Hinges are an integral part of the protective housing, and choosing the correct specification can make all the difference to the performance, longevity and appearance of your enclosure design. They come in a wide variety of materials and strengths. So how do you know which type has the right qualities for your application?
To help you decide, here are some key questions to ask yourself about your enclosure design.
Is the door removable?
This will determine whether the hinge needs to separate into two pieces to allow for the door to be removed from the frame for installation access. You may want to incorporate a lift-off design or a catch/release feature.
What is the opening angle?
Think about how the hinge might position the open door. Or maybe the angle of positioning is user controlled. Consider the total range of motion or maximum angle of the hinge opening.
What material best suits your application?
Hinges come in a variety of different materials, including; steel, stainless steel, zinc alloy, plastic and nylon. Materials can affect maximum working load, corrosion resistance and finish options.
How will the hinge be attached to the frame?
Think about whether you need a welded, threaded bolt, through bolt, rivet or screw mounting hardware option.
What is your enclosure environment?
You need to consider the level of environmental sealing you need from your hinge (i.e. to prevent dust, water and other contaminants entering the enclosure). Most hinges can achieve a suitable level if properly gasketed.
How important is appearance?
A concealed hinge is often driven by the need for a particular industrial appearance, or the importance placed on a vandal resistant design. You may want to consider internally counted hinges, or welded, thread-stud or tapped-holed styles.
What is the door thickness?
This is important in determining the size of hinge to choose.
What level of corrosion protection is required?
Look for hinges with the appropriate level of corrosion resistance. This usually appears as hours of salt-spray exposure per ASTM B-117.
Do you need function control?
An embedded hinge is shrouded within the enclosure housing and gives extra functions such as position control.
What is your position control feature?
Options to control the position of the hinge and door include; detents, constant torque, adjustable torque, self-closing and dampened action.
Do you need to maximise interior space?
An external hinge mounts on the outside surface of the enclosure, provides easy installation and makes full use of the space inside the enclosure.
Is seismic testing required?
Your enclosure may need to be seismic rated, which will determine whether you need a specialist hinge for your application.
| CHOOSING YOUR HINGE STYLE: EXTERNAL, CONCEALED OR EMBEDDED? |
| External hinges |
Concealed hinges |
Embedded hinges |
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Maximises available space inside enclosures |
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A drop-in replacement that meets most standard panel preps |
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Attach or remove a door without tools |
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Holds the door open or closed |
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Heavy duty enclosures |
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Invisible when the door is closed |
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Positioned inside the enclosure |
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Hidden mounting |
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Simple installation |
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Seamlessly integrates position control features |
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Moulded-in or concealed with snap on covers |
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Tilt and swivel mechanism to control rotation in multiple axes |
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Makes heavy objects easier to move |
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Deploys an object when a latch is released |
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| JUST A FEW OF OUR MOST POPULAR HINGES - TRY BEFORE YOU BUY |
Industries: Indoor & Outdoor Enclosures, Automotive, Consumer Appliances
Solutions: Fastening Components, Access Hardware, Custom Solutions
Materials: Metal, Stainless Steel, Plastics
The role of caps and plugs
Whether we’re talking about a fuel line, pipes, sheet metal, a hydraulic assemblies or other important parts, caps and plugs play a vital role in protection.
Often the two words are used interchangeably. Caps, however, push or thread over the outside of a part, while plugs push or thread inside the part. Whether cap or plug, here’s what they do:
Protect open holes
Caps and plugs prevent dirt, dust and any other debris from contaminating the opening during manufacturing, storage and transportation. Some caps and plugs can be used multiple times and many are versatile enough for different stages in processes.
Keep out moisture
Moisture or liquids can ruin electrical systems and cause rust. O-rings provide an airtight seal in these instances to ensure you’re offering a quality product.
Protect exposed threads
Damaged threads can bring manufacturing assemblies to a halt and stop you from getting the tightening torque you’re after. Tear-off caps not only protect your threads, but they’re quick and easy to remove.
Protect during finishing processes
When it comes to masking holes, you have a range of choices in caps and plugs for low to high-temperature processes.
Protect against damage
Scratches. Bumps. Dents. Caps and plugs are your insurance that your critical components will survive whatever happens without a blemish.
| When to use caps and plugs |
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Generally – and depending on your application – you need the protection of caps and plugs during manufacturing, masking, storage and transportation, and sometimes, end uses.
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