Choosing the Right Hinge

A hinge is a mechanical assembly that connects two parts, allowing them to pivot relative to each other through a rotational axis.

Hinges typically consist of three main components:

  1. A hinge leaf that is fixed to the frame and remains stationary.
  2. A hinge leaf that is attached to the movable object and also moves.
  3. A pin that is positioned between the two hinge leaves and serves as the pivot point for movement.

Hinges have a broad range of applications in mechanical engineering, industrial furniture construction, agricultural equipment, medical devices, automotive design, and more.

Certain models are designed with highly durable materials, making them suitable for demanding environments such as shipbuilding and nautical engineering.

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  • How to choose your hinge

    The criteria for choosing a hinge are as follows:

    Application: Hinges can be used for industrial doors, gates, or furniture. The type of hinge depends on the application.

    The load to be supported: This is the weight the hinge will have to bear when the hinge leaf is in motion. We’re talking here about mechanical properties, which vary according to the load.
    – For example, brass hinges are not adapted to the load of an opening door and will break.
    Therefore, you need to pay close attention to your door’s load and, if necessary, attach several hinges to spread the load evenly and limit the risk of breakage.

    The material of the support: This is the material of the support to which the hinge will be attached. Is it made of wood, plastic, concrete or metal? This information is fundamental in determining the right hinge model.
    – For example, if your frame is made of metal, welding will be necessary to attach the hinges.
    – On the other hand, for wood and concrete frames, a screw-on hinge is ideal.

    Opening angle: Several opening angles are possible, depending on your needs (90°, 95°, 110°, 120°, 180°, 270°, 360°).

    Type of environment: Depending on how you intend to use your hinge (frame-mounted, indoors or outdoors), you’ll need to choose the right hinge material. Exposure to the environment is a very important criterion.
    – For example, if your hinge is to be mounted on a frame intended for outdoor use, you’ll need to choose a hinge made of a material that is highly resistant to water or humidity, such as stainless steel.

    Type of installation: Hinges can be screwed, welded, interlocked, or recessed. Your choice of hinge will depend on the material of the support.
    Recessed hinges have the advantage of being invisible. They are also the most commonly used in joinery.

  • What are the different types of hinges?

    Various hinge types are available. The most common models are:

    Spring hinges: These have a small tension spring that allows doors to close automatically on themselves or to be held in the open position.

    Friction hinges: Friction hinges hold doors open and closed at pre-set positions, without incorporating any secondary mechanical accessories, whatever the opening angle. In this way, they smoothly adjust door movement to your specifications. There are two types of friction hinges: Constant-torque friction hinges (symmetrical, asymmetrical, or unidirectional) and torque friction hinges. These are adjustable to suit the weight and size of the workpiece.

    Piano hinges: Rectangular, slender, and long, these hinges are known as piano hinges because they are found on piano cases. They ensure a continuous joint, making them an ideal choice for doors, cabinets, and cases that are subject to intense wear and tear.

    Pivot hinges: These hinges rotate 360° around a single pivot. They are usually mounted at the very top and bottom of the door, whereas most hinges are located on the sides of the door frame. They are therefore barely visible. They should be chosen for heavy doors that are frequently used. They also allow the door to open in both directions.

    Lift-off hinges: As their name suggests, these hinges can be lifted off, allowing doors to be easily dismantled if necessary.

    Recessed hinges: These hinges are not visible when the door is closed. They are more aesthetically pleasing, so choose them if you need to conceal them.

    Emile Maurin spring hinge

    Emile Maurin spring hinge

    HEINRICH KIPP WERK friction hinge

    HEINRICH KIPP WERK friction hinge

    PINET INDUSTRIE invisible hinge

    PINET INDUSTRIE concealed hinge

    NORELEM lift-off hinge

    NORELEM lift-off hinge

    ELESA pivot hinge

    ELESA pivot hinge

    BENE INOX piano hinge

    BENE INOX piano hinge

  • What material and finish should you choose for a hinge?

    Hinges are available in a wide variety of materials (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, nylon, brass). Your choice of material and finish depends on your application. Here are the main hinge materials and finishes available, and their applications, to help you make your choice.

    • Materials

    Plastic hinges
    These thermoplastic hinges (plastic that softens under the action of heat) are the lightest hinges available.

    Aluminum hinges
    These are versatile, lightweight hinges.
    Applications: automotive industry (hoods), heavy doors, housings, indoors and outdoors.

    Copper hinges
    Resistant to corrosive conditions.
    Applications: outdoor use

    Brass hinges
    More expensive than other hinges.
    Applications: outdoor use, coastal and saline environments.

    Steel hinges
    These are stronger than plastic and aluminum hinges. They resist wear and tear. Their price is quite affordable.
    Applications: heavy loads (doors, shutters) but indoors.

    Stainless steel hinges
    They are resistant to corrosion, water, and humidity.
    Applications: outdoor use, hospitals, pharmacies, and kitchens (because stainless steel is easy to maintain and clean.)

    • Finishes

    It is possible to add finishes to hinges to make them more resistant, especially steel hinges. There are several possible processes:

    Galvanizing
    This is an electrochemical finish that coats a steel hinge.

    The passivation process
    This slightly tints steel hinges blue.

  • What type of fastener should you choose?

    Different types of hinge attachment are possible. Hinges can be screw-on, weld-on, or flush-mounted.

    Marinetech Edelstahlhandel weld-on hinge

    Weld-on hinges: Designed for heavy loads, these are frequently used for industrial doors.

    GAMM screw-on hinge

    Screw-on hinges: These have holes for inserting screws and fixing them directly to the support.

    Guangdong Aosite Hardware Precision Manufacturing recessed hinge

    Recessed hinges: Choose these if you want to make them invisible on your installation.

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