Choosing a stainless hinge
Good design frequently goes unnoticed. This is because, firstly, a well-functioning product naturally receives less recognition than a product with flawed operation and, secondly, the design details that constitute a high-quality product are often not obvious to an end user.
This observation is certainly true for many hardware components: while playing a key role in ensuring consistent performance of an overall product solution, often not much attention is given to the specification of such elements. As a result, the inferior performance of the product due to specifying hardware components that are not the most appropriate fit for the application may only come to the forefront when the product has already been launched.
Using the example of stainless steel hinges, which are used across numerous industrial applications and are readily available in the market, asking the following questions will help differentiate between the many available hinge suppliers to select the product that is right for the application at hand.
What do the testing and manufacturing processes reveal about potential performance? For many engineers, cost and convenience play key roles in the decision-making process, but they are only one element of the overall design process. Short and long-term performance are also important, but it can be challenging to assess when comparing one solution to another.
One way to do this is to evaluate the manufacturing and testing processes involved in developing the hinge, by asking a potential supplier how they test for and assure quality, durability and performance. Do they have any proprietary processes in place to ensure that design and aesthetic impact are matched by a high level of functionality? A proven supplier should have manufacturing, testing and assembly processes in place that provide a high level of product integrity – even in the most demanding application environments.
Does the product actively help with meeting regulatory standards? In many cases, compliance is not often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about stainless steel hinges. However, choosing the right hinge can help meet the demands of industry-specific regulations. This goes even further than having the correct material grade to meet specific industry standards. For example, asking whether the hinge has been tested for performance against moisture and dust (NEMA 4 / IP65) or against shock and vibration (EN61373). Even a small detail such as an exposed opening for a screw fitting has the potential to make controlled environments, such as food or pharmaceutical applications, more vulnerable to contaminants.
Hinges that are constructed with stainless steel offer a high level of corrosion resistance and can withstand harsh cleaning agents and exposure to contamination. A hinge with exposed openings or sharp corners can also increase the risk of injury and accident in environments that are constantly in motion, such as ambulance interiors. In this case, stainless steel hinges with optional covers can help prevent exposure to injury by shielding sharp edges and providing a smooth, seamless surface.
Does the product provide consistent aesthetic impact? Every surface mount hinge should look fresh and new when it has been delivered from the manufacturing facility, but what about two, five or even ten years down the line? Also, while it is relatively simple to maintain uniformly consistent hand-polished hinges in the hundreds, will the standard still be the same when the parts are purchased by the thousands?
To avoid these pitfalls, engineers should check that the hinge is processed in a way that ensures it has an identically high-quality finish every time, no matter how large the volumes. Proven suppliers will share the processes they use to provide long-lasting corrosion resistance, durability and “cleanability”, and how they assure a refined look without sacrificing functionality. When choosing a supplier, consider whether they offer optional features which enhance the appearance of the hinges without impacting their function, such as a high gloss finish option and cover options to hide mounting hardware.
What other benefits does this product bring to the application? Asking the right questions early on in the design process can potentially highlight where product choice can bring added value to projects in markets such as industrial machinery, HVAC and electrical equipment. A stainless steel hinge should have a consistent, reliable performance over its life cycle and this is where value is created, as no ongoing investment or maintenance is required.
Watch out for the risks of selecting a surface mount hinge that is only available as a standalone part. Stainless steel hinges that are instead created as an entire system with a range of hinge leaf configurations and sizes, and optional complementary parts provide more design options and guarantee that all components will work together. Furthermore, there may be the requirement for locks or latches on the same application where the hinges are used. Selecting all necessary components from one supplier versus many ensures compatibility of solutions and offers more design flexibility.
Will the part provide Return On Investment for the life of the project? Cost is often a major aspect of the component selection process. But it pays to go further by assessing the return on investment of a hinge over the entire life cycle of a project. Look for options that are competitively priced, but also provide further advantages, such as whether the hinge you’re considering has the potential to help resolve a design or function problem rather than performing one basic role. Does the hinge assure high corrosion resistance for long-term performance or offer additional optional features that improve the quality of the end product or user environment?
