HIPS vs PS
Polymer · grade comparison
HIPS and PS are both polymer grades. PS is the stronger of the two: yield strength 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) for HIPS, about 88% more; tensile strength follows at 46 MPa (6.67 ksi) vs 26 MPa (3.77 ksi). In exchange, HIPS is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 2.5% for PS, and PS is harder (85 Shore D vs 78 Shore D). PS is stiffer (3.2 GPa vs 2 GPa) and HIPS conducts heat better (0.16 W/m·K vs 0.14 W/m·K). On the shop floor, HIPS welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100).
HIPSChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
PSChoose it when strength drives the design.
HIPS vs PS: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.35
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Density 1.05 g/cm³0.04 lb/in³ · Glass Transition (Tg) 100°C212 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 65°C149 °F · Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 18% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 85°C185 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.5 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Shrinkage 0.5% · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 220°C428 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | HIPS | PS |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
HIPS vs PS — frequently asked
Is PS stronger than HIPS?
Yes. PS has a typical yield strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) for HIPS — about 88% more. Tensile strength is 46 MPa (6.67 ksi) vs 26 MPa (3.77 ksi).
Which is cheaper, HIPS or PS?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, HIPS or PS?
HIPS, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for PS; for welding the order is HIPS first (very good, 80/100) then PS (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HIPS and PS side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.