This article will take an in depth look at friction hinges and their applications.
In this article we will discuss topics such as:
A friction hinge works by creating a specific tolerance in between the mechanical components. It works based on the principle of torque that can be achieved by applying a desired amount of force. Some other additions to these hinges such as lubricants or springs produce friction in them. Friction hinges are placed on both sides of doors or windows and then force is applied for opening or closing it. These hinges are designed to not fully open or close at once. These hinges are designed to maintain a desired position for desired periods of time. Friction hinges can be customized according to one's own needs. This customization can be of one way hinges means the resistance is only at one side or two ways hinge means the damping can be on either side. It can also be customized in both ways. The customized designs can provide variables in viscosity, temperature tolerance, and resistance capacities.
The friction or torque strength of these hinges can vary on the basis of type, format, and internal mechanisms. All friction hinges work on an expected range with a symbol of ± on every torque hinge. It is important to make sure the strength of torque or friction that a hinge can produce works normally and efficiently. A hinge that has a torque strength that is below or close to the lower limit should be chosen. If it is above the lower limit it cannot provide a free stop. This means the friction hinge cannot stop on its own. If the strength is above the lower limit then at some point the moveable components of the products will become rigid and will become difficult to move.
Certain types of materials are used in hinge making that depend on its application. Its use and application in any area make selecting the right type of material for hinge production easier. The focus is on the following areas:
These factors determine what material choice is best for the application. Typical materials that are used in hinge production are as follows:
Stainless steel is the best material because it is so strong, highly durable, long lasting and has a high corrosion resistance.
Stainless 316 is a highly resistant grade of corrosion resistance. It is ideal for work in saltwater or high chlorine environments.
This type of stainless steel is used widely for hardware. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel in its composition.
Aluminum is a light weight material and is a great choice for lightweight applications. It has corrosion resistance properties that are inherent and scratches cannot affect its properties.
Widely used material, inexpensive and strongest of all, steel is the best material and is widely used in many applications.
Cold rolled steel is made when the steel is heated at a normal room temperature; this increases its strength by the use of strain hardening method.
Hot rolled steel is made when it is heated to the high temperature of 1000°F. This is also strong steel.
Galvanized steel is made by finishing steel with a coating that helps in protecting the steel from rust.
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper and it is well known for its great resistance properties.
Copper has good corrosion resistance, great formability, and great strength.
Titanium is the best material that is used in the aerospace industry and it has great chemical and high temperature resistance. It is a great material to use because of its good weight – strength ratio.
Every application works on its own requirements but there are some features to evaluate for friction hinges that can be applied to any application for the desired result. These application requirements are as follows:
There should be proper torque built in the hinge that will allow the application to work.
The package size depends on the efficiency of the hinge. The smaller the footprint of the hinge the focus will be on the product performance. A small package will give more flexibility to the design of the product.
The number of times when the hinge will open or close depends on the expected life of the application. A good hinge will let the application work for longer time periods.
It is already discussed that the quality of the hinge helps in long life of product application. A hinge with good torque is reliable to work for longer periods of time.
The resistance that is shown by the hinge during its rotation is called dynamic torque. For better performance dynamic torque is needed to be in good condition.
The resistance that is required for the start of the hinge rotation is also important to be monitored.
Spring back feature is also important as it is the amount of motion that flexes back when the force or friction is removed from the hinge.
It is the amount of motion that is required before the feel of any torque produced in the hinge.
It is also important to determine whether the hinge should be visible or not after placing it in the required product.
Good hinge should be able to work and perform well in all kinds of environments.
Friction hinges should be customized according to the needs and requirements of the client.
These are some of the features that should be considered before choosing the best friction hinge that will meet the requirements of the user.
There are three main types of friction hinges depending upon their mode of placements, these are:
Friction stay hinges are hinges that are variable and are used for the secure and safe opening and closing of windows. These are mostly used in windows and an adjustable hinge is placed in its slide which helps in controlled movement of windows. There are many types of friction stay hinges and can be used according to the requirements of the clients. Some of them are discussed below.
Standard friction stay hinges are the most commonly used and can be used in most windows. These hinges are designed in such a way that the movement of the window is up to the maximum level. These are commonly used in storm proof casement windows and uPVC flush.
Restricted friction stay hinges restrict the window movements. These are designed to restrict the movements up to a certain level and cannot go any further due to security reasons. These hinges are the best to use when children are nearby as it can keep the family safe from hazardous situations.
Easy clean friction stay hinges are designed for building regulation purposes if there is a need for emergency exits. These hinges can slide along and one can go outside through this window. Other than that these hinges are the best as they provide easy cleaning from inside as well as outside of the windows.
Top hung friction hinges are placed in the windows where the handle is at the bottom of the window. The friction hinge is placed at the top of the window and the window is opened from the bottom and the hinge springs back and facilitates its opening. The windows with top hung friction hinges are pushed outwards from the bottom. These hinges vary in sizes and can be adjusted according to the size of the window. These are available in sizes like 8”, 12”, 14”, 16”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24”. Material of the top hung hinges is stainless steel with the same finish type. Its thickness is 2.6-3 mm. It is used for windows but its quality will improve if the windows are double glazed or aluminum.
Side hung friction hinges are designed in a way that when the window is opened it looks like a door opening. The handle of the window is at the side of the opener and the hinges are present at the bottom and top of the opener. The window opens from the side like a door opening up to the desired level.
Other than these types the standard friction hinges are also in the market. These are as follows:
Torque range available is ½ inch pound to 14 inch pound with a standard finish of black oxide. It is widely used in medical equipment, small LCD displays, lids, covers, and safety guards.
Torque range that is available is ½ inch pound to 14 inch pound with a standard finish of black oxide. It is widely used in medical equipment, small LCD displays, lids, covers and safety guards. Its specifications differ with the model.
Specific models of these friction hinges have different torque but the standard one is 2 inch-pound to 12 inch-pound. It is also used in medical devices, lids, and covers. It is also used for shafts.
Torque range is from 3 inch- pound to 8 inch- pound. It is a closed housing with no hinges visible and is used in covers, lids, and medical equipment. The torque configuration can be done on demand also.
The standard torque for this hinge is 3 inch- pound to 20 inch- pound or more. The finishing is of black oxide. It is used in headrests, medical devices, lids, covers, and LCD displays. This hinge has higher torque with a small packaging.
Torque configurations are available for this type of friction hinge and the standard is 5 inch-pound to 17 inch-pound. It is designed in a way of no exposure of friction bands and is used in covers, lids, medical devices, guards, and many more applications.
Torque range of this hinge is 10 inch-pound to 120 inch- pound but varies for specific models. This hinge offers many configurations such as one way torque, centralized, left or right all depending on the model. It is typically used for arm support, headrests, medical devices, lids, and covers.
Depending on the model different torque ranges are available but the standard one is 20 inch-pound to 70 inch-pound. Its coating is of black oxide and it is used in medical devices application, LCD displays, headrests, arm support, and much more. This hinge offers a very high torque with a small packaging.
This hinge is adjustable and offers a highest torque of 20 inch-pound to 100 inch- pound with black aluminum finish. Its main applications are in medical devices, arm supports, headrest and many more. It comes with a hollow shaft.
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