A hinge is a kind of mechanical joint, mainly connecting the door and the main structure. Hinges work primarily in pairs, and their most common uses are:

• Doors and cabinets,
• Components for installations (e.g. air conditioning),
• Windows,

The hinge is the pivot point where all the other elements form a functioning system. However, they must withstand weighty loads and harsh weather conditions, requiring a robust structure and material. The ideal hinge will provide functionality in terms of ease and speed of use, security, stability and load-bearing capacity, and resistance to environmental conditions. 

Hinges are a vital component of industrial cabinets and equipment. There are different types according to their application: for example, light and heavy-duty, for internal or external use. There are also technical and structural distinctions, for example

• latch hinges, mainly for single doors;
• adjustable hinges, which allow fine-tuning of the door itself;
• plate hinges;
• screwed-on hinges and weld-on hinges;
• etc.

Stainless steel hinges

If the hinge is exposed to weather conditions, it is essential to consider a particularly robust hinge made of a resistant material. Therefore, we highly recommend our stainless steel range, ecspecially for doors subject to heavy use, where a high degree of stability and resistance is required. These can be outdoor installations or industrial doors that open and close frequently.

Last but not least, stainless steel hinges provide an exceptionally sophisticated and aesthetic appearance. The aesthetic aspect should be considered if your equipment or cabinet is installed in a visible location.

Polyamide versions

These are a popular choice for industrial cabinets, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment due to their firm, light, and durable material properties. Furthermore they are also widely used for doors, hoods and fenders in the automotive industry. In addition, the aerospace industry uses polyamide hinges for multi-axis opening doors, as polyamide is considered an excellent durable and stable solution for hinges subjected to high stresses and forces over long periods.

Next to this, polyamides also have good corrosion resistance, making them ideal for applications where moisture or heat can damage other materials, such as steel or aluminium. 

Zinc die injection moulded hinges

Zinc die or zamak hinges are recommended for light to medium-duty applications. They are a more cost-effective solution than stainless versions but cannot stand the same maximum load capacity. 

With zinc die hinges, great care must be taken in the design of the component: avoiding structural weaknesses that could compromise the load capacity of the element. 

External and internal versions

External hinges are optimal for inward-opening doors, while internal hinges are better suited for outward-opening doors.

The outer hinges are mounted on the top edge of the cabinet door, while the inner hinges are located inside the door frame.

Inward or outward-facing door variations

Surface-mounted hinges are an excellent choice for internal and external doors. These hinges allow the door to be installed in a single operation, allowing for quick installation.

Above this, their design maintain clean lines.

Hinges for single or double-leaf doors

A single-leaf door hinge secures the door to the frame. This is why it is used on doors with a single hinge and consists of only one moving part, allowing the door to be fixed at either end.

Double door hinges are similar in concept to their single counterparts. However, they are generally stronger than single-hinge solutions, requiring less force from both sides when opening or closing the doors.

Hinges for flush doors

A recessed hinge is a type of hinge with the same appearance as a conventional door but without the swing-out bottom panel. An open hinge on an industrial cabinet provides more space for other hardware and less weight for the equipment.

Recessed hinges are available in various sizes, styles and materials, such as chrome or stainless steel.

Pin hinges

Pin hinges are suitable for outward opening doors. They do not need to be flush with the frame and can be pulled out from either side to allow more space between the door and the hinge.

Adjustable hinges

Adjustable hinges are available in different sizes and are used to fix doors to walls and cabinets. They can be mounted on either side of the entrance (left or right) and on the top or bottom centre of the cabinet door.

They are great because they offer much more flexibility than other hinges: you can adapt them to any size opening.

Hinges for industrial production

Hinges for industrial production must meet the following criteria:

• A hinge with an extensive opening angle reduces the force required to open or close the cabinet. This is particularly important in confined environments, such as warehouses or factories, where there may be limited access points (e.g. doors) that open and close frequently.
• For light to medium-duty applications, zinc dies, steel or polyamide hinges are recommended.
• Stainless steel hinges are the most durable and longest lasting, making them ideal for industrial cabinets and enclosures.
• Polyamide hinges are also popular as they can be mounted directly on the cabinet surface or recesses. As a result, you do not need to use an external mounting bracket, which increases costs and complicates the installation process.

The lates ELA-innovation is the Polyamide HVAC Hinge & Handle. You can find more information on our website.