Things to Consider When Purchasing Hinges

There are a few factors to consider when buying a hinge. Since the hinge has moving parts and bears the action of the moving body and external loads, the hinge becomes the weakest point most of the time. Applying dynamic loads to the hinge can cause it to fatigue over time, causing the door or door to sag. Also, due to manufacturing or space constraints, the hinge can only have one maximum thickness. Therefore, the correct size, material, and mechanical properties must be selected to suit the application.

Load:

The load to be carried is a key factor when choosing a hinge. This will determine the size and material required for the application. When obtaining the correct load specification, it is important to consider not only the weight of the moving parts, which are usually the parts being carried but also external and dynamic loads. Also, the center of gravity of the door creates moments on the hinges. This moment can cause the door to eventually sag, especially if the door is wide and heavy.

Required or Allowable End Play

Some hinges have limited angular motion, such as geared continuous hinges. The part may need to be rotated a full 180° or just 90° depending on the application. Check to see if the space can accommodate the swing of the door, and whether the swing will interfere with entering the door. Depending on the application, different types of hinges are available.

The required movement may also require friction or spring-loaded hinges to hold the moving parts in position. Laptop cases, camera tripods, and vented screens are all common devices that use friction hinges.

Hinge Orientation

Hinge orientation is the orientation of the end or how the hinge rotates or moves relative to the door. The hinge can be right-handed or left-handed. Choosing a right or left hinge depends on the swing and type of door.

Installation

Another factor to consider is the method of attaching the hinge to the moving and stationary parts. Hinges can be welded, bolted, or screwed to the frame, usually depending on the type of service or the number of loads. In addition, the hinges can be installed in different ways, such as surface mount, concealed mount, flush mount, stack mount, etc.

Aesthetics

Hinges for furniture and doors generally have good aesthetics. This could mean decorative designs for the hinges, like the butterfly and belt hinges that can be seen. Additionally, aesthetics may also require that the hinges be hidden so that the furniture will have a continuous, uninterrupted appearance.

Hinge Corrosion Resistance

The type of environment, whether outdoor or indoor, affects the material specification of the hinge. For applications requiring corrosion resistance and high strength, stainless steel is the material of choice, especially in salt environments. Plastic hinges are also corrosion resistant, but not as strong. If stainless steel is too expensive, galvanized steel will work too. Brass and bronze have good resistance to outdoor conditions and are suitable for decorative purposes due to their natural patina.