This year IHINGES has developed and produced many sizes of aluminum butt hinges. This material of hinge is also more fluent in the last two years. In this article, I will introduce the following aspects of what is an aluminum butt hinge and its characteristics and other knowledge.
What are the aluminum butt hinges?
Aluminum butt hinges are butt hinges made of aluminum. It should be noted here that these hinges are used in the field of industrial equipment. For example, automation equipment, new energy equipment, etc. At present, most of the aluminum hinges we produce are in the form of docking. This means that the left and right hinge blocks are symmetrical and of the same size.
Although the aluminum hinge itself has the characteristic of not rusting. However, for the sake of the product’s aesthetics, a layer of protection is often applied to its surface. This is also known as anodic oxidation or anodic black treatment. The surface treatment of aluminum hinges is very beautiful and has a strong metallic texture. The use of the equipment can greatly enhance the overall aesthetics of the equipment.
What are the features of aluminum butt hinges?
Aluminum hinges have advantages and disadvantages. To summarize, they are as follows.
-
Lightweight
Aluminum hinges are lightweight, strong, flexible, corrosion-resistant, non-toxic, and non-flammable.
-
Save money
Aluminum is a very economical material. And it is also easier to produce such aluminum hinges, so the cost of aluminum hinges is much lower. Aluminum and stainless steel are similar in price per kilogram, but because aluminum is lighter, this tends to make it more cost-effective.
-
Recyclable
Aluminum hinges can also be recycled after they are used up. This is because it does not rust, unlike hinges made of iron which cannot be recycled after they rust.
-
Strength-to-weight ratio
Aluminum is about one-third the weight of stainless steel. Therefore, it is used in industries such as aircraft and bicycle manufacturing. You will also find aluminum sheets widely used in the automotive industry. Therefore, although stainless steel is stronger, aluminum has a much better strength-to-weight ratio.
-
More accurate dimensions
Aluminum is easier to work with. It is relatively soft and easier to cut, stretch and manipulate. You can bend aluminum into a variety of shapes without damaging it. So hinges produced from aluminum are more accurately sized and will not shrink or expand out of shape. In contrast, the dimensions of hinges made of stainless steel tend to deviate from the design dimensions. Because stainless steel is tough, it is prone to shrinkage or expansion.
Introduction to the material of aluminum butt hinges
Aluminum and stainless steel may look similar, but they have some fundamental differences. Both are used extensively: from tableware and household appliances to ships and infrastructure projects, you’ll find stainless steel. Because of its lightweight, aluminum is widely used in aircraft, bicycles, and automobiles, among other things. Looking at the main differences between the two should help highlight which metal is right for you.
-
Strength
We certainly know that the strength of industrial hinges made of stainless steel is much greater than that of aluminum hinges. But stainless steel is an expensive material. In many cases, aluminum hinges can also meet weight-bearing requirements. But its price is much lower than the stainless steel hinges. So the comparison of strength needs to consider the actual use scenario and economy.
-
Corrosion
Aluminum has good corrosion resistance and will not rust. However, stainless steel has an advantage in this regard because it has added chromium, which gives it a protective coating and good corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is also non-porous, giving it additional resistance to corrosion.
-
Electrical Conductivity
Stainless steel is one of the worst conductors of electricity, while aluminum is a very good conductor of electricity. Again, when it comes to heat, aluminum is a better conductor. However, stainless steel can be used at higher temperatures, while aluminum will soften at higher temperatures.
Are aluminum butt hinges strong?
Aluminum hinges are not as strong as steel hinges, but they are lighter in weight than steel hinges. The weight of aluminum is about 40% less than steel. Aluminum butt hinges are lighter than stainless steel hinges or iron hinges when they also meet load-bearing requirements.
Another advantage of choosing aluminum hinges is that they do not rust. We know that iron tends to rust when it mixes with water in the air. But aluminum does not contain iron, so it will not rust. It will not rust even when exposed to moisture. Therefore, aluminum hinges are often used in outdoor areas where the climate is not easily controlled.
Does aluminum hinges rust?
Aluminum does not contain iron. So it will not rust, even when exposed to moisture. Aluminum is a lightweight, durable metal made of alloys that are resistant to corrosion and different climates. Aluminum can withstand oxidation even when exposed to moisture. This maximizes the performance and durability of aluminum hinges over time.
They are also on average 40% lighter than steel hinges, making them a suitable alternative in situations where cost and functionality may not be applicable. In addition, aluminum is a cost-effective material for hinges. Because aluminum can be recycled, its service life can be extended, which means that the use of resources thereafter can save money.
Uses of aluminum butt hinges
Due to their strength and resistance, aluminum hinges are suitable for a variety of applications. This includes cabinet hinges, outdoor furniture and applications, residential environments, and commercial applications. Heavy-duty aluminum hinge is also widely used in commercial environments because of their fire rating of up to 3 hours.
