Specialist parts supplier Southco has launched its new T6 friction hinge, which it describes as a cost-effective access hardware solution that helps designers remove play from their panels without breaking their budget. Friction and torque hinges are used to add resistance to panels, and come with several benefits, says Southco, including that their resistance makes the panel easier to position, makes lighter materials feel heavier, and keeps users safe by preventing panels from quickly swinging open or slamming shut. However, the company adds that these benefits have historically come at a significantly higher price compared to free-swinging hinges.
“While embedded torque engines and polished stainless-steel hardware are certainly the industry standard, they may become cost prohibitive as budgets tighten and engineers look to optimise every part of their design,” the manufacturer says, adding that it has solved the price problem with its new friction hinge, which replaces expensive torque engines for precision stamping construction that tightly wraps the hinge knuckles around the pin, providing enough friction to remove play from the hinge without grinding or preventing movement.
This process, says the company, greatly reduces manufacturing costs, giving designers on all budgets access to the quality feel of a friction hinge, whilst the stainless-steel construction makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. “The T6 friction hinge offers a more cost-efficient solution, and the stainless-steel material offers corrosion resistance and aesthetic benefits,” said Southco Product Manager Stewart Beck. “Its stamped construction helps keep the price down for all designers, while the added friction solves the play issues without the need for a high-end positioning control hinge.”
