Advantages
Good dimensional stability, electrical insulation, moldability, coloring and printability, with light transmission around 89%.
PS
General-purpose polystyrene, GPPS, is a clear, rigid plastic for economical molded appearance parts.
Set the appearance and handling expectations before manufacture
For a PS appearance part, tell Aria which surfaces must be clear or cosmetic and how the component will be handled. We help you review the material against those requirements and the assembly features. If impact loading changes the selection, discuss that before confirming the grade.
Material options
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Available variants | PS Transparent |
| Colors | Transparent, Custom colors |
| Special properties | Impact-modified HIPS is a distinct material option. Flame-retardant and weather-resistant grades require separate evidence. |
Detailed values describe INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17). Family ranges are broader selection references and may include different grades or reinforcement levels. Confirm the selected grade, condition and test method for your part.
Material properties
| Property | Metric | Imperial | Test method / conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ | 0.0376 lb/in³ | ISO 1183 · 23°C · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| MVR | 3.3 cm³/10min | 3.3 cm³/10min | ISO 1133 · 200°C, 5 kg · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Tensile Stress at Yield | 55 MPa | 7,980 psi | ISO 527 · 23°C · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Tensile Strain at Break | 3 % | 3 % | ISO 527 · 23°C · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Tensile Modulus | 3,300 MPa | 479,000 psi | ISO 527 · 23°C · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Flexural Strength | 103 MPa | 14,900 psi | ISO 178 · 23°C · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Charpy Unnotched | <25 kJ/m² | <12 ft·lb/in² | ISO 179/1eU · 23°C · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Ball Indentation Hardness | 150 N/mm² | 150 N/mm² | ISO 2039-1 · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Vicat softening temperature (B/50) | 101 °C | 214 °F | ISO 306 · 50N, 50°C/h · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| HDT (1.80 MPa) | 86 °C | 187 °F | ISO 75 · 1.80 MPa · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| HDT (0.45 MPa) | 98 °C | 208 °F | ISO 75 · 0.45 MPa · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Light Transmission | 89 % | 89 % | ASTM D1003 · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Mold Shrinkage | 0.3~0.6 % | 0.3~0.6 % | ISO 294-4 · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
| Flammability | HB (UL94) | HB (UL94) | UL 94 · Reference: INEOS Styrolution PS 158N/L, GPPS (2016-01-17) |
Material family ranges — selection reference
| Property | Family reference |
|---|---|
| Material class | General-purpose plastic |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.04–1.06 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 35–55 |
| Elongation at break (%) | 1–3 |
| Elastic modulus (GPa) | 2.8–3.3 |
| Hardness | M65–M90 |
| Temperature reference (°C) | HDT 70–95 |
Compatible manufacturing processes
Selection requirements
- Injection molding
Conventional injection molding. Consider HIPS or ABS for loaded or impact-exposed parts. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, incompatible solvents and heat beyond the selected grade limit.
Advantages and considerations
Material limitations
Brittle and notch-sensitive, easily scratched, and limited in heat, UV and solvent resistance. Oils or solvents can cause stress cracking.
How Aria supports your project
Help choosing a material
Compare materials for the loads, temperature and environment your part will face.
Design feedback before production
We review tool access, geometry and material choice before manufacturing.
Inspection to your drawing
Dimensional checks and inspection reports for the critical features on your drawing.
Compatible surface finishes
Selection requirements
- Painting · Silk screening
Consider HIPS or ABS for loaded or impact-exposed parts. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, incompatible solvents and heat beyond the selected grade limit. Printing, painting, screen printing, vacuum metallization and compatible adhesive or solvent bonding.
Applications
Typical applications
Transparent packaging, disposable tableware, disc cases, stationery, toys, displays and clear appliance parts.
Design considerations
Processing options
Conventional injection molding.
Finishing options
Printing, painting, screen printing, vacuum metallization and compatible adhesive or solvent bonding.
Grade and finish combinations
Consider HIPS or ABS for loaded or impact-exposed parts. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, incompatible solvents and heat beyond the selected grade limit.
Color and grade options
Natural clear. Transparent and opaque custom colors.
Start a project
Get a quote for your parts
Upload your CAD files and tell us the material and quantity you need.
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