A PS sheet (Polystyrene Sheet) is a thermoplastic sheet made from polystyrene resin, known for its lightweight, high transparency, easy processing, and cost-effectiveness. Depending on its properties and applications, PS sheets are mainly divided into two types:

1. GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene)

• High transparency: Provides a glass-like clarity, suitable for products requiring clear visibility.
• High rigidity but brittle: Strong but less flexible, prone to breakage.
• Smooth surface: Suitable for screen printing and UV printing, widely used in advertising and displays.
• Main applications: Lightboxes, transparent packaging, electronic product casings, stationery, etc.

2. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

• High impact resistance: Enhanced toughness due to added rubber components, making it less prone to breakage.
• Easy to process: Suitable for thermoforming, vacuum forming, and injection molding, enabling complex shapes.
• Printable surface: Ideal for screen printing and digital printing, widely used in advertising displays.
• Main applications: Refrigerator liners, food packaging, advertising boards, automotive interiors, etc.

Key Features of PS Sheet

✔ Lightweight – Easier to transport and install compared to glass or acrylic.
✔ Cost-effective – Lower production costs, suitable for mass manufacturing.
✔ Excellent processability – Can be cut, engraved, bent, and thermoformed for various applications.
✔ Good printability – Flat and smooth surface, compatible with UV printing, screen printing, etc.
✔ Chemical resistance – Resistant to most acids and bases, ensuring durability in various environments.

Limitations of PS Sheet

✖ Low heat resistance – Susceptible to deformation under high temperatures.
✖ Moderate weather resistance – Prolonged outdoor exposure may lead to aging, yellowing, or brittleness.
✖ Brittleness of GPPS – Despite its transparency, GPPS has low impact resistance and is not suitable for heavy-load applications.

Applications of PS Sheet

✅ Packaging industry – Food trays, disposable tableware, electronic product packaging, etc.
✅ Advertising displays – Lightbox panels, promotional posters, display racks, POP advertising boards, etc.
✅ Home appliances – Refrigerator liners, air conditioner panels, electrical casings, etc.
✅ Electronics industry – Protective panels and casings for electronic components.
✅ Industrial applications – Equipment casings, mechanical components, and more.

Conclusion

PS sheets are widely used in various industries due to their lightweight, easy processing, and cost-efficiency. GPPS is ideal for transparent packaging and displays, while HIPS, with its high impact resistance, is better suited for advertising printing, industrial manufacturing, and appliance interiors. Selecting the right type of PS sheet ensures optimal performance for specific applications.