Material focus
HIPS selection, applications, and sibling resin routing on this page.
HIPS
HIPS Injection Molding: Properties, Applications and Design Guide
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) keeps PS economics while improving drop and handling toughness for appliance and packaging parts.
HIPS
When to specify HIPS
How procurement and design teams use HIPS on injection molded programs.
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) keeps PS economics while improving drop and handling toughness for appliance and packaging parts. It is a common choice for refrigerator liners, cosmetic trays, and printer components where ABS is over-specified. Surface quality can show streaks if colorants or regrind are not controlled, so specify cosmetic zones on the drawing. At NetProto, programs run from first-article validation through production on one hardened steel tool with no minimum order quantity. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform for DFM feedback before tooling release.
Key traits
Why buyers specify HIPS
Engineering and sourcing highlights. No NetProto processing numbers on this page.
Sourcing
Grade and compliance context travels with CAD on the instant quote platform.
Program fit
First articles through production on one steel tool, no MOQ.
NetProto platform
Instant CAD quoting and DFM feedback before tooling release.
Tooling lead time
Hardened steel tool build in about 10 business days on qualified programs (part complexity dependent).
Common grades
Common HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) grades by use case
Pick one of these on the instant quote, or name any other commercial grade in the RFQ notes.
| Use case | Example grade | Typical parts |
|---|---|---|
| High impact | Chimei PH-88 | Toys, electronics shells, and daily consumer housings |
| General high impact | Kumho HI425 | Appliances, office equipment, and miscellaneous goods |
Applications
Where this resin shows up on BOMs
Typical molded parts and what to specify on the purchase order.
| Application | Why this resin | Specify on the PO |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance inner liners | Impact at cold kitchen temperatures | HIPS grade, color, any FR requirement |
| Toys and consumer trays | Lower cost than ABS for moderate impact | Regulatory toy or food statements if applicable |
| Printer and office device trims | Good stiffness for thin walls | Cosmetic class and color match |
| Food packaging trays and clamshells | Confirm the food-contact statement on the supplier TDS. | HIPS grade and the food-contact callout, if the part touches food. |
Routing
GPPS, HIPS, or ABS
Polystyrene comes in two main forms. Choose by clarity and impact.
| Form | Best for | Not for |
|---|---|---|
| HIPS (high impact) | Opaque trays, covers, liners | Clear parts or high heat |
| GPPS (general purpose) | Clear, rigid, low-cost parts | Drop or impact loads |
| ABS | Tougher housings with better finish | Lowest-cost disposable parts |
RFQ
Ready to quote? Have this information ready
Prepare these details, then upload CAD on the instant quote platform.
Impact level the part must survive
Opaque color and gloss requirement (HIPS is not clear)
Food-contact documentation if required (supplier documentation)
Environmental stress crack exposure (oils, cleaners, fats)
Cosmetic class on visible surfaces
Commercial grade, or the use case to match (impact vs GPPS, heat resistance, electronics housings)
Expected annual volume (helps cavity and tool planning)
Next step
Upload CAD for an instant quote
Grade not finalized? Note HIPS on the RFQ and attach environment notes.
Compare and explore
Related guides
Pairwise comparisons and sibling material pages.
Polystyrene (GPPS)
Clear general purpose polystyrene.
Polystyrene (GPPS)
ABS
Tougher styrenic for housings.
ABS
ABS vs PP
Structural routing for housings.
ABS vs PP
Materials library
Browse all resin guides.
Materials library
Reading a material datasheet
What the TDS (Technical Data Sheet) values mean for a molded part.
Reading a material datasheet
Specify resin grade on an RFQ
How to write grade, color, and fillers so the quote matches the part.
Specify resin grade on an RFQFAQ
HIPS injection molding FAQ
HIPS vs ABS for housings?
ABS usually wins on toughness and heat; HIPS wins on cost when impact needs are moderate.
Can HIPS be plated?
Some grades plate well; specify plating grade on the datasheet from the supplier.
Does HIPS need drying?
Often less hygroscopic than nylon, but wet material can still cause cosmetic defects.
What is the minimum order quantity for molded parts at NetProto?
NetProto has no minimum order quantity on molded parts from your production tool. Upload CAD on the instant quote platform to scope tooling and part pricing for your volume.
How do I quote this resin without a final grade selected?
List the resin family on the RFQ, attach environment and compliance notes, and upload CAD. At NetProto, engineers use DFM review to narrow grades before tooling release.
Next step
Quote HIPS parts with your CAD
Upload geometry and list HIPS or the target grade on the instant quote platform.