What are the uses of aluminum hinges?
- Marine environments
- Fire environments
- Hospital environments
A hinge is a jointed mechanical bearing that is installed to any switching object. With their rotating axis, hinges connect two swinging objects. These have limited movement, allowing the joint to move at one angle and restricting the other from swinging. Hinges also allow only one rotation, either pitching, rolling, or yawing. In this blog, we discuss the different uses of aluminum hinges.
Benefits of Aluminum Hinges
Before discussing the different uses of aluminum hinges, it’s important to understand the benefits of aluminum hinges, first.
Hinges can indeed be made with different materials. Several types of hinges can be found on the market made with stainless steel, bronze, copper, and more. However, aluminum is one of the most common and preferred materials in which hinges are made.
Whether you need to purchase ball-bearing hinges, butt hinges, case hinges, or offset hinges, you can find them made with aluminum. Some of the top benefits of aluminum hinges include:
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum hinges are resistant to corrosion. These can withstand moisture and humidity without succumbing to the damages of oxidation. They also contain no iron content
Rust is an oxidation-related reaction that occurs in iron. So, this means aluminum hinges are immune to rust. The corrosion resistance of aluminum hinges makes them highly ideal for exterior doors and enclosures.
Lightweight
Compared to hinges made from other materials, aluminum hinges are one of the most lightweight. Aluminum hinges weigh only about ⅓ of the weight of stainless steel hinges. Since aluminum hinges are lightweight, they are easy to install and replace.
Recyclable
As a material, aluminum is 100% recycled. It can be melted down completely for use in other items. If you want to help in creating a more sustainable planet, you can rest assured that aluminum hinges can be recycled instead of ending up in landfills.
Affordable
Aluminum hinges are more affordable than hinges made of other materials. Why? The fact that aluminum is a highly abundant, recyclable, and easily weldable metal makes it inexpensive to fabricate. Buying several aluminum hinges for your home, office, or factor won’t break your budget.
Durable
Some people think that because aluminum hinges are lightweight, they are also prone to damage. The truth is that aluminum hinges are durable and last the test of time. Aluminum hinges are used in numerous industries because of their durability. These can support the weight of connected doors and items without getting damaged.
With their rotating axis, hinges are used for a variety of applications such as doors, cabinets, windows, gates, enclosures, jewelry, electronics, and more. Continue reading to learn more about these!
Uses of Aluminum Hinges
Now that you understand the various benefits of aluminum hinges, let’s take a closer look at the common uses of aluminum hinges.
Marine Environments
In marine environments, aluminum hinges are highly preferred for installation in doors, cabinets, windows, gates, and more. Aluminum piano hinges, for instance, are used as fasteners for several boat parts including doors, hatches, and lids. Offset aluminum hinges, on the other hand, are used in pontoon bench seats. The hinges allow the seat cushion to lift and lower to give access to the storage underneath.
Seamen expect their components on deck to be fastened and swing seamlessly and they do, thanks to aluminum hinges. What makes aluminum hinges ideal for marine environments is their corrosion resistance. Aluminum hinges do not succumb to damage once exposed to humidity and moisture while onboard.
Fire Environments
Certain fire-rated hinges are installed in the windows, cabinets, and doors of schools, offices, airports, industrial facilities, and more. Heavy-duty fire-rated continuous aluminum hinges that have a fire rating of up to three hours for metal doors represent a Class A fire endurance rating. However, aluminum as a material, is also non-combustible and its melting temperature is about 660°C.
Hospital Environments
Aluminum hinges provide superior protection for door edges, which makes them exceptionally preferred for hospital environments. As you may already know, hospital doors are wider and subject to intense impact from stretchers and other moving medical equipment. Beyond hospital doors, aluminum hinges are also used for patient beds, medical pieces of equipment, and nurses’ stations.
Key Takeaway
In this article, we have discussed the different uses of aluminum hinges. As you have read aluminum hinges can be used for diverse applications in various industries because of their properties. Aluminum hinges are lightweight, corrosion resistant, recyclable, affordable, and durable.
If you’re still looking for the best hinge material, you can’t go wrong with aluminum hinges. At Aluminum Depot, we offer high-quality yet affordable aluminum hinges in the Philippines. Click here to order from our shop! Contact us for other inquiries.
