Comprehensive Technical Comparison: Mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, ease of injection, and cost. By Hybster's materials engineers.
⚖️ Open in the interactive comparator →The ABS (Grade générique) et le Extruded polystyrene foam are two plastic materials frequently put in competition when selecting material for injection-moulded parts. This technical comparison helps you identify the most suitable material for your specifications.
On the pull ABS est plus résistant (45 MPa contre 19.4 MPa pour le HIPS).
| Properties | ABS | Extruded polystyrene foam | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | |||
| Family | Polycarbonate (PC) | PS (HIPS) | — |
| Reinforcement / Rank | charges | — | — |
| Process | Injection Moulding | Injection Moulding | — |
| UL94 Rating | HB | HB | UL 94 |
| General properties | |||
| Density g/cm³ | 1.05 | 1.04 (ASTM D1505); 1.03 to 1.05 (ASTM D792); 1.04 to 1.05 (ISO 1183) | ISO 1183 |
| Mechanical properties | |||
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 45 | 19.4 to 30.8 (ASTM D638); 16.6 to 31.6 (ASTM D638, Break); 19.3 to 30.6 (ASTM D638, Yield); 12.0 to 30.4 (ISO 527-1, -2, Break); 15.8 to 30.0 (ISO 527-1, -2, Yield); 13.7 to 33.5 (ISO 527-1, -2) | ISO 527 |
| Tensile modulus (MPa) | 2300 | 1570 to 2380 (ASTM D638); 1570 to 2430 (ISO 527-1) | ISO 527 |
| Tensile strain (%) | 15 | 37 to 63 (ASTM D638, Break); 4.0 to 61 (ASTM D638, Yield); 1.1 to 4.2 (ISO 527-1, -2, Yield); 9.2 to 70 (ISO 527-1, -2, Break); 25 to 70 (ISO 527-1, -3, Break) | ISO 527 |
| Bending strength (MPa) | 70 | — | ISO 178 |
| Bending modulus (MPa) | 2400 | 1170 to 2850 (ASTM D790); 1460 to 2260 (ISO 178) | ISO 178 |
| Charpy impact strength (kJ/m²) | 5.0 to 20 | 4.6 to 11 | ISO 179 |
| Thermal properties | |||
| Glass transition temperature (Tg) (°C) | 105 | — | DSC |
| HDT / A Temp (°C) | 88 | — | ISO 75-A |
| Minimum operating temperature (°C) | -20 | — | — |
| Maximum operating temperature (°C) | 85 | — | — |
| Transformation temperature (°C) | 200 | — | — |
| Withdrawal on moulding (%) | 0.4 | — | ISO 2577 |
| Performance scores (stars /5) | |||
| Mechanical performance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Thermal clothing | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Chemical resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| UV ageing | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Ease of injection | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Recycling | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | — |
| Special properties | |||
| Transparent | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| Food Contact | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| Recycled | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| Biobased | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| flame-retardant | ✗ | ✗ | — |
| UV resistant | ✗ | ✗ | — |
⚠️ The values shown are typical orders of magnitude for standard grades. Always consult the supplier's datasheet for the exact grade selected.
In summary, the ABS est supérieur au HIPS sur les trois critères principaux : haute température, contraintes mécaniques et coût de revient. Le HIPS peut néanmoins être préférable selon des contraintes spécifiques (disponibilité, compatibilité chimique, transparence...). Nos ingénieurs matières Hybster can accompany you.
Vous hésitez encore entre ABS et HIPS pour votre projet ? Nos ingénieurs matières analysent votre cahier des charges gratuitement.
📞 Request a free material analysisOn the pull ABS est plus résistant (45 MPa contre 19.4 MPa pour le HIPS).
Yes. Our materials engineers will analyse your specifications (mechanical and thermal constraints, operating environment, budget) and recommend the most suitable material. Contact us for a free analysis within 24 hours.
Hybster designs and manufactures your plastic injection moulded parts from Lille. Design office, tooling, injection 50 to 2,000 T, assembly.