Design engineering

Quick-release hinges

Standard parts and components supplier WDS Components has expanded its range of hinges including new designs. Quick-release hinges enable easy removal, while WDS also increases its range of cabinet and strap hinges. The range also includes weldable bullet hinges, plus an increased variety of sizes in continuous piano hinge designs. All of the new hinges are available in stainless steel, making them highly suited to applications including marine use as well as the food and beverage sector.

The new quick-release hinges add a layer of security to existing lift-off hinge designs, while still enabling easy door removal. Developed to enhance ease of maintenance, or for when a door needs to be quickly removed, the quick-release hinges come in two designs. The E clip design secures the hinge pin to prevent removal, while deinstalling the clip enables the door to be taken off the hinge, making this style useful for less regular maintenance.

For more frequent removal, a detent pin design secures the hinge, while its release enables the hinge and adjoining door to be lifted. This style is also useful to secure lift-off hinges during transit, where laying the door horizontally in a moving vehicle can cause their accidental removal. With 22 sizes of each new hinge type, they’re suitable for a wide range of door weights and dimensions. Manufactured in stainless steel, the hinges are heavy-duty and corrosion-free.

WDS has also launched an expanded range of cabinet and strap hinges. Traditionally used to secure cabinet doors, these designs allow the door to lay over the frame, useful in applications where the door is larger than the frame. Meanwhile, strap hinges have a similar use and are distinct for their long, thin arm design. WDS’ new designs are produced in highly polished stainless steel and are intended for heavy-duty outdoor use, including the marine and agriculture markets. They are also designed for use in hygienic environments, such as food and beverage preparation, and can undergo regular chemical washdown without corroding. Various designs of cabinet and strap hinge are available in a range of sizes to suit a wide variety of requirements.

Bullet hinges are also new, so-called thanks to their design style, and are installed by welding into place. The narrow, cylindrical hinge is designed to be positioned on the outside of the door, with welding adding security and enabling attachment when space restriction prevents the use of fasteners. Commonly used in industry, bullet or weldable hinges are often installed on machinery. Offered in a wide range of sizes, the hinges are available in steel as well as stainless steel, and there’s also a version with a grease port, enabling regular lubrication.

WDS has further expanded its range of continuous hinges, also known as piano hinges. Originally designed for piano lids, these long, continuous hinge designs add stability as well as safety, preventing finger traps in a closing door. Originally stocked in 1.8m lengths for the customer to cut down to size, WDS now provides continuous hinges in various sizes starting from 1m, meaning they’re ready to be installed without modification. These hinges are available in stainless steel as well as zinc-coated steel.

All of the hinge styles in WDS’ expanded range are available on wdscomponents.com, with complete specification details including sizing and free-to-download CAD images, available in a range of formats.