Styrene
Styrene (Polystyrene) Sheets — Printable, Formable & Cost-Effective
Laird Plastics supplies styrene sheets in both HIPS (High-Impact Polystyrene) and GPPS (General-Purpose, clear) for signs, displays, packaging, and prototyping. Styrene is lightweight, easy to print, die-cut, and vacuum-form, making it a go-to for retail and industrial applications. Cut-to-size and fabrication available.
High-Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Opaque white/black utility sheet with rubber-modified impact strength. Excellent for screen/UV printing, die-cutting, scoring, and vacuum forming shallow to medium draw parts.
Clear General-Purpose Styrene
Gloss-clear sheet for windows, box lids, displays, and packaging. Cuts, routes, and forms easily; best for indoor use where clarity and cost matter.
Corona-Treated / Printable Grades
Enhanced ink adhesion for UV digital and screen processes. Available in utility white, translucent, and colors to match brand standards.
Vacuum Forming & Die-Cutting
Low forming temperatures and crisp detail reproduction. Ideal for trays, inserts, signage letters, POP fixtures, and protective packaging.
Styrene — Quick Facts
| Common gauges | ≈ 0.020″ – 0.125″ (thinner/ thicker by SKU) |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Matte, smooth/gloss, emboss; colors and utility white/black |
| Printing | Optimized for UV digital & screen; verify ink adhesion; primers available |
| Forming | Vacuum forms at relatively low temp; good detail and cycle times |
| Environment | Primarily indoor; prolonged UV exposure can embrittle/ yellow—use indoors or specify UV-stabilized alternatives |
| Chemical notes | Sensitive to strong solvents (e.g., ketones); test cleaners/adhesives |
| Recycling | Polystyrene resin; recycling options vary by region (check facilities) |
HIPS vs GPPS — How to Choose
- HIPS: Opaque, tougher, better impact resistance and printability for signs/POP.
- GPPS: Clear, glossier surface for windows, packaging, and display covers.
Styrene vs Acrylic vs PETG
- Styrene: Best value, easy to print/form; mainly indoor use.
- Acrylic: Highest clarity & scratch resistance; more rigid/brittle.
- PETG: Clear and tougher than acrylic; forms easily; better chemical stress resistance.
Styrene – FAQs
Can styrene be used outdoors?
Styrene is intended for indoor applications. For outdoor signage or glazing, consider polycarbonate or outdoor-rated substrates.
What print methods work best on styrene?
UV digital and screen printing are commonly used. Choose corona-treated or printable grades and confirm adhesion with your ink system.
Is styrene easy to vacuum form?
Yes. Styrene forms at relatively low temperatures with good detail—ideal for trays, inserts, and shallow-to-medium depth parts.
Which thickness should I use for signs?
Typical indoor sign gauges range from 0.030″ to 0.060″; choose heavier gauges for larger panels or added stiffness.
Do you offer cut-to-size and fabricated parts?
Yes—Laird Plastics provides cut-to-size sheets, die-cut blanks, and thermoformed parts. Contact us for a quote.
Need Styrene Sheets, Blanks, or Formed Trays?
From printable HIPS panels to clear GPPS windows and vacuum-formed packaging, Laird Plastics delivers the right styrene grade cut and fabricated to spec.