Asking a supplier how their stainless steel hinges are manufactured can potentially enhance the return on investment of your entire project.

Southco
Other News from Southco

Latest news about Enclosures, cabinets, fans and Electrical
- Air cooling versus liquid cooling for industrial enclosures
- Innovative field shelter delivers off-grid cooling solution for remote basestation
- Protection against frost as temperatures drop
- Rittal’s VX25 Ri4Power panels deliver impressive solution for renewable energy project
- Cooling technology delivers energy savings for bakery ovens
- Rittal installs new production line chillers for Irish manufacturing business
- New Pinet aluminium hinges from FDB Panel Fittings
- Spelsberg’s new fire-resistant enclosure maintains electrical system safety
- Visual indication IP69K stainless steel compression latch from Emka
- FDB Rocfast lock assembly and logistics ready to help rebuild the industrial enclosures industry
- Foremost introduces control panel and HMI enclosure systems
- Rotary latch actuator features modern styling and integrated electronic locking
- Emka 1056 hinges for Covid barriers and shields
- Rugged general purpose AB Series and BM Series enclosures from BCL
- New FDB/DIRAK telescopic cover supports for control desks - tops and covers
- New XL size BODY-CASE wearable enclosures from OKW
- EMKA publishes enclosure sealing technology 2020 catalogue
- Important considerations for designing electrical enclosures
- Rittal’s infrastructure protects compact IT data centre within industrial unit
- Robust, high-quality range of ABS power supply cases includes flame-retardant ABS models
- Rittal offers liquid cooling for the industrial space
- Intertec acquires Thermotex Engineering
- New fast-assembly UNICASE instrument enclosures
- Rittal publishes guide to intelligent PDUs
- New Pinet stainless steel friction hinges from FDB Panel Fittings
- Compact, robust hand held case models from BCL Enclosures
- Specifying TECHNOMET 19in rack enclosures in custom sizes up to 16U
- Emka stainless steel series includes locks, handles, hinges and swinghandles
- New spring hinge from Pinet via FDB Panel Fittings assures ease of operation
- Transparency and control across IT tacks’ power consumption
- Addressing the challenges in the food industry
- Multi-point locking ensures uniform sealing, resists unauthorised opening
- Protection in the harshest of environments
- Selecting enclosures for outdoor installations
- IT Cooling: Look beyond the norm for true innovation
- Hammond introduces EJSS IP66 stainless steel industrial enclosures
- Rittal’s infrastructure protects compact IT data centre within industrial unit
- RS Components expands RS PRO range of high-quality enclosures for electrical installations
- Expert free service from Rittal provides checks and advice to prevent system failures
- Suitable enclosures for different food hygiene zones
- Rittal publishes review of five trends for data centres
- Rittal publishes guide to HD enclosures for food and beverage industry
- Cabinets and components for the Water and Waste Treatment industry
- FDB Panel Fittings compression latches for special purposes
- Rittal unveils new AX and KX enclosure ranges
- FDB Panel Fittings has a handle on clip-on technology
- Rittal’s Therm software makes short work of specifying climate control equipment
- Cut enclosure configuration time by 95%
- Quick and easy cam mounting for swinghandles
- Rittal adds new ranges of small and compact enclosures
- Rod latch system simplifies multi-point locking
- Smart enclosures choices for energy management systems
- Enclosures for UK’s deepest mine
- Protecting industrial environments through applying ergonomic design
- Stylish IP68 wall mount or desktop plastic enclosures
- Spelserg believes in UK stock
- Reducing the energy output of machine tools
- Enclosures deliver reliability and flexibility in the most challenging of environments
- Rittal unveils AX and KX enclosure ranges
- Top ten tips for specifying small metal and plastic enclosures
- Rittal celebrates 40th anniversary in the UK
- In times of uncertainty, make the most of your assets
- Custom three-point lock developed for rack data cabinet installations
- DIN rail adapters for plastic enclosures
- Risk-free electrical installation for offsite manufacturing
- Rugged subrack from Verotec conforms to MIL STD 167
- Rugged subrack from Verotec conforms to MIL STD 167
- Safety latch lock with visual indicator
- The enclosure testers
- Enclosures are enhanced for extreme applications
- Enclosures for machine control equipment
- Enclosures for the Internet of Things
- Enclosures help maximise efficiency for fast food kitchen fit-outs
- New range of powerful and small magnetic catches
- Rittal laser machining centre revolutionises panel production
- Strong, small ABS enclosures with lids
- Make improvements now ready for the summer
- Merger of CamdenBoss and Smartboxx creates comprehensive enclosure range
- Dancing Robots are a reality at Rittal’s Manufacturing Plant in Germany
- Interlocked hinge wraps it up
- Specifying enclosures to meet fire regulations
- Stainless hinges for specialist enclosures
- The benefits of bespoke motor control centres
- Universal cable entry system for maximum packing density
- Your opportunity to test drive Rittal’s Perforex solution
- Enclosures ensures lift passengers can make emergency calls
- Hydraulic reservoir breathers protect equipment from moisture and humidity damage
- Excellence in STEM
- Minimising downtime in the food production industry
- Rittal Offers Panel Opportunity to Test Drive the Perforex Solution
- Temperature management
- Protection inside and out
- Rittal Publishes UL Regulations Advice
- Enclosures speed construction of North Wales’ newest prison
- Optimised protection and reliability for energy storage applications
- How lithium batteries react with water
- Spelsberg partners with CED to offer top class junction boxes
- IP65 latches for specialist cabinet locking systems
- New hinge concept increases flexibility
- Rittal’s Hygienic Solution for Large Control Systems
- Assembly benefits combined with savings in time
- Systematically Innovative Enclosures
- Rittal hits the road with Routeco Live 2018
- Rittal cooling units now with new output class
- Assured moisture protection in missile containers
- Enclosure positioning is as important as specification
- IP66 enclosures now in ten sizes
- Protecting sensitive equipment in the field
- Rack enclosures enable global network infrastructure to expand
- Slimline motor controllers create space in enclosures
- Laser machining centre revolutionises control panel production at LCA Controls
- Rittal’s new laser machining centre to revolutionise control panel production at engineering firm
- Are you cool about enclosure climate control performance?
- Combating condensation in enclosure installations
- Considerations for specifying an enclosure latching system
- Suspension arm assemblies from ETA
- CamdenBoss adds universal enclosures and more sizes for Takaichi range
- MSA Foams supports the Bloodhound SSC project
- Distribution boards help keep pressure stable for divers
- Don’t get lost in the fog
- Pole kits extend mounting options for enclosures
- Verotec chosen for Multi Scout SV project
- Rittal joins the Open19 Foundation
- Elesa “V0” certified quarter-turn latches, locks and bridge handles
- Spelsberg’s next day custom enclosure samples keep projects on schedule
- Intelligent industrialization of datacentres
- Breakthrough antistatic coating for hazardous areas
- Is the cooling output inside your enclosures sufficient?
