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HIPS sheet

HIPS is a low-cost, easy-to-work sheet that vacuum forms beautifully. It is used for trays, point-of-sale displays, signs, models and prototypes.

Plastics Hub NZ supplies HIPS sheet in white, black and colours.

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Fanned stack of thin white high-impact polystyrene sheets with the top sheet curling up

Shop HIPS

Our online HIPS range and prices are on the way.

Tell us the thickness, colour, finish, sheet size and quantity, and we'll come back with a quote. Or email trade@plasticshub.co.nz.

Request a quote

What is HIPS?

HIPS is high-impact polystyrene: polystyrene toughened with rubber so it does not crack like ordinary brittle polystyrene. It has a smooth matt or gloss finish that takes paint and print well.

It is mostly used as thin sheet, from under a millimetre to a few millimetres thick.

Thin white, grey and black HIPS sheets overlapping, one corner lifted

Key properties

  • Low cost

    HIPS is one of the cheapest rigid sheets, which suits short-life displays and prototypes.

  • Vacuum forms easily

    It forms at low temperatures and picks up detail well.

  • Easy to cut and glue

    Thin sheet scores and snaps, and HIPS joins with solvent-based plastic cement.

  • Print and paint friendly

    The smooth surface takes print, paint and vinyl.

  • Indoor sheet

    HIPS is not UV stable and yellows and weakens in sunlight, so it is used indoors.

Typical uses

  • Vacuum-formed trays and inserts

    Packaging, trays and liners.

  • Point-of-sale displays

    Shelf strips, stands and printed displays.

  • Indoor signs

    Light, printable sign blanks.

  • Models and prototypes

    Architectural, hobby and product models.

  • Fridge and appliance liners

    A traditional use for formed HIPS.

Forms, thicknesses and sheet sizes

What HIPS commonly comes in. What we can source for you is confirmed on your quote.

Form
Flat sheet.
Common thicknesses
From about 0.5mm to 6mm, with 1mm to 2mm the most used.
Common sheet sizes
Sheets are commonly 2440 x 1220mm, with smaller sheets also made.
Common colours
White, black and colours, in matt or gloss.

How it compares

HIPS is cheaper and easier to form than PETG, but it is opaque and not suited to outdoor use. For a light, rigid printed sign, PVC foam board is the thicker alternative.

How to order

  1. Send us an enquiry through the quote form or email trade@plasticshub.co.nz.
  2. Tell us the thickness, colour, finish, sheet size and quantity, and the town or city it is going to.
  3. We'll come back with a quote, including delivery.

Need it cut? Cutting is available on certain materials at certain depots. Request a quote with your sizes and we'll confirm.

HIPS questions

What is HIPS used for?
Mostly vacuum-formed trays and packaging, point-of-sale displays, indoor signs and models, where low cost and easy forming matter.
Can HIPS go outdoors?
No. HIPS yellows and weakens in sunlight, so it is an indoor sheet. For outdoor signs look at ACM or acrylic.
Is HIPS food safe?
Food-contact grades of HIPS are made for packaging. Confirm the grade with us if your job needs one.
Can you cut HIPS to size?
Cutting is available on certain materials at certain depots. Request a quote with your sizes and we'll confirm.

See all materials

Tell us what you need. We'll source it.

One enquiry, multiple supply sources. Or email trade@plasticshub.co.nz.

Get a quote