Materials

Material	Properties
ABS	Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene- ABS sheet is amongst the most versatile and widely used of thermoplastics, particularly within the thermoforming industry. The wide forming temperature range of ABS sheet makes it relatively easy to form. ABS sheets good dimensional stability makes trimming relatively easy too. (Click to learn more about ABS sheet). Guide SG for standard grades 1.08.
PMMA/ABS	ABS with an acrylic capping. This co-extruded sheet has the strength of ABS combined with a capping layer of acrylic producing a coloured and/or UV resistant surface. Finishes are usually gloss, but can be matt or textured. Guide SG for standard grades 1.1.
HIPS	High Impact Polystyrene - Amongst the lowest cost and easiest materials to thermoform, trimming too is easy with the right tools. Moisture absorption is not considered a problem and pre-drying is seldom required. Typical applications include point of sale products. Chemical and impact resistance are not as good as ABS. Guide SG for standard grades 1.05.
SAN	Styrene Acrylonitrile - Similar properties to HIPS, but better chemical resistance and can be UV stabilised. Clear grades have a blueish tint. Guide SG for standard grades 1.08.
Polypropylene	Polypropylene (PP) - Has good chemical resistance, good fatigue resistance (integral hinge property), and good temperature resistance. The difficulty in forming PP is its narrow thermoforming temperature window, webbing too can be a problem. Because of the semi-crystalline nature of PP, post forming shrinkage rates are high . A filling such as talc can be used to improve these properties. Guide SG for standard grades 0.92.
HDPE	High Density Polyethylene - Similar characteristics to polypropylene, but with better low temperature impact resistance. HDPE has poor UV resistance (unless coloured). It is good for welding, good electrical insulation and does not readily absorb moisture. Guide SG for standard grades 0.95.
Acrylic	Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) - It is a versatile material, easy to handle, machine, screen print and polish. The two principle types (extruded and cast) have similar properties, but extruded sheet can be vacuum formed whereas cast sheet can be pressed. Grades are available with improved impact resistance, generally termed "impact resistant". Guide SG for standard grades 1.2.
PETG	Polyethylene Terephthlate (glycol modified) - Good processing and forming characteristics, doesn't require pre-drying, good impact strength and rigidity. PETG is not usually UV resistant. Guide SG for standard grades 1.2.
Polycarbonate	Excellent stiffness, impact strength and good fire properties. Absorbs moisture so needs pre-drying before forming. Some grades are UV resistant and some hard coated. Guide SG for standard grades 1.2.
PVC	Polyvinyl Chloride (unplasticised) - Good impact resistance and stiffness. Easily fabricated and welded or thermoformed. Becomes brittle at low temperatures. Guide SG for standard grades 1.4.
ASA	Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate - Similar properties to ABS, but better weathering and low temperature characteristics. Like ABS it absorbs moisture and needs to be dried before forming. Guide SG for standard grades 1.07.