Hinges Manufacturers online

Hinges are mechanical components that connect two fixed objects and allow them to move along a specific axis.

They enable a rotary movement and are mainly used for doors, windows, flaps and furniture.

Below you will find the basic principle, types and materials of hinges, as well as an overview of their areas of application and some tips on maintenance and care:

Basic principle of hinge movement:

1. Hinges usually consist of two movable plates (leaves) that are connected to each other by a rotating axis (pin or pin).
2. The axis of rotation determines the freedom of movement of the connected objects
3. The friction in the joint influences the ease of movement and stability of the hinge.

Types of hinges:

There are different types of hinges that are used depending on their intended use and load:

Door hinges and furniture hinges:

1. Screw-on hinges are screwed onto the surface of doors or pieces of furniture.
2. Cup hinges (kitchen hinges) are embedded in furniture elements and thus enable invisible fastening.
3. Lift-up hinges are used for flaps that open upwards in kitchens or wall units.

Special hinges for high loads:

1. Strap hinges are long hinges for doors and chests.
2. Stainless steel hinges are particularly robust and rust-proof. They are often used for outdoor areas or damp rooms.
3. Heavy-duty hinges were developed for particularly high loads, e.g. in industry or for heavy gates.

Special technical hinges:

1. Spring hinge hinges contain a spring that automatically closes or holds the door open.
2. Swivel or pivot hinges not only rotate around one axis, but also allow a combined movement.
3. Concealed hinges can be mounted out of sight and are therefore suitable for modern design solutions.

Materials and properties of hinges:

The choice of the right material depends on the load and the area of application:

1. Steel: Very stable, but susceptible to rust (often needs to be coated).
2. Stainless steel: Corrosion-resistant and durable, ideal for outdoor areas.
3. Brass: Decorative and corrosion-resistant, often used for high-quality furniture.
4. Plastic: Lightweight, rustproof and suitable for simple applications.
5. Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but not as resilient as steel.

Uses and applications of hinges:

Hinge mechanisms are used in numerous areas:

1. Doors and windows:
Interior doors, front doors and glass doors use different hinge systems for stable fastening.
Window sashes are fitted with special tilt or turn hinges.

2. Furniture construction:
Kitchen cabinets, closets and chests of drawers use different furniture hinges, often with soft-close technology.
Folding doors use special folding hinges for a space-saving function.

3. Vehicle and mechanical engineering:
Car doors, hoods and trunk lids are fitted with sturdy hinges.
Industrial machines use particularly robust hinges for movable covers.

4. Medical and orthopaedic technology:
Hinges in prostheses and orthoses allow freedom of movement in artificial joints.
Hospital beds and operating tables use adjustable hinge mechanisms.

Maintenance and care of hinges:

• Regular oiling or greasing of the axle prevents squeaking and increases the service life.
• Corrosion can be prevented with protective paint or galvanized materials.
• Loose screws should be tightened regularly.

Hinge technology plays an essential role in many areas. From simple furniture systems to industrial applications - the right choice of hinge influences the functionality, stability and service life of a moving element.

Here are the most important aspects to look out for when buying hinges:

Purchasing hinges requires a precise analysis of the requirements in order to make the right choice.

• Before buying hinges, you should precisely define the intended use:
• Load & load capacity: how much weight must the hinge be able to bear?
• Angle of movement: Should the hinge allow a full 180° rotation or should the range of rotation be limited?
• Mounting type: Is visible or concealed mounting desired?
• Environmental conditions: Will the hinge be exposed to moisture, heat or chemicals?
• Durability & maintenance: Does the hinge need to be maintenance-free or lubricated regularly?
• A kitchen cabinet requires concealed cup hinges with cushioning, while an industrial door requires robust heavy duty hinges.
• There are various types of hinges that differ depending on the application:
• Furniture hinges: (e.g. cup hinges, hinged hinges) for kitchen cabinets and closets.
• Door hinges: (e.g. screw-on hinges, hinges) for front doors and fire doors.
• Special hinges: (e.g. spring hinges, pivot hinges or concealed hinges) for machines, vehicles or special applications.
• Bear in mind that the wrong hinge can lead to malfunctions or rapid wear.
• The material influences the durability, stability and resistance to environmental influences:
• Steel has high stability but is susceptible to rust. Steel is used for hinges for industrial doors or in mechanical engineering.
• Stainless steel is rust-free, durable and weather-resistant. Stainless steel hinges are used outdoors and in damp rooms.
• Brass is permanently corrosion-resistant and decorative. High-quality furniture is fitted with brass hinges.
• Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Lightweight doors, e.g. in caravans, can be fitted with these hinges.
• Plastic is rustproof, lightweight and inexpensive. Plastic is suitable for hinges with low loads.
• The load-bearing capacity of a hinge must match the overall load of the door, flap or lid.
• Heavy-duty hinges are required for large industrial doors or machine enclosures.
• Lightweight hinges are sufficient for cabinet doors or furniture flaps.
• Additional functions can improve comfort and durability:
• Soft-close: Reduces noise and prevents slamming (important for furniture & kitchen cabinets).
• Self-closing: Automatically closes doors or flaps (e.g. in furniture).
• Spring mechanism: Keeps flaps open or closes them automatically.
• Adjustability: Enables fine adjustment (important for furniture assembly).
• In modern kitchens, cup hinges with a soft-close function are standard.
• Depending on the design of the hinge, there are various installation methods:
• Screw-on: Standard for wooden doors or furniture.
• Drilling in (e.g. cup hinges): Requires precise drilling.
• Welding hinges: For metal doors or industrial applications.
• Push-in or hook-in hinges:*For quick assembly/disassembly.
• When purchasing hinges, you should pay attention to standards and certifications:
• DIN standards: Safety and accuracy of fit (e.g. DIN 18272 for fire doors)
• CE marking: Complies with EU directives for safety and quality
• ISO certification: demonstrates high production standards
• Certified hinges in accordance with EN 1935 are required for fire doors, for example.
• Pay attention to quality when buying. Cheap hinges can wear out more quickly.
• Compare the purchase costs, durability and maintenance requirements.

When purchasing hinges, pay attention to load-bearing capacity, angle of movement and safety. Choosing the right hinge for the intended use is crucial for function and durability.

Hinges can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Hinges from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.