ABS or Styrene

[Army Scout]

Now that we are going to start getting the armor ready, we need to figure out what plastic is better.

 

We all know ABS is better for costumes...period. But it is a bit more expensive. And styrene is not as shiney and will yellow over time.

 

Now for our armor, stryene might be the way to go cause we need to paint it up. But, we could just sand ABS.

 

So what do you think???

 

Army Scout

[TB-7076]

I do fiberglas - always - but for the above reasons styrene might be OK

[TB-1019]

We're using HIPS for our clone armor. Yellowing will not be a concern as we prime and paint it white, so if you all are going to be painting over it anyway, it might be a viable solution.

[Army Scout]

We're using HIPS for our clone armor. Yellowing will not be a concern as we prime and paint it white, so if you all are going to be painting over it anyway, it might be a viable solution.

 

That is what we are thinking. Styrene might be the way to go for this set up.

 

Army Scout

[Vixx]

Had some time to think about it at work. I went with Styrene.

[zollida]

Had some time to think about it at work. I went with Styrene.

 

 

i agree with styrene due to the fact that it can be strengthen with proper priming and also ease on drill through work comparison with fiberglass ..for paint job wise it will definitely more friendly verses fiberglass

[Guest 1154]

isnt styrene more brittle??

We have pulled the chest with it and abs, and the styrene seems alot more easy to break.

[TB-1019]

Styrene can be brittle if it is too thin, yes, but it also takes detail better than ABS, unless you have a strong vacuum with which to pull from. That is one of the trade-offs.

[BrotherHalo]

I second Jay. Go with HIPS.

[troopermaster]

HIPS is the way to go if you are doing the forming yourself on a home made machine.It forms easily and is glossy as standard here in the UK,so there's no need to paint it

 

I haven't formed ABS myself,but have heard it can be formed 'almost' as easily as HIPS but don't quote me on that I also heard ABS 'does' yellow,and this was proved when an SDS/AA stormtrooper helmet started to develop yellow spots.It doesn't suprise me though as ABS is made from styrene and I have not had any of my parts made from HIPS ever yellow!

 

-Paul.

[Ladyghost4459]

How does it compare for weight and durability? I mean which is lighter, more comfortable to wear. What stands up to wear better as far as breakage and chipping is concerned?

[Guest Speedracer29]

I personally like ABS. I am not a fan of styrene: brittle. But the majority rules.

[MisserCraig]

HIPS is the way to go if you are doing the forming yourself on a home made machine.It forms easily and is glossy as standard here in the UK,so there's no need to paint it

 

I haven't formed ABS myself,but have heard it can be formed 'almost' as easily as HIPS but don't quote me on that I also heard ABS 'does' yellow,and this was proved when an SDS/AA stormtrooper helmet started to develop yellow spots.It doesn't suprise me though as ABS is made from styrene and I have not had any of my parts made from HIPS ever yellow!

 

-Paul.

 

I'm pretty sure SDS uses styrene for his TK helmets, not ABS

 

another vote for styrene here, more econonical, and the need to paint the armor nixes out the yellowing factor

[Guest tom-bombadil]

I work whit Fiber glass and HIPS, Fiber Glass armor have more shining than HIPS, I really like my Fiber glass armors. HIPS you can paint it and the final look is awesome. For Vacuum form I use 3mm HIPS, I don't like much ABS always you will need to paint it, and styrene definitive is not a good choice for me, use styrene if you want to try your molds...That is my experience...

[ScoutSi]

Seeing as it needs painting then styrene would be good as it gives a cleaner pull

 

HIPS (High Impact Poly Styrene) is a good compromise as its very similar to ABS, but has greater UV resistancy. Again it shouldn't matter though as we'll be painting