What is polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a common thermoplastic with many technical applications. The material is rigid, dimensionally stable and easy to process. At MK Plastteknik, polystyrene is used in several types of manufacturing, including injection molding, extrusion and vacuum forming. It is suitable for components that need to be lightweight, precise and have a smooth surface structure.
Areas of use
Polystyrene is used in many types of industrial products. It is often found in electronic components, displays and protective covers. The material is also used in building components and packaging, where low weight and dimensional stability are important.
At MK Plastteknik we process polystyrene into both prototypes and mass-produced parts. We offer advice on material selection, design and production to ensure the result meets your requirements.
Advantages of polystyrene
Polystyrene has a low density and good electrical insulation. The material is easy to shape and maintains its dimension even with thinner walls. It is also easy to color and can be adapted with additives for different needs. The surface is smooth and gives a clean impression, which makes the material suitable for details that are to be mounted visibly.
Summary of benefits:
- Stable in shape and easy to process.
- Low water absorption.
- Possible to color and modify.
Limitations to be aware of
Polystyrene is not resistant to strong solvents and can be affected by prolonged UV exposure. It is also more brittle than some other plastics, making it unsuitable for parts subject to impact or twisting.
Two common varieties of polystyrene:
- GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene) – transparent and rigid.
- HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) – more flexible and impact resistant.
Important information about the material
Polystyrene is recyclable and can be reshaped when heated. This makes it suitable for manufacturing processes where material waste can be handled and reused. When handled correctly, polystyrene provides a stable result with a long lifespan and predictable properties.