- New cases are 40% lighter and come in three new colours
- Verotec helps Abbey Road Studios continue to expand and innovate
- New plastic hinges and mounting adjustment devices
- Rittal’s DX enclosure-based cooling solutions support growing IT needs
- Rittal showcases enclosures at Railtex 2017
- New shutter cam latch is designed to prevent accidental opening
- Enclosure hardware to protect both users and equipment
- Hammond enhances modification capability
- Quality enclosures for potentially explosive environments
- Spring loaded slam cam for door cylinder locks, handles and inserts
- Say goodbye to tangled cables
- Rittal launches slotted cover plate for electrical distribution systems
- Rittal LED light series now complete
- Bespoke cabling systems company grows with Spelsberg enclosures
- Comfort zone for hot converters
- Eliminating thermal runaway within electrical enclosures
- Ultraviolet considerations when specifying enclosures
- Rittal to build world’s most advanced production plant
- Rittal Blue e+ cooling unit wins international award
- Verotec acquires IMRAK 1400 in £250k+ investment
- Improved accessories for ETA enclosures
- Die cast enclosures from Hammond
- Enclosures protect control equipment in milking parlours
- RS Components enters into global distribution agreement with Pfannenberg
- Rittal automation system delivers commercial benefits to panel builders
- Cable entry made easy with support arms
- Rapid Electronics adds to its Fibox offering
- Rittal's heavy current busbar systems approved for use on board ships
- Aiding asset management within the rail industry
- Heat build up in enclosures
- Interior installation: quick and with plenty of space
- Mini waterproof breathers for electronic enclosures
- Greater scope for the interior configuration of enclosures
- Overview brochure from ETA
- “Rittal – The System” on show at Drives and Controls 2016
- Electrical safety assured with enclosures
- Guide to closed cell sponge rubber
- IP65 weatherproof distribution boxes
- Spelsberg slashes lead times on custom orders thanks to new CNC machine
- Cost-effective wall box solutions
- Easier custom case production
- ETA and Wöhner partner for power distribution solutions
- GRP housing provides corrosion resistant cooling
- Spelsberg Pro-Active simplifies ordering for reduced lead times
- Rittal Ri4Power switchgear and busbar system installed on ocean liner
- Rittal’s Ri4Power press stoppers offer in-built protection against arcing faults
- Energy efficient cabinet cooling options from ETA
- Tests confirm performance of CE-TEK fire-rated enclosures
- The A-Z of electrical enclosures
- Thermal management with cloud-based monitoring highlighted by Pfannenberg
- Windows and swing handles
- ETA Enclosures and Wӧhner combine their expertise
- It’s not just an enclosure: Rittal’s cost-effective wall box solutions
- Take the heat off next summer, says Rittal
- A world of knowledge with Rittal CPD seminars
- Rittal brings innovative Blue e+ cooling system to the UK
- Versatile enclosure ranges at Northern Manufacturing
- New busbar System from Rittal for safe and quick switchgear
- TE 7000 - the versatile IT rack from Rittal
- Verotec contributes to THAAD systems
- Rittal's enclosure solutions on show at Offshore Europe 2015
- Fibox takes enclosures design to a new level
- Rittal's busbar systems prove highly seaworthy
- Custom enclosures keep the underground running
- Demand based cooling
- Industry 4.0 whitepaper from Rittal
- Plastic enclosures meet the needs of Wi-Fi installations
- Protective packaging
- They're not all little boxes and they're not all the same
- Designing a chiller - in just four steps
- 3D laser improves enclosure machining
- Fibox adds Euronord 3 range of enclosures to portfolio
- Rittal's New Ri4Power 185mm Power Distribution Busbar System
- Reduce down-time, equipment failure and energy use
- Waterproof Breathers prevent water damage to enclosures and instruments
- New whitepaper on "Industry 4.0" now available from Rittal
- Automation in enclosure assembly
- IP65 addition to ergonomic family
- Reece Safety Products chooses Fibox for substation rescue kits
- Is IT taking you backwards into the future?
- Innovative enclosures specified for airport approach lighting project
- Rittal's enclosure solutions on show at RAILTEX 2015
- CMCs deliver better reporting for more control of data centre racks
- Energy-efficient enclosure cooling in cool but dusty environments
- Providing the right environment for a G59 electrical installation
- Even the electrical enclosures are innovative on new aircraft carriers
- Stainless steel suspension arm and HMI enclosures
- Verotec wins contract to supply custom enclosures for flight simulators
- Rittal's TS 8 enclosure system
- Assured performance with aluminium enclosure
- Create cases for working prototypes
- Ergonomics in enclosure assembly
- Freedom of component choice is key to successful designs
- Material choices for enclosures
- New biometric locking system
- Stay connected with Hylec-APL's compact IP68 solutions
- Rittal Therm 6.3 - updated thermal calculation software
- Rittal EC fan-and-filter units with speed control
- Enclosures target rugged and electronic environments
- Rittal's RiLine busbar system for AC and DC applications
- Mild steel and stainless steel enclosures
- Rittal offer more TS IT rack options
- Counting the costs of poor quality
- Low cost ABS enclosures
- MSA Foams: protective packaging for products
- Reduce your design time
- When good metal goes bad
- Rittal offers advice on HCFC ban
- Panel feed-through housings offer sealing on both sides
- Rittal's new operating housings
- Safe and simple locks
- Tubular handle with high electrical insulation properties
- Wall and pole mounted cabinets
- Metal versus plastic for large outdoor enclosures
- Novel fire shelters enhance safety in offshore gas project
- Rittal cooling units for quiet environments
- Rittal provide state of art technology for flooded airflow cooling solution
- Fan speed control is now demand based
- Modified enclosures within five days
- When one distribution hub is not enough...
- Rittal's latest RPE design software
- Phenomenal response to Fibox ARCA at the Hannover Messe
- Rittal and the IEC 61439 Standard
- Everything you need to know about industrial climate control
- New push-push indexing plungers from Elesa
- Flush pull handles with snap-in assembly from Elesa
- Spelsberg customises enclosures to help prevent freezing pipes
- Rittal housings for TFT monitors
- Passively cooled cabinets protect instrumentation on world's largest vessel
- PUE efficiency package for Rittal RiMatrix S
- Electronic enclosures handbook
- Stainless steel enclosures
- Rittal's RiDiag II Software
- Enclosures
- IP ratings: what you need to know
- How to deal with damaging condensation
- Comfort handle optimises installed equipment
- Extended range of enclosure handles
- Handle with added security of cam lock
- Handles with lock cylinders
- Integrated enclosure hardware
- Padlockable stainless steel L handles
- Understanding the standards for explosion-proof enclosures
- Backplane solutions for industrial applications
- Rittal offers IP69K hygiene for all sectors
- Rod control system is smoother and quicker
- Understanding ingress protection ratings
- Laminated copper bars
- Retex UK enclosures and racks are now available through Evatron
- Global centre of server rack design in Plymouth
- Brownell acquires moisture protection specialist Diatero
- Cool agreement for ETA Enclosures and Cosmotec
- How to deal with potentially damaging condensation
- New features enhance air/water heat exchangers
- Rack and enclosure specialist opens in the UK
- How enclosure accessories can make or break a design
- The importance of effective enclosure climate control
- Latches and hinges
- RFI shielding and conductive coatings
- Floor mount cable conduit system from ETA Enclosures
- Reduce costs with effective enclosure climate control
- White paper on hinging from Elesa
- Storage tank vent breathers for protecting sensitive fluids
- Dispose of the cost of disposal
- Corrosion resistant folding handles from Elesa
- New stop locks from Elesa keep things in place
- Energy efficient climate control
- Rittal supplies optimum solution through consistency
- Build and refurbish enclosures, boxes, guards and cabinets
- FDB stainless steel IP67 lock for food and clean room areas
- Fibox moves to brand new accommodation
- Interior installation made easy
- It all hinges on EMKA
- Enclosures and more
- Economic approach to low voltage switchgear
- Moisture adsorbing polymers
- Spring latches add to standard parts range
- ETA Enclosures and Wohner partner in the UK
- Nitrogen purging protects sensing systems against humidity and condensation
- Free standing enclosures
- A double for Rittal
- Custom design enclosures offer rapid lead times
- Enclosures for tough environments
- Reprogrammable lock latches
- Junction box solves solar cable problem
- Modular approach delivers increased levels of versatility
- Electrical distribution switchboards and motor control centres
- Clip fit rod guides speed assembly
- New enclosure range from ETA
- Technically advanced products from a new strategic partner
- Thermoelectric cooler functions as heater, too
- Rittal's new Power Engineering tool
- Cabinet coolers run on compressed air supply
- Power distribution
- ATEX certified stainless steel enclosures
- Enclosures deliver maximum versatility and cost saving
- Rital's system concept for enclosures
- Hinges on display from Elesa
- Hinges with adjustable friction from Elesa
- Air Control Industries expands Slimline fans range
- Cabinet cooling solutions get eco-friendly
- Economical compressed air cooling
- Schroff appointed agent for McLean Cooling Technology
- Extruded aluminium cases designed for keypad devices
- Keep cooling simple with Rittal fan and filter units
- Pizza box 1U rack enclosures to take away
- Remote unlocking for EMKA swinghandles
- Snap-in panel fittings
- Camden acquires Boss Enclosures
- Hygiene award for Rittal enclosures
- Rittal receives SAFEcontractor accreditation
- Cost cutting today could impact on your business tomorrow
- Motor Control Centre design made simple
- Positioning technology
- Custom cases designed quickly
- Poetry in motion
- Wing handles to IP65
- ETA takes a no-compromise approach to enclosures
- Handle eases hot-swapping of boards
- Handles with more style
- Hermetic micro packaging with heat sinks
- IP65 sealed enclosure is stylish and rugged
- IP67 push-fit grommet seals are quick and easy to install
- Mini breathers for electronics enclosures
- Telescopic stays for cabinet door
- Variable technology fits modular Slim-Box Vario
- Enclosures
- Control panel design software gets smarter
- Packaging solutions
- Breathers prevent enclosure damage
- Ergonomic enclosures suit slimline displays and controls
- PC enclosure fuses durability with iconic style
- Photo-machined parts despatched within 48 hours
- Rack extinguisher system provides fire protection
- Rugged enclosures for tough environments
- Stainless hinge for larger doors
- A fan for all reasons
- Elegant solutions meet the needs of real world problems
- Hygienic protocol versus divine intervention
- No shocks with latest range of enclosures
- Stainless lift-off hinge is designed for use on larger cabinet doors
- Swinghandle protects enclosures from vandals
- Tuned in to digital TV
- Automated building control for Heathrow T5
- Enclosure cooling
- Enclosure hardware
- ETA introduces line of cabinet cooling units
- Hand-held enclosures in die-cast aluminium
- Increased Protection for OKW's Datec-Control hand-held cases
- Integrated ventilation for compact desktop case
- Stainless hinges resist corrosion
- Stainless steel draw latch
- Staying cool in demanding circumstances
- Stylish design for flame retardant enclosures
- Why go for electronic locking?
- Telecoms applications outdoors
- Climate control for MicroTCA systems
- DIN rail cases allow multiple connectors
- Is MicroTCA the future for industrial applications?
- Sealing the gap
- Small enclosures bring big benefits
- Taking the heat out of the situation
- The implications of the latest edition of the EMC directive
- Grommets to protect your vulnerable cables
- Pull latch handle secures 19in racks
- Storage and protection for a wide range of tools
- Tough enclosures for demanding tasks
- Versatile Dissipator metal enclosures
- Desiccants, but not as we know them
- Economic IP65 enclosures
- When does bespoke design become practical?
- Cabinet cooling solutions
- ATEX approved enclosures
- Impact resistant IP65 enclosures
- It's all about colour
- New compression latches
- Small size shielding strips
- The power of distribution
- Extended range of UNIMET aluminium enclosures
- Last minute adjustment
- Push-pull handles on the slide
- Cabinets get the wind up - Emka stops the flap
- A commitment to the environment
- Integration service cuts cost and time to market
- Sand cast panels
- Saving time on your electrical installations
- Tailored solutions
- New range of latches and catches
- Pocket-sized innovation
- A handy range of accessories
- Carbon impregnated fan filters
- Enclosures have high IP rating for hostile environments
- Ideal fan where space is at a premium
- Industrial grade latch offers lockable security
- Bespoke handles and hinges
- Comfort panel for your HMI
- Compression latch for unusual tasks
- Enclosures for cameras
- Hinges are free-operating
- Instrumentation enclosures
- Modular design for motor control centres
- Pitched roof and a fitted viewing window
- Protection for your PC
- Stainless steel enclosures
- Suspension arm assembly