Leading US Manufacturer of
Heavy Duty Hinges & Door Operators

What Is a Heavy Duty Hinge?

Heavy Duty HingesHeavy duty hinges are designed to handle the toughest conditions and environments. With a weight capacity of up to 175,000 lbs, these hinges are used in a variety of applications, ranging from government buildings and military facilities to museums and amusement centers. These specialty industrial strength hinges are engineered for doors designed for radiation protection, blast resistance, wind, seismic events, and even against forced entry or projectile penetration.

The materials used in heavy duty hinges vary depending on the specific application, as each requires a different weight capacity. From steel to stainless steel, the hinges can be made to withstand the toughest conditions and provide long-lasting durability.

In addition to their strength and durability, heavy duty hinges are also available in a variety of finishes, such as primed or zinc plated steel, satin chrome plated steel or satin stainless steel to meet specific aesthetic or corrosion concerns. They can be ordered as left- or right-handed, or unhanded ( certain models only), to meet specific installation needs.

Whether you need to secure a government building, protect against wind or seismic events, or ensure the safety of artifacts in a museum, heavy duty hinges are the ultimate solution. These hinges provide the strength, durability, and versatility needed for even the toughest applications, making  them a trusted choice for those who demand the best.

What Materials are Used to Make Heavy Duty Hinges?

The materials used in heavy duty hinges vary depending on the specific application and requirements. Some of the most used materials include:

Cold Rolled Steel – This is a strong and durable material that is often used in heavy duty hinge applications. Cold rolled steel provides excellent machineability and weldability in the manufacturing process.   With many sizes and shapes to choose from, it makes it an ideal choice for heavy duty hinges.   Since carbon steel is susceptible to corrosion, some form of protection is required.

Stainless Steel – Stainless steel is another popular material for heavy duty hinges, due to its resistance to corrosion and can provide aesthetic appeal when properly finished.

Steel Plate – Steel plate is a heavy-duty material that is often used in hinge applications, mainly  because of the variety of plate  thicknesses available.  This material is particularly useful in applications where the hinges will be subjected to extreme loading conditions from dead weight, seismic or blast.  

Finishes for Heavy Duty Hinges

Heavy duty hinges are available in a variety of finishes. The specific finish selected will depend on the application and the desired appearance. Typical finish/material combinations include:

Primed Steel – This is a coated finish for carbon steel that provides for minimum protection against  corrosion, and a base surface for more durable finishing paint.

Zinc Clear Plated Steel – This is a clear plating process applied over raw carbon steel that provides additional resistance to corrosion.  The finish is silver in appearance, and often used with door and frame assemblies that are galvanized.  

Satin Chrome  Plated Steel – A clear plating process applied over a buffed or brushed carbon steel hinge, provides additional corrosion resistance  and is aesthetically appealing.

Buffed Satin Stainless Steel – This is a brushed finish applied to raw stainless steel (no plating) that provides a smooth, satin appearance for excellent resistance to corrosion and is aesthetically appealing.