Learn more about hinges: from functions to installation

Hinges connect components to their frames, such as doors, windows, cabinets, etc. allowing them to move relative to each other. By attaching hinge plates to the door and frame, hinges provide a stable connection point for the door to open and close. Hinges come in various types, materials, and functions, to meet the needs of different doors, windows, cabinets, and application environments. This article will give a summary of the types and functions of hinges, and will also introduce the key points of hinge installation.  

5 materials for hinges

The hinges currently available on the market are mainly made of stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum alloy, copper, plastic, etc. Different materials have different corrosion resistance and load-bearing capacity.

Stainless steel hinges have excellent corrosion resistance and are particularly suitable for outdoor applications or high-humidity environments. They are durable and can withstand heavy loads, making them ideal for commercial and industrial environments.

Carbon steel hinges are stronger than stainless steel, so they are usually used in heavy-duty applications and can support the weight of heavier doors. However, they are not very corrosion-resistant, so they need to be treated with rust-proofing.

Zinc alloy hinges are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective, but they have poor load-bearing capacity, so they are usually used in scenarios that require lightness and aesthetics.

Copper hinges are rust-proof and corrosion-resistant. They are mostly gold or bronze retro styles, so they are often used in old wooden doors or scenes that emphasize decoration.

Plastic hinges are waterproof, corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and easy to install. They are suitable for light cabinet doors or bathroom cabinet doors.

Hinges in various forms and functions

Hinges have different shapes due to their functional requirements. They mainly include Butt Hinge, Flush Hinge, Concealed Hinge, Lift-Off Hinge, T Hinge.

Butt Hinges: Butt hinges are the most common and classic hinges, consisting of two hinge plates and a fixed axis; the two hinge plates are installed on the edge of the door and the door frame respectively. When an external force acts on the door, the door rotates through the pin to complete the opening and closing action, and the rotation angle is usually 90° or 180°.

Concealed Hinges: are also called European hinges, which usually consist of a hinge cup, a hinge arm, and a mounting plate. Unlike butt hinges, concealed hinges are mainly installed inside the door panel or window frame, making the hinges almost invisible when the door is closed. They can achieve different opening and closing angles (95°, 110°, 135°, and 165°), and the installation is complicated and costly. They are usually suitable for cabinets, wardrobes, and interior decorative doors.

Spring Hinges: The spring is the core component of the spring hinge, which can provide additional elastic support during the opening and closing process so that the door can be smoothly opened, closed, or kept in a specific position. It is suitable for scenarios that require automatic closing or angle adjustment, such as fire and garage doors.

Flag Hinge: It consists of two symmetrical hinge leaves connected by an axis or pin in the middle of the hinge, allowing the two parts to rotate freely. When opened, the hinge looks like a flag. Flag hinges are highly flexible and practical, easy to install and disassemble, and suitable for parts that need to be opened frequently, such as cabinet doors and drawers, chassis, and equipment panels.

Installation of hinges: quantity and installation position

The location and number of hinges are important factors in the stability and durability of doors, windows, or other components. Proper installation ensures the structure's functionality and extends the service life of the hinges and the entire structure.

Depending on the door's weight and size, the hinges can be installed at the top, middle, and bottom or at two points, top and bottom.

Two-point installation is suitable for light structures such as cabinet doors and drawers. The top hinge bears the weight, while the bottom hinge provides balance.

Three-point installation is suitable for tall or heavy structures, ensuring that the hinge can evenly bear the weight of the door, ensuring the door's opening and closing flexibility and service life. If the door’s height exceeds 2.5 meters, the number of hinges needs to be increased.

The following table shows the basic relationship between door size, number of hinges, and installation distance.

Conclusion

When choosing hinges for doors or frames, you need to consider the material, style, and installation needs simultaneously. The right type and installation can ensure the durability of the components while presenting a good appearance. When installing hinges, a reasonable number and installation position can evenly share the weight of the door or window, reduce the pressure on individual hinges, and ensure that the door or equipment runs smoothly and is not easy to tilt or loosen.

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