The short answer
ABS is stronger, tougher, more heat and chemical resistant and has a better surface, so it suits housings and durable parts. HIPS is cheaper and easy to thermoform, so it suits packaging, displays and low-stress parts. Both are rubber-toughened styrenics.
ABS and HIPS can look alike, and buyers often consider HIPS as a cost-down for ABS. It works for some parts and fails quickly for others.
Side by side
| Property | ABS | HIPS |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Acrylonitrile, butadiene rubber and styrene | Polystyrene toughened with butadiene rubber |
| Tensile strength | ~35–50 MPa | ~18–30 MPa |
| Impact strength | Higher | Moderate |
| Heat deflection, 1.8 MPa | ~80–100°C | ~70–85°C |
| Chemical resistance | Fair; better than HIPS with oils and many cleaners | Poor to fair; many oils and solvents attack it |
| Surface | Glossy, takes plating and paint well | Matte to semi-gloss in general-purpose grades; high-gloss grades available |
| Drying | Needed (absorbs some moisture) | Usually not needed |
| Relative cost | Moderate | Lower |
| Typical uses | Housings, automotive interior, appliances, toys, plated parts | Packaging, thermoformed trays, displays, refrigerator liners, disposables |
Typical ranges for general-purpose grades; individual grades vary.
Choose ABS when
- The part needs strength, impact and a durable finish
- It sees moderate heat or cleaning chemicals
- It will be plated, painted or textured
- Housings, enclosures, automotive interior parts
Choose HIPS when
- Cost is the priority and loads are light
- Thermoformed trays, liners and displays
- Indoor parts with no oils or solvents
- Packaging and short-life parts
Switching from ABS to HIPS
- Check impact at the coldest service temperature.
- Check chemicals: oils, fats and many cleaners attack HIPS.
- Check heat: HIPS softens sooner.
- Check the finish: HIPS is usually less glossy and is not suitable for electroplating.
- Trial first and measure parts; shrinkage is similar but not identical.
See also GPPS vs. HIPS, ABS vs. ASA and ABS vs. PC vs. nylon.
Grades we source
We source ABS and HIPS for injection molding, extrusion and thermoforming, from one gaylord up, with a COA on every lot, tested to ASTM or ISO methods. See ABS and GPPS and HIPS.
Common questions
What is the difference between ABS and HIPS?
Both are rubber-toughened styrenics. ABS adds acrylonitrile, which makes it stronger, stiffer, more heat resistant and more chemical resistant, with a glossier surface. HIPS is polystyrene toughened with rubber; it is cheaper and easier to thermoform but weaker and less heat resistant.
Which is stronger, ABS or HIPS?
ABS. It has higher tensile strength, stiffness and impact strength in most grades, and holds up better to heat and chemicals.
Is HIPS cheaper than ABS?
Usually, yes. HIPS is one of the lowest-cost rigid plastics, which is why it is common in packaging, displays and disposable parts.
Can HIPS replace ABS?
In low-stress, indoor parts that do not see heat or oils, often yes, to save cost. Check impact, heat, chemical exposure and surface gloss first.
Which is better for thermoforming?
HIPS is very popular for thermoformed trays, liners and displays because it forms easily and costs less. ABS is chosen when the formed part needs more strength, heat resistance or a better finish.
Tell us the grade you run now
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a qualified equivalent and prices it.
What to send for an accurate quote
- The grade name, from any supplier, or a data sheet
- Color (natural, black or a custom match)
- Fill type and percentage, if any
- Melt flow, if you know it
- Quantity for this order and what you use in a year
- Ship-to city and state or province