Styron 478: specs and equivalent grades
AmSty high impact polystyrene (HIPS). Published data, grades from other producers to ask about, and how to request a quote from one gaylord.
Updated October 2026
Request a QuoteThe short answer
Styron 478 is AmSty's high impact polystyrene (HIPS), sold for injection molding, with extrusion settings also given on the data sheet. Published melt flow is 6.0 g/10 min, measured at 200°C / 392°F, 5 kg, ASTM D1238, and density is 1.04 g/cm³ (specific gravity 1.04, ASTM D792). Grades from other producers to ask about include TotalEnergies Polystyrene 825 and Styrolution PS 5600. They are not identical, so compare the data sheets and run a trial before switching.
Styron 478 specs from the data sheet
Typical values from AmSty's published data sheet. Typical values are not specifications; the lot COA shows what you actually receive. Values only compare at the same test method and condition.
| Property | Value | Test method or note |
|---|---|---|
| Producer (brand owner) | AmSty (Americas Styrenics) | Data sheet |
| Polymer | High impact polystyrene (HIPS) | |
| Process | Injection molding, with extrusion settings also given on the data sheet | |
| Melt flow | 6.0 g/10 min | 200°C / 392°F, 5 kg, ASTM D1238 |
| Density | 1.04 g/cm³ (specific gravity 1.04, ASTM D792) | |
| Flexural modulus | 300,000 psi (2,100 MPa) | ASTM D790 |
| Tensile strength | 4,300 psi (30 MPa) | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation | 60 % | ASTM D638 |
| Notched Izod impact, 23°C / 73°F | 2.0 ft-lb/in (107 J/m) | ASTM D256 |
| HDT at 264 psi (1.8 MPa) / 66 psi (0.45 MPa) | 81°C / 177°F; 90°C / 194°F | ASTM D648 |
| Vicat softening temperature | 102°C / 216°F | ASTM D1525 |
| Additives | None stated | |
| Food contact | AmSty states that when used unmodified for food contact articles it will comply with FDA 21 CFR 177.1640; UL 94 HB (file E326906); USP Class VI. Ask AmSty for the current letter for your application. |
Source data sheets are listed at the bottom of this page. Confirm against the current sheet for your exact grade code and color.
Grades to ask about instead of Styron 478
These grades from other producers have similar published specs. None is a drop-in replacement: additive packages, flow at molding shear rates, color and approvals differ. If your part, drawing or customer approval names Styron 478, any change needs your approval and usually a trial.
| Grade | Producer | Melt flow | Density | Key property | How it compares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TotalEnergies Polystyrene 825 | TotalEnergies (U.S.-produced) | 8.0 g/10 min (200°C / 392°F, 5 kg, ASTM D1238) | 1.04 g/cm³ | Notched Izod 2.0 ft-lb/in (ASTM D256); flexural modulus 340,000 psi (ASTM D790); 60° gloss 90 | Partial match. Injection HIPS; TDS lists appliance housings, housewares and toys, structural foam, refrigeration; product page also lists general packaging. Producer states FDA 21 CFR 177.1640 compliance. MFR about 33% higher than 478; check fill and stiffness. |
| Styrolution PS 5600 | INEOS Styrolution | 8 g/10 min (200°C / 392°F, 5 kg, ASTM D1238) | 1.04 g/cm³ (ASTM D792) | Notched Izod 149 J/m (ASTM D256); Vicat 97.8°C / 208°F | Partial match. High impact grade, USP Class VI listed, electrical/electronic applications; North and South America. MFR about 33% higher than 478 and more impact; confirm current North American production with the supplier. |
From each producer's published data. Brand owners and grade names change; confirm on the current data sheet.
Typical uses for Styron 478
From AmSty's data sheet and published listings:
- Appliances
- Medical
- Housewares
- Consumer electronics
What to check before you switch
- Styron is a Trinseo trademark (per the data sheet); in the Americas the 478 grade is made and sold by AmSty. Brand owner shown on the current data sheet: AmSty; confirm the producer name on the sheet you receive.
- No other-producer North American injection HIPS within plus or minus 20% of 6.0 g/10 min was verified; the closest published grades run about 8 g/10 min.
- USP Class VI and FDA status differ by grade; get each producer's letter.
- Gloss, rubber particle size and stiffness/impact balance vary between HIPS grades with similar MFR.
- Compare melt flow, density and impact only at the same test condition and method (ASTM vs. ISO results differ).
- Ask for the producer's food-contact or regulatory letter for the exact grade if the part needs one.
- Run a trial lot and check shrinkage, cycle time and appearance before you switch production.
Buying Styron 478 or an equivalent
Send us the grade name, your annual volume and ship-to location. A polymer chemist checks the data sheet and we quote Styron 478 where we can source it, or a qualified equivalent, saying clearly which one you would get. Orders start at one gaylord. For background on this resin family see Polystyrene grades and buying guide; for several grades at once, use the resin RFQ template.
Trade names belong to their owners. ResinBridge is not affiliated with these producers; grade names are used only to identify the material. Data reflects published sheets as of October 2026.
Sources
- amsty.com/images/2026-TDS/HIPS/styron478-tech-en-2026.pdf
- amsty.com/products/polystyrene-hips
- polymers.totalenergies.com/825
Common questions
What is Styron 478?
Styron 478 is AmSty's high impact polystyrene (HIPS), sold for injection molding, with extrusion settings also given on the data sheet.
What is the melt flow of Styron 478?
6.0 g/10 min, measured at 200°C / 392°F, 5 kg, ASTM D1238, per the published data sheet.
What is equivalent to Styron 478?
Grades from other producers to ask about include TotalEnergies Polystyrene 825 and Styrolution PS 5600. None is identical; compare data sheets and run a trial, and get approval if your part names Styron 478.
Is Styron 478 food-contact compliant?
AmSty states that when used unmodified for food contact articles it will comply with FDA 21 CFR 177.1640; UL 94 HB (file E326906); USP Class VI. Ask AmSty for the current letter for your application.
Can ResinBridge quote Styron 478?
Yes. Send the grade name and volume. A polymer chemist checks it and we quote the grade where we can source it, or a qualified equivalent, and say which one. Orders start at one gaylord; U.S. and Canada only.
If your grade is not listed, tell us what you run. We source commodity, engineering and specialty resins.
Need Styron 478 or an equivalent?
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
Quote Styron 478 or a qualified equivalent
A polymer chemist checks the data sheet and tells you exactly what you would get before you order.
Request a QuoteNot sure which grade fits your part?
Send the grade you run now, or describe the part. A polymer chemist reviews every request.