Polystyrene PS

Polystyrene is a versatile plastic material characterised by its high rigidity, excellent dimensional stability and cost-effectiveness. Polystyrene is excellent for technical components and housings where precision and visual finish are crucial. With the right type of polystyrene, products can become more stable, lightweight and economically advantageous.

PS Impact resistant

PS cross-linked

Polystyrenplast är en syntetisk aromatisk kolvätepolymer tillverkad från monomern styren. Det är en billig, styv och spröd plast, som är transparent eller kan vara färgad.

What distinguishes polystyrene from many other engineering plastics is its natural clarity and its ability to maintain precise tolerances during processing. Polystyrene can be offered in different grades depending on impact resistance requirements and is therefore, in many cases, an ideal solution for both technical details and laboratory equipment.

The material is used in many industries in various types of products. In industry, polystyrene is a good choice for components and instrument parts that have high demands on rigidity, transparency, and formability.

Three main groups within PS

General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS)

GPPS is an amorphous thermoplastic with a completely transparent structure in its basic form. This makes the material crystal clear with a high surface gloss. It has high stiffness and is easy to process, making it suitable for parts that require precise shape and optical clarity.

Impact-resistant polystyrene

HIPS is a modified variant where rubber has been added to give the material a higher mechanical impact resistance. This makes the plastic more resistant to shocks and cracking, making it suitable for components exposed to daily wear and tear.

Expanded polystyrene

EPS is a very lightweight foam with excellent insulation properties. It is mainly used in applications that require thermal protection or shock-absorbing properties in demanding environments.

Typical properties of polystyrene

High stiffness and hardness

Because polystyrene has a natural ability to resist deformation, the material is often used in the production of stationary parts and components that require high structural stability. This ensures reliable functionality even under mechanical stress.

Light weight and good formability

The material is significantly lighter than metals and many other technical plastics. This means that the construction can be made easy to handle and energy-efficient. At the same time, polystyrene has excellent machinability, which creates great freedom when it comes to design and precision.

Excellent electrical properties

Polystyrene has very good insulating properties and low moisture absorption. This means the material is often used for components within the electronics industry and in environments where electrical current must be controlled without being affected by ambient moisture.

Balanced Choices for Optimal Performance

Polystyrene can be remelted and recycled, making it a suitable option from a resource perspective as well. To achieve the best results, it is important to weigh the material's advantages, such as rigidity and price, against its limitations regarding chemical resistance and heat resistance (softens at 70–90°C). An objective analysis of the operating environment ensures that polystyrene provides the right performance in your specific application.

We help you find the right PS plastic

Different applications require different properties, and choosing the right material can make a major difference in terms of lifespan, functionality, and cost. Carlsson & Möller has extensive experience in engineering plastics and will gladly help you select the right grade of polycarbonate for your design, environment, and requirements.

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Frequently asked questions about Polystyrene (PS)

  • Polystyrene is a rigid and easily processed plastic material with good dimensional stability, but lower impact resistance than many other engineering plastics.

  • The material is cost-effective, easy to shape, and provides good dimensional accuracy, making it suitable for many standardised components.

  • The high rigidity makes polystyrene suitable for details that are not subjected to heavy impact or dynamic load.

  • Polystyrene is generally more rigid but more brittle, whereas PVC and polycarbonate often offer better toughness and impact resistance.

  • Yes, polystyrene exists in variants such as general-purpose polystyrene and more impact-resistant modified versions, adapted for different strength requirements.

  • Polystyrene has limited heat resistance and is best suited for applications where the temperature is kept relatively low and stable.

  • Yes, thanks to its dimensional stability, polystyrene is often used in components where accuracy of shape is important.

  • Polystyrene can be recycled, but its sustainability should always be assessed based on its lifespan, intended use, and the possibility of recycling after use.

  • The material is relatively brittle and has limited resistance to impact, high heat, and certain chemicals.

  • Polystyrene is a good choice for rigid, low-load components where cost and dimensional stability are important, but should be replaced by other engineering plastics if toughness, impact resistance or high temperatures are required.