Black High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) Sheet – 2mm & 3mm

Affordable, easy-to-form plastic sheets for vacuum forming, prototyping, model making, and custom fabrication.

Bring your designs to life with MakerStock Black High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) Sheets. This lightweight, impact-resistant thermoplastic is a popular choice for vacuum forming, thermoforming, product prototyping, and model making.

HIPS combines the rigidity of polystyrene with improved toughness, making it easier to cut, shape, and form than many other rigid plastics. When heated, it can be molded into detailed three-dimensional shapes, making it ideal for creating product housings, packaging prototypes, display components, and custom parts.

Available in 2mm and 3mm thicknesses, Black HIPS offers an economical solution for designers, engineering students, makerspaces, and fabrication shops looking to turn ideas into functional prototypes.

Why Buy from MakerStock?

• Ideal for Vacuum Forming: Easily create three-dimensional parts, molds, housings, and prototypes.

• Versatile & Affordable: A cost-effective choice for product development, model making, and fabrication.

• Project-Ready Sizes: Convenient pre-cut sheets reduce preparation time and material waste.

• Two Thickness Options: Choose 2mm or 3mm to suit your project.

• Affordable and Fast Shipping: $12 flat-rate shipping per 50 lb box across the continental US from our warehouses in PA and UT.

• No Minimum Order Requirements: Order one sheet or stock up for classrooms, makerspaces, and production.

Perfect For

• Vacuum Forming & Thermoforming: Product housings, trays, covers, enclosures, and formed components.

• Product Prototyping: Concept models, functional mockups, and design testing.

• Architectural & Scale Models: Building details, structural elements, presentation models, and scenery.

• Retail Displays & Signage: Point-of-sale displays, fixtures, and promotional components.

• Engineering & Design Education: Classroom projects, fabrication training, and prototype development.

• Custom Fabrication: CNC-routed components, templates, panels, and decorative pieces.

Project Inspiration

• Industrial Designers: Vacuum form prototype housings and product enclosures.

• Architecture Students: Build detailed scale models and presentation components.

• Engineering Programs: Create functional prototypes and test designs.

• Retail Designers: Develop custom display fixtures and signage components.

• Makers: Experiment with thermoforming, CNC routing, and dimensional fabrication.

Explore Related Products

• White HIPS Sheets: The same versatile material in white for forming, modeling, and fabrication.

• Black Acetal (POM-C): A precision-machinable engineering plastic for mechanical components.

• Polycarbonate Sheets: A tougher option for impact-resistant enclosures and protective components.

Specifications

• Material: High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

• Color: Black, opaque

• Nominal Thicknesses: 2mm (0.079") and 3mm (0.118")

• Thickness Tolerance: ±10%

• Cutting Tolerance: +0"/-0.188"

• Forming: Vacuum formable and thermoformable

• Fabrication: CNC routable, sawable, drillable, and die cuttable

• Printing: Screen printable with compatible inks

• Masking: Unmasked on both sides; minor scratches and handling marks may be present

• Outdoor Use: Primarily intended for indoor applications unless the grade is specifically UV stabilized

Vacuum Forming & Fabrication Tips

HIPS is an excellent material for vacuum forming because it softens when heated and can be shaped over molds to create detailed three-dimensional components.

For best results:

• Heat evenly and avoid overheating or bubbling.

• Use molds with appropriate draft angles for easier part removal.

• Allow formed parts to cool before removing them from the mold.

• Account for material thinning in deep or complex shapes.

• Use sharp tools and appropriate feed rates when CNC routing or cutting.

Laser Cutting: Not recommended for general use. HIPS can melt, burn, and release hazardous fumes during laser processing. CNC routing or conventional cutting methods are preferred.

Pro Tip

Choose HIPS when your project starts as a flat sheet but needs to become a three-dimensional part.

The 2mm thickness is a good starting point for smaller prototypes, lightweight models, and detailed formed parts. Choose 3mm when additional rigidity is needed for larger housings, enclosures, or display components.

Remember that thermoforming stretches the material, reducing thickness in certain areas. Consider the final part's strength and rigidity when selecting your starting sheet.

FAQs

What is High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)?

HIPS is a rubber-modified polystyrene that offers improved toughness and impact resistance. It is widely used for vacuum forming, prototyping, displays, and manufactured components.

Can HIPS be vacuum formed?

Yes. HIPS is well suited for vacuum forming and thermoforming, allowing flat sheets to be heated and shaped into three-dimensional parts.

Can HIPS be CNC routed?

Yes. HIPS can be CNC routed, drilled, sawed, and cut using appropriate tools and settings.

Can HIPS be laser cut?

Laser cutting is not recommended for general use due to melting, fire hazards, and potentially hazardous fumes.

Is HIPS suitable for outdoor use?

Standard HIPS is primarily intended for indoor use. Extended UV exposure can cause discoloration and brittleness unless the material is specifically UV stabilized.

Are the sheets masked?

No. Sheets are supplied without protective masking on either side. Minor scratches and handling marks may be present.