The GUDEN Continuous (Piano) Hinge Deep Dive
1. What is a Continuous Hinge?
A continuous hinge is typically described as a long hinge with a pin that goes the entire length of the leaves. A continuous hinge and a piano hinge are the same product for most people. However, the term “Piano Hinge” refers to one of the most iconic uses of the hinge - right on the cover of a piano.
Continuous hinges are available in various configurations.
- The most common configuration is the standard continuous hinge without holes. It is used in an infinite number of industrial applications and is available in a wide selection of sizes. We offer from ½" to 6" open and from .025" to .250" thick leaves. This selection is available in multiple materials and are commonly stocked in 6', 7' and 8' lengths.
- Continuous hinges with pre-punched holes, which are used chiefly on wood cabinet applications, can also be used on marine, medical and various other applications. The holes can be countersunk with 2" center to center hole locations. The sizes range from 1.06" wide to 2" wide in .040" and .060" thick material. These pre-punched parts are available in pre-plated nickel or brass, stainless steel, polished stainless steel, electro-galvanized, electropolish and zinc plated.
- Additionally there are Plastic Continuous Hinges. These are stocked in 100 foot rolls and can be supplied in any length you require. Available in black, white and gray. They are in stock from 1" to 3" wide.
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There are Military Specification continuous hinges:
- MS20001 series is and extruded aluminum hinge. These are available in a plain 2024-T3511 or 7075-T73511 alloy aluminum, anodized or chem film finish. The hinges are supplied as whole or half hinges (a single leaf with no pin). The half hinge configurations are X, Y, H or backwards H.
- Other military specification continuous hinges are available in a number of series including MS20257, MS35821 to MS35831 and A-A-55589 to A-A-55596.
A piano hinge is an excellent choice if your appplication will undergo excessive use and wear and tear. Since the continuous hinge runs the full length of the door or lid it is applied to, the weight of that door is distributed across the full length of the hinge equally.
Some typical applications are:
- Cabinet doors
- Electrical commercial doors
- Trailer doors
- Bifold doors
- Storm doors
Metal or Plastic?
Piano hinges come in different materials. The most common are:
Aluminum
Aluminum piano hinges are used when you want lightweight, yet strong and resilient hinges. Heavy duty options are available as well. Aluminum resists rust and corrosion, which is perfect for when exposure to the elements is a factor. They’re also half the weight of brass and carbon steel options. The alloys used are typically 5052 and 3003.
Stainless steel
Stainless-steel piano hinges have excellent corrosion resistance, making them especially ideal for applications exposed to salt spray.
A 304-grade stainless steel piano hinge offers durability and strength. 304 stainless steel is the most common grade used in continuous hinges. For superior corrosion resistance, we stock hinges in type 316 stainless steel as well polished and electropolished stainless steel.
Steel
A steel piano hinge, by the nature of the material, is for doors that endure constant use. The most common alloy used is 1010 to 1018 CRS. For additional corrosion resistance, many finishes are available.
Brass
A brass piano hinge is the most popular when aesthetics are involved, especially a solid brass piano hinge. They’re most commonly used on furniture and for architectural applications.
Plastic
Plastic piano hinges are excellent for long life and smooth and quiet operation. These hinges offer a flexible joint, unlike metal piano hinges and are made from one piece of plastic. They tend to be thicker hinges as a way of reinforcing strength.
Guden plastic continuous hinges are made of polypropylene, which stands out for its resistance to oil, salt, water, UV rays and solvents. These hinges should be mounted using fasteners. Adhesives are not recommended.
What Are the Benefits of Using Continuous Piano Hinges?
Piano hinges are a common part of modern sheet metal manufacturing.
- Equal weight distribution
- Easy maintenance
- Durability
- Security
- Workability
Conclusion
Piano hinges are popular choices for metal cabinet projects these days. They are available in continuous form or smaller pieces depending on the location and category of use. Guden can supply cut and customized continuous hinges made to a customer's requirements.
2. Here are some Blog posts we have published on the subject:
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - How to measure your hinge
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - Continuous Hinges
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - Custom Leaf Cut Outs
- THREE Cost-Reducing Tips for your Custom Hinge Design
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - Guden Hinges for the Aerospace Industry
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - How to Retain a Hinge Pin
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - How to Dimension Hole Placement
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - Extruded Aluminum Hinges
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - Pin and Barrel Diameter
- What are the 3 most popular ways to mount a hinge?
- Hinges and Hardware 101- Guden Heavy Duty Hinges
- Hinges and Hardware 101 - Full Knuckles vs Partial Knuckles
3. Here are some Guden YouTube Videos about Continuous Hinges:
- Guden Custom Hinges
- How to Disassemble and re-assemble a Continuous Hinge
- Guden Product Video - Hinge Angles and Terminology
- Anatomy of a Custom Hinge – Customizations - Part 3 – Offset/Swage
- Guden Quality Hardware
- Guden Selection
- Guden Customer Service
- 7 Industrial Hardware Reasons OEMs LOVE Guden
- Different Types of Hinges – Choosing the right one for your application
- Guden 100 Years Documentary
4. Here is a link to the Category Page for Continuous or Piano Hinges.
Here you will find all of the products we offer.
