Polystyrene (PS) and High Impact PS (HIPS) from Fernholz offer the sharpest contours in thermoforming — ideal for robotic grippers, pick-and-place systems and stacking trays. Processed in Sundern (Sauerland), Germany.
PS (polystyrene) is rigid, dimensionally stable and offers excellent detail reproduction in the thermoforming process. When contour accuracy matters, PS is the material of choice — robotic grippers require exact pick-up points, and PS delivers precisely that.
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is impact-modified PS with a rubber component. This makes HIPS significantly more resistant than standard PS while retaining good contour definition. Ideal for trays that need to withstand rough handling.
Fernholz supplies PS/HIPS sheets optimised for thermoforming — uniform thickness, homogeneous surface. Density 1.05 g/cm³, forming temperature 130–150 °C.
At Scafa in Sundern, we use PS/HIPS for stacking trays, automation inserts, sorting trays and flocked inlays — as a carrier material for Krekelberg flocking.
Finest details for robotic grippers — PS delivers the sharpest contours of all thermoforming materials with tolerances in the tenth-of-a-millimetre range.
Reproducible stacking nubs and registration lugs — for trouble-free automated loading and transport.
PS as carrier material for Krekelberg velvet surface — scratch-resistant protection for watches, jewellery and optical products.
| Property | PS | HIPS |
|---|---|---|
| Designation | Polystyrene | High Impact Polystyrene |
| Density | 1.05 g/cm³ | 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Forming Temperature | 130–150 °C | 130–150 °C |
| Impact Resistance | Medium | High |
| Contour Precision | Maximum | Very High |
| Transparency | Clear to opaque | Opaque |
| Supplier | Fernholz | Fernholz |
PS and HIPS are your materials when contour precision, stacking accuracy and cost-effective series production need to come together. Here are the typical applications:
Exact pick-up points for robotic grippers — reproducible in high-volume production.
Stacking nubs and registration lugs for trouble-free automated transport.
Fine contours for precise compartmentalisation — every part in its defined position.
PS moulded parts with velvet surface — for scratch-sensitive watches, jewellery and optical products.
PS/HIPS is economical at high volumes — without compromising on quality.
Share your requirements regarding material, contour precision and volume — we will develop your PS/HIPS tray in Sundern.
Describe your project — we will get back to you personally within 24 hours.
