystyrene (HIPS)
First discovered in 1839, commercially produced from 1931.Used either as thermoplastic material or foam called EPS (expanded polystyrene)
Polymerisation of the basic styrene monomer produces GPPS a stiff, transparent
thermoplastic material. Because of its limited impact resistance, polybutadiene
is added during polymerisation to produce high impact
polystyrene (HIPS)
ESCR – HIPS (Environment Stress Crack Resistant)
A special grade used in the refrigeration industry.
HIPS – Typical Properties
Reasonably
good impact resistance
Thermoforms
easily
Absorbs very
little moisture
Odourless and
tasteless
Can be printed,
die cut, glued, etc.
Good electrical
insulation properties
Not recommended
for outdoor usage
-30°C
to 70°C, Continuous +/- 60/65°C
High Impact Polystyrene Sheet
Applications
Appliances
– inner liners for refrigerators and freezers
Thermoforming
– point of sale applications, etc
Indoor Signage
Sanitaryware
applications bath panels)
HIPS – Production Information
Standard thicknesses
– 0,4 to 4,0mm
Standard sheet
sizes ex stock (refer to our price list) or extruded to size
Maximum width
1500mm
Matt or High
Gloss finish
Standard colours
– black and white
Non-standard
colours – min 2 tons
Additives –
anti-static, anti-slip, anti-oxidants etc on special order and subject to
minimum order quantities
HIPS - Watchpoints
Material absorbs
very little moisture – stock rotation not as important as with ABS
High Gloss
surface scratches easily – do not slide sheets out of packs but rather lift.
Not suitable
for outdoor applications
Ensure compatibility
with printing inks, solvents, glues, etc.
Store flat
rather then standing on edge
Laser cutting
– refer to suppliers of this equipment for recommendations
Ampaglas Top Training Company 
Ampaglas received an award from Merseta in recognition of being one
of the Top Training Companies.
Best Stand at Signage Exhibition
Ampaglas awarded Best Stand at the Signage Exhibition in September 2008.
