We have recently added polystyrene to our range of materials, in two of its most common variants, GPPS and HIPS.

PS is a thermoplastic polymer obtained from the polymerization of monomer styrene, depending on whether it is pure or has additives, the characteristics of the resulting material differ. Next, we will try to describe the properties that differentiate these two variants and how to get the most out of each type of board.

PS 01 - Standard Polystyrene (GPPS)

El polystyrene crystal or GPPS (from English: General Purpose Polystyrene), this quality comes from the polymerization of pure PS, giving rise to a completely amorphous polymer. It is characterized by being light, rigid, fragile at room temperature and by having a high light transmission index.

It has low resistance to high temperatures, up to 95 ºC polystyrene crystal is vitreous, and above that temperature it alters its shape.

Properties

The main characteristics that define this thermoplastic are as follows:

• Easy handling and shaping
• Excellent optical quality
• Low water absorption
• Suitable for contact with food

Easy handling and shaping

In addition to being light, stiff and 100% recyclable, polystyrene crystal plates can be subjected to a wide range of transformation techniques, such as:

• Thermoforming
• Forming techniques

Injection and extrusion.

• Adhesion/Welding
• Printing/Painting/Silkscreen

The surface of the plate must be clean and free of grease, demoulding agents or any other contamination. To degrease it, a 50/50 mixture of isopropane and isobutanol can be used.

Recurrent material in uses intended for advertising at the point of sale, due to its easy handling, screen printing and printing

In addition to its easy handling and low cost, it is a material appreciated by manipulators because it is considered to be one of the easiest materials to process after 100 ºC, it can take multiple forms, with minimal molding contractions.

Excellent optical quality

Material that is defined by its high transparency and brightness on its surface. It is characterized by a light transmission index of 90% in the visible spectrum (400-800 nm), although it is very good, it is lower than that of PMMA.

Low water absorption

Due to its low tendency to absorb water, it is a material able for uses in humid environments, in addition, this feature makes not Is it necessary the pre-dried during handling.

Due to its optimal optical properties and its low water absorption capacity, it is suitable material for bathroom screens and partitions in humid environments.

Suitable for contact with food

This product meets the requirements of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA), so it is certified to be in contact with food, not Facilitate the spread of microorganisms.

This holder is used for all types of accessories and tools for hospitality utensils, counters or other objects intended for contact with food.

Common applications

• Portable signs and displays
• Interior partitions, screens and glazing
• Signage and advertising signage
• Food grade items

Available range

Features sheet

PS 02 - High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

El high impact polystyrene or HIPS (from English: High Impact Polystyrene), is characterized by improved mechanical properties. Specifically, it is a polystyrene modified by the addition of polybutadiene, with this additive it is possible to improve its impact resistance, although it causes its appearance to be opaque. This modification results in a multipurpose material, with excellent dimensional stability, designed for structural applications whenever they are of low resistance.

Perfect in applications that require good electrical and mechanical properties together with good processing. Plates characterized by being flexible, lightweight and allowing thermoforming.

Our HIPS plates, like our GPPS variant, can be briefly exposed to temperatures of 80 ºC without deforming or contracting. For prolonged exposure, the working temperature should not exceed 80-85 ºC, it should be noted that at this temperature the material does not weaken.

Properties

The main characteristics that define this thermoplastic are as follows:

• Easy handling, screen printing and painting
• High impact resistance
• Thermoforming and bending
• Smooth and uniform surface

Easy handling and shaping

In addition to being resistant, light and shiny, high-impact polystyrene plates can be subjected to a wide range of transformation techniques, such as:

• Cutting/Polishing/Drilling

You can cut manually, with a saw or with a blade.

Whenever mechanical fastenings are carried out, provide for a hole diameter (approx. 1.5 mm) larger than the screw due to the expansion of the material.

• Forming techniques

Injection and extrusion.

• Adhesion/Welding

With solvent-free adhesives, with two components based on polyurethanes. It can be welded using ultrasound or thermal impulses. Always check chemical compatibility with PS.

• Printing/Painting/Silkscreen

High impact resistance

Specially designed for decoration and design purposes, because in addition to its resistance to impact, its ability to diffuse light allows its use in backlit ceilings.

In addition to being a material appreciated in the automotive industry, it is used inside cars for its great resistance and with a very light weight.

Thermoforming and bending

It is necessary to control the tensions that can be generated by this process and that can lead to a strong tension fissure. Vacuum thermoforming temperatures must be starting at or above 120 C, with pneumatic or mechanical pre-stretching.

It allows bending both on thin and thick plates, is performed by local heating of the plate with an electrical resistor and is folded quickly. Over time, the appearance of small cracks in the bent part is possible.

Smooth and uniform surface

Its surface is characterized by being extremely soft, shiny and uniform on the face, and it is presented with a protective film on one of them, which guarantees that it maintains these characteristics. Ideal support for printing and screen printing, as its finish allows excellent color reproduction.

Common applications

• Portable signs and displays
• Interior divisions
• Signage and advertising signage
• Automotive industry
• Food grade items

Available range

Features sheet