This article takes an in depth look at Concealed Hinges.
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A concealed hinge, often referred to as a hidden or European hinge, is a type of hinge designed to sit flush on the inside of a cabinet door and align with the cabinet surface, creating a sleek exterior look. There are numerous styles of concealed hinges available, featuring various leaf designs, pin sizes, and dimensions. For industrial use, concealed hinges are engineered to support door weights ranging from 50 lbs to 90 lbs, which enables the installation of short, wide panels without difficulty.
Today's concealed hinges are crafted to work with a range of door styles and include features such as soft-close functions, adjustable arms, and quick-detach options. These hinges are typically constructed from materials including steel, zinc, stainless steel, and aluminum. Heavy-duty models, designed to handle high loads and stress in commercial environments, are often made from aluminum, stainless steel, or cold-rolled steel. They frequently feature surface treatments like zinc plating, passivation, or electropolishing to enhance durability and resistance to wear.
Concealed hinges, also known as European hinges or hidden hinges, are a critical component in modern cabinetry, furniture making, and enclosure manufacturing. Unlike traditional butt hinges, concealed hinges are designed to remain hidden from view when the cabinet or furniture door is closed, offering a sleek, seamless appearance. These hinges feature essential components including a pin, leaves, and knuckle; however, their specific configuration and mounting methods vary based on application and design. For example, the cup hinge—one of the most popular types of concealed hinges—differs from the conventional pin, leaf, and knuckle assembly. Installation of cup hinges often requires precision drilling in the cabinet door, optimizing for both soft-close and self-closing features commonly desired in kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Another common variety is the enclosure hinge, which blends the traditional pin, leaf, and knuckle design with a quick release pin system. This feature is especially valuable in industrial electrical enclosures, control panels, and server cabinets, where rapid access is vital for maintenance. The quick-release mechanism allows technicians to remove compartment doors swiftly and safely, minimizing workflow disruption and enhancing workplace safety in complex environments such as data centers and manufacturing facilities.
The hinge cup is the circular component secured to the back side of a cabinet or furniture door. Common bore diameters for the hinge cup include 26 mm, 35 mm, and 40 mm, making them compatible with a variety of door thicknesses and wood types. The bore depth is determined by the hinge arm design, with shallower or deeper cups used for doors of varying thickness or for heavy-duty concealed hinges in commercial applications. The hinge cup also features dual flanges or