What are SS Hinges and Universal Joints All About?

Posted by Sara William on March 21st, 2022

You will find many types of stainless steel (ss) hinges in the market. It is because they find many uses in many industrial applications.

But all of the ss hinges available in the market are not worth buying because they might not fulfill your needs.

It will help if you explore answers to a few relevant questions as that will help you select the right ss hinges for your business.

Here are the questions:

Does the manufacturer has testing and manufacturing processes to ensure good performance?

In any business decision, cost and convenience are important factors to consider. But, they are not the sole factors to consider.

It will help if you consider the short and long-term performance, which is very important. But, assessing the performance of ss hinges can pose challenges.

A prudent way to assess the performance is to evaluate the manufacturing and testing processes involved in developing the hinge. You can ask the manufacturer about their testing process and how they assure quality, durability, and performance.

Ask them if they have any proprietary processes to ensure that design and aesthetics provide a high level of functionality?

A good manufacturer usually has manufacturing, testing, and assembly processes. As a result, the products can provide a high level of product integrity.

Does it come with pleasing aesthetics?

Usually, ss hinges look great when you purchase them. But what about some years down the line?

Also, it might be a simple affair to maintain the small volume of ss hinges, but will the maintenance remain simple with large volumes? 

To get answers to these questions, you need to check out how the manufacturer processes the hinges. The process should ensure it produces a high-quality finish every time, regardless of the volume of ss hinges.

Usually, good manufacturers share the process to provide long-lasting corrosion resistance, durability, and cleanability. They also tell how they assure a refined look without sacrificing functionality.

It is a good idea to consider whether the manufacturer offers optional features that enhance the hinges\' appearance without impacting their function, such as a high gloss finish and cover options to hide mounting hardware.

Will it provide a Return On Investment?

One of the critical considerations of the selection process is the return on your investment. Therefore, you should consider competitively priced ss hinges. Also, look for hinges that provide further benefits, such as fixing a design or function problem rather than performing one basic role.

You can ask the manufacturer whether the ss hinges provide high corrosion resistance for long-term performance or offer additional optional features that improve the quality of the end product or user environment.

Like that, you can potentially enhance the Return On Investment of your investment.

Does the ss hinges meet the regulatory standards?

Check out whether the ss hinges you choose meet the industry-specific regulations. Also, it is made of the correct material grade to meet specific industry standards.

Also, refrain from using ss hinges with exposed openings or sharp corners as it poses the risk of injury. Instead, ensure that you use such hinges with covers.

Like ss hinges, universal joints are also important equipment.

What is a Universal Joint?

You can regard a universal joint as a connection between two objects, usually shafts. The joint comprises two revolute joints with perpendicular and intersecting axes and allows relative rotation in two axes.

When a universal joint connects shafts, each shaft terminates in a revolute joint with its axis perpendicular to the shaft\'s rotational axis. As such, the rotary motion gets transferred between the shafts. It also allows misalignment in both remaining rotational degrees of freedom.

Universal Joint Uses

Universal joints find many uses in mechanical control systems and industrial machinery. They allow large angles between shafts.