How to choose the right hinges for your enclosures

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.

Continuous Hinges Order free sample Concealed Hinges Order free sample Metal Leaf Hinges Order free sample Plastic Leaf Hinges Order free sample

Industries: Indoor & Outdoor Enclosures, Automotive, Consumer Appliances

Solutions: Fastening Components, Access Hardware, Custom Solutions

Materials: Metal, Stainless Steel, Plastics

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