Printable Plastics 101: Dead Opaque Styrene

Styrene (also known as Polystyrene or PS) is a lightweight plastic product used primarily for indoor or temporary outdoor signage and is very similar to PVC and corrugated plastic. It is ideal for the customer seeking cost effective signage. Dead Opaque Styrene is ideal for two-sided signage due to its high opacity.

Styrene is a durable substrate that offers added stability and resilience over paper while serving as a less expensive alternative to other films. Styrene gives customers more options for creative, cost effective applications

Advantages:

  • Compatible with dry toner and HP Indigo commercial printing technologies (Certified for RICOH Pro C71XX Series and C92XX Series)
  • Does not curl or warp from moisture or humidity
  • Good impact resistance
  • Machineable
  • Low cost
  • FDA compliant for indirect food contact
  • Bright white
  • Multiple opacities
  • Easy to convert, cut, punch, and thermoform
  • Good general purpose use
  • Recyclable

Disadvantages:

  • Poor solvent resistance
  • Can become brittle
  • Can crack under environmental stress
  • Poor thermal stability
  • Does not score and fold well

Common Applications:

  • POP signage
  • Retail signage
  • Backlit Signage
  • Shelf danglers
  • Indoor Graphics
  • Packaging
  • Molded applications
  • Cost effective general purpose use
  • Hang tags
  • Key Tags
  • Plant stakes
  • ID and Fundraising Cards
  • Membership, Loyalty and Gift Cards
  • PVC replacements

In-stock styrene sheets:

To learn more and test this material for your next project, contact us today!

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