Torque hinges hold lids in place at any position.
The function is called "Free Stop".
They are widely used to improve usability of products and machinery.
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Torque Hinges Hardware Basics
On this page, learn the basics about mechanism and different types of torque hinges and how to choose them.
Use our selection tool for torque hinges to choose the product that meets your needs.
Contents
About Torque Hinges
Torque hinges are also called friction hinges.
Mechanism of Free Stop
Free stop is achieved by a mechanism within the hinge that generates friction to provide resistance, which prevents a component from moving unwantedly.
Friction is generated at the shafts.
Disk Structure
Friction is generated when shifting discs sandwiching a fixed disc are moved.
Curl Structure
Friction is generated when a shaft inside a rolled spring sheet is rotated.
Pipe Structure
Friction is generated when shaft press-fitted into a plastic pipe is rotated.
Advantages of Using Torque Hinges
1. Efficiency
A door or panel on torque hinges stops at any angle you desire, without the use of a stopper.
2. Clean Design
Lid supports for the door or panel are not needed, as the hinges themselves bear the load, thereby allowing maximum space inside the application.
3. Safety
Torque hinges prevent unwanted movement, hence providing additional safety for users.
Torque Hinge by Types
Lift-Off Type/Butt Type
These are common designs for swinging doors.
Bracket Type
This simple design permits various mounting positions for upward-opening lids.
Insert Type
These hinges can be installed by pressing them into place and are invisible from the outside.
Swivel, Dual Axis Type
These hinges often permit a wider range of movement.
Concealed Type
Same as the standard type, these hinges have a concealed design that is less obtrusive, which contributes to a tidier look.
Concealed Type
Beyond Just Friction
Specialized features provide added convenience and value. Here’s how hinges work using different design features:
One Way Torque Hinge
One way torque hinge
No torque working in the lifting direction.
Normal torque hinge
Torque also working in the lifting direction.
Friction is applied in only one direction, allowing doors or lids to be opened more easily while still maintaining the position control or “free-stop” once the door is released and friction is applied by gravity in the closing direction.
See productsAdjustable Torque Hinge
Torque decreasing direction ⇔Torque increasing direction
With adjustable friction hinges, the amount of friction exerted by the hinge can be adjusted to the desired strength simply with a hex key or similar tool.
This can be helpful when replacing a door with one of a different weight so that you still get the same performance. It’s also handy if a worker prefers a door to move more easily or more stiffly, since the issue of how hinges work can change depending on the people using them. Having adjustable friction hinges can have other advantages as well, such as when it comes to irregular door shapes and uneven door weights on different hinges.
Detent Torque Hinge
Detent torque hinge
Closes completely
Normal torque hinge
Spring-back
A mechanical detent is designed at the closing point to eliminate spring back ensuring that the lid remains completely closed.
No additional catches are required which contribute to a clean interior.
What is "spring-back"?
Spring-back is a phenomenon that lids cannot completely close to 0° position due to torque. It is also called backlash.
Spring-back is a phenomenon that lids cannot completely close to 0° position due to torque. It is also called backlash.
Spring-Assist Torque Hinge
Spring-assist torque hinge
Spring-assist force
+
Retaining torque
+
Retaining torque
Normal torque hinge
Only retaining torque
The built-in spring makes lids feel lighter to open and close.
See productsApplications and Case Studies
Torque hinges are ideal for adjusting the angles of machine covers, monitors, and lighting fixtures. They play a versatile role in various industries such as medical equipment, machinery, transportation, and food processing machinery.
Applications
Case Studies
Provides torque stability in both directions and suitable for monitor screens.
Selection of Torque Hinge
Choose a torque hinge for your project.
The torque varies depending on the product.
Door Moment
・Moment
A moment is the turning effect of a force.
・Door moment
A door moment is the force with which a door rotates to open or close.
If the torque is less than door moment, the door will not free-stop.
Torque Tolerance
Torque tolerance also needs to be considered when selecting a torque hinge.
For example, 3 N·m torque with ± 20% tolerance has lower limit of 2.4 N·m. Therefore, doors may not free-stop when the door moment is 2.5 N·m.
For more information about door moment, please click here.
Torque hinge selection tool is available for free.
You can find the best hinges for your project.
It can calculate moment, force graph, and more.