Materials and production process about the hinges

Different hinges may vary in purpose, efficiency, and price. One of the reasons for this change involves the materials and processes used to make hinges, which are ubiquitous in everyday life. While hinges have been used for thousands of years, it was only in the relatively recent era of mass manufacturing and advanced machining that standardized hinge production methods emerged. Despite sharing certain fundamental principles in design and application, modern hinge production may be considered a far more complex process than its ancient predecessors.

The classification of different hinges is usually determined by the base materials, tools, and processing techniques from which they are made. Metal is the most commonly used material in hinge manufacturing, so metal manufacturing methods make up the bulk of the hinge production process. While these metal fabrication processes are also frequently used in various industrial fabrication projects, specific characteristics in hinge production make them unique.

Materials of hinges:

The forming material used in hinge production is an important factor affecting the cost and application of hinge production. Steel is one of the most commonly used metals due to its mechanical durability and relative versatility. Although steel is an alloy of carbon and iron, steel can be further alloyed with other metals to make composite materials. For example, mixing steel with chromium and nickel to make stainless steel, which is highly rust-resistant, is beneficial for hinges that will be exposed to moisture or other corrosive substances.

  Brass is another common hinge-forming material. It is an alloy of zinc and copper, with greater ductility and a lower melting point than any base metal. Brass' relative ease of manufacture, and its golden-yellow tint, make it popular for designing hinges for decorative purposes. Likewise, bronze (an alloy of tin and copper) is relatively easy to form and has a reddish surface that has aesthetic value. In addition, bronze has a low level of metal-to-metal friction, making it ideal for the joint function of hinges.

Hinge Production Processes:

Manufacturing a hinge is a value-added process, so the cost of hinges usually depends on the length and efficiency of the production method that makes it. Generally speaking, the production of hinges usually involves a certain amount of heat treatment. The molding material is first heated in an industrial oven or smelting unit to make it more malleable. Heating or even melting the metal to make it easier to form different shapes can also change its chemical composition. The next step involves the machining process, either stamping, cutting, flattening, or deforming the workpiece into a usable hinge assembly.

Casting is a processing technique commonly used in hinge production. In this process, the metal is firstly melted and then passed through a mold to solidify it into the desired shape. After casting, finishing treatment such as smooth surface or polishing is carried out to improve the aesthetic quality of hinge parts. Hand casting and similar labor-intensive products tend to rise the price of hinges.

After the main production phase is complete, many secondary and peripheral treatments available to help the hinge wear out or deteriorate. For example, every time a hinge is used, a small portion of its metal wears out, so some manufacturers opt for hinge assemblies that install ball bearings between each joint. These ball bearings allow for smoother sliding when the hinge moves, and they are a valuable addition to heavier doors or bulky hatches. Aesthetically, painting, polishing, buffing, or smoothing can add to the decorative appeal of a hinge, while rust protection can help ensure a longer, more efficient lifespan of the hinge as an integral component.