What types of plastic hinges are available?
Basically, a distinction is made between hinges for inset and overlay-mounted doors.
- inset doors - the door lies flat and flush with the surrounding housing panels.
- overlay doors - the door is positioned raised and therefore uneven to the surrounding housing panels.
The type of door dictates the hinge used. To illustrate: if a inset hinge is used for an overlay door, the opening angle is drastically reduced from 180° to only 90°. As a result, the hinge will not be used optimally. It is therefore important to use the correct type of hinge in relation to the door.
Plastic hinges are also available in various models. These include standard hinges, split hinges, corner hinges, etc. In addition, variation is also possible in the following properties:
- visible surface-mounted or non-visible concealed hinges
- fastening method: countersunk fixing holes, slotted holes, threaded bushes, threaded studs or even a clamp or snap fitting
- hinge with or without pin
- hinge with or without attachment wings
- hinge with or without adjustable friction, clamping or locking function
- fixed or seperable hinge (door is therefore removable)
- if seperable: left or right-hand mounting
- opening angle
- bearing weight
- material or material combinations
And if that is not enough, different hinge sizes are often also available. In short, the choice is vast!
What is a maximum opening angle of a hinge?
So the opening angle is the angle a hinge can pivot. This is measured from a zero-position. In addition to a positive value of, say, +180°, the opening angle can also have a negative value such as -45°. A negative angle means that a flap or door can close at a negative angle. And that, in turn, is useful in enclosures or cabinets with a sloping flap or lid.
In what materials are the hinges available?
Our product range focuses on plastic hinges. Usually made of glass-fibre reinforced polyamide (nylon). Any metal parts such as hinge pin, internal threaded bushings or external threaded studs, are available in brass, steel or stainless steel.
Besides plastic hinges, metal hinges are also available in zamak (pressure-moulded zinc alloy) or stainless steel.
Why are plastic hinges used?
The decision to go for plastic hinges can depend on a number of factors. Here are some selection factors:
- price: plastic hinges are generally inexpensive
- weight: plastic is generally lighter than metal alternatives
- chemical resistance: plastic has good chemical resistance and will not rust due to the presence of acids or seawater, for example
- insulating ability: Plastic is electrically insulating and is also able to isolate or reduce vibration and resonance
Plastic hinges are often used within electrical engineering and mechanical engineering, for example in switch boxes and machine housings. Also in marine environments (boats), coachbuilding, in-vehicle equipment, trailer construction, etc.
Not found what you were looking for? Then we will be happy to get in touch with you to discuss the possibilities.
