If versatility had a face, that face would be hinges. A hinge is a mechanical bearing that joins two solid objects together. The range of their use is so vast that it is hard to imagine anything in the construction industry that does not use them. You will find hinges on doors, gates, windows, airplanes, vehicles, lockets, pianos, cages. Virtually anything you can think of.
People in the construction and furniture industry are the heaviest users of hinges: they are what make their products usable. The physics behind hinges is so simple, yet they serve one of the most vital functions in the things we use everyday.
Brief History
The exact origin of hinges cannot be accurately placed. However, there is evidence of their use as early as the Bronze Age era in the Middle East. Ancient temples in Turkey also have doors with very old hinges, proof that they have been part of civilization for long.
Hinges became widespread in the Middle Ages when metal became easily available and much cheaper. By the time the Industrial Revolution kicked in, hinges had become essential components that drove that era to what we have today.
Materials Used
Hinges are mainly made of metal; the type used now depends on the purpose they end up serving. Metals like steel, copper, nickel, chrome, brass, and bronze are used in the manufacture of hinges. Each metal has its unique qualities that differ from one another; tensile strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Decorative hinges are made using brass, the strongest and the most durable ones are made using stainless steel. Plastic is also another material used to create cheaper hinges that are rust free and do not require any lubrication. However, they can only be used for simple lighter frames.
Types of Hinges
Hinges come in various types and sizes, each serving a different purpose. The high demand for them has made manufacturers to further come up with more varieties. The following are the most common types in use today:
