HIPS vs SAN
Polymer · grade comparison
HIPS and SAN are both polymer grades. SAN is the stronger of the two: yield strength 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) for HIPS, about 192% more; tensile strength follows at 72 MPa (10.4 ksi) vs 26 MPa (3.77 ksi). In exchange, HIPS is the more ductile: elongation 40% versus 3% for SAN, and SAN is harder (84 Shore D vs 78 Shore D). SAN is stiffer (3.6 GPa vs 2 GPa) and SAN runs hotter in service (80°C vs 65°C continuous). On the shop floor, HIPS welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100) and HIPS sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than SAN (standard, $$).
HIPSChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
SANChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
HIPS vs SAN: 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.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -30°C-22 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m3.94×10²¹ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 22 kV/mm559 V/mil · 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).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 72 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Shrinkage 0.5%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 3.5 kg CO₂/kg
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 | SAN |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
HIPS vs SAN — frequently asked
Is SAN stronger than HIPS?
Yes. SAN has a typical yield strength of 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) against 24 MPa (3.48 ksi) for HIPS — about 192% more. Tensile strength is 72 MPa (10.4 ksi) vs 26 MPa (3.77 ksi).
Which is cheaper, HIPS or SAN?
HIPS is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while SAN is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, HIPS or SAN?
HIPS, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for SAN; for welding the order is HIPS first (very good, 80/100) then SAN (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HIPS and SAN 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.