Selecting the right hinge is crucial for the correct closing/opening of a hatch, door or window. However, the large range of industrial hinges from the BIBUS webshop can be overwhelming. The unique properties of these hinges can offer a decisive advantage in your situation.
With the help of this article you can easily select the right hinge for a specific application. The hinges can be ordered directly from the webshop. If you need tailor-made advice, please do not hesitate to contact our specialists.
Industrial hinge applications
The wide variety of hinges makes it possible that the hinges can be used in an extremely diverse manner. The different types of hinges from the BIBUS webshop are therefore used in various sectors and situations.
For example, the hinges are used in machine and equipment construction, HVAC, the maritime industry, in compressors and aggregates, in storage systems, in trucks and trailers and in displays and showcases.
Read more about the selection process of the right industrial hinge below the video.
The above video shows a test of BIBUS friction hinge.
Selection process industrial hinges
The selection process has many steps. The final choice depends on the preferences that emerge in this process. It is recommended to have completed the hinge selection before the start of the design process. This means that the final design does not have to be adapted afterwards to the hinge to be used.
The table below shows the advantages and disadvantages of the different hinges. These properties are further explained in the text below the table.
| Internal hinges | External hinges |
|---|---|
| Is placed on the inside of the door | Is placed on the outside of the door |
| Protection against vandalism | No protection against vandalism |
| Hinge is not visible when closed, making it easier to integrate into a design | Hinge is visible when closed |
| Fewer mounting options due to limited accessibility | More mounting options due to better accessibility |
| No adjustable friction variants available | Adjustable friction variants available |
| Smaller range of hinges | Larger range of hinges |
| Various colors and materials available | Various colors and materials available |
| Detachable variants available | Detachable variants available |
| Comply with industry standards and requirements | Comply with industry standards and requirements |
1. Design
Due to the industrial design, the external hinges often fit seamlessly into an industrial design. If the application or the design requires the hinges to be invisible, we can also provide the right hinges: internal hinges.
The internal hinges, also called invisible hinges, are attached to the inside of the door. As a result, the hinges cannot be seen from the outside in closed position. The opposite of internal hinges are external hinges, which are attached to the outside of the door, so that they are visible. For this reason, internal hinges are often used in a sleek design.
The images below show the difference between an internal hinge (left/silver hinge) and an external hinge (right/black hinge).
2. Protection against vandalism
Another advantage of internal hinges compared to external hinges is that the internal variants are better protected against vandalism. After all, the hinges are not visible or accessible from the outside. Well-known applications of internal hinges are therefore objects such as safes, electrical boxes and lockers for a reason.
The video below shows the operation of an internal hinge.
3. Mounting options
BIBUS offers hinges with different mounting options, both for the internal and the external hinges. You can choose to attach hinges by means of welding, blind riveting, screws or glue.
Weldable hinges offer a higher maximum load, while blind riveted hinges can be mounted faster and cheaper. The ideal mounting method does not only depend on speed and cost, but also on the available mounting space. Overlay hinges generally offer more mounting options as they are easier to reach.
4. removability of the door
Various hinges from this range are easily removable, so that the door can be (dis)assembled at any time. This has mainly logistical advantages, because the door can be attached at any desired moment in the production process.
Both the inner and the surface hinges have detachable variants. These hinges are distinguished by a spring pin or spring pin, with which the two components of the hinge can be easily disconnected. Below are some examples of detachable industrial hinges.
5. Total load on the door
A decisive decision is related to the weight of the door or hatch to which the hinge is attached. Some high-quality industrial hinges from BIBUS can withstand extremely high loads and have a long service life.
6. Color and material
Both variants of hinges are available in various colors and materials. External factors such as UV radiation, electrical conductivity, temperature range, vibration resistance and corrosion resistance can all influence the choice of material.
Listed below are the different materials available and respective benefits. Do you have questions about the desired material for your hinge? Our specialists will gladly assist you.
| Material | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Corrosion-resistant, sleek design |
| Steel | High load possible |
| Zamak | Corrosion-resistant, interesting for price |
| Polyamide | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, interesting for price, less frictional resistance, does not conduct |
| Aluminum | Light weight but still high load possible |
7. Industrial requirements
In addition to factors related to the design itself, external influences such as compliance with standards and certification can also play a role in the final choice. The hinges from the BIBUS range comply with EN 15085-2 and PN-EN ISO 3834-2 standards.
8. Opening angle
The maximum opening angle of the hinge can also be a decisive factor. BIBUS has hinges with various opening angles, such as 90°, 180° or 270°.
9. Wider asortment
The series of external hinges has a wider range than the internal hinges. The first group of hinges includes flat hinges, piano hinges, block hinges, corner hinges, panel hinges, hinges for fire doors, drill-in hinges and pin hinges.
10. Friction
The line of external hinges has five hinges with adjustable friction. These hinges can remain in any desired position, without additional support. This means that no gas spring or alternative has to be used to position the door.
A well-known example of an application of friction hinges can be found in a laptop screen. This screen can also be placed in any desired position.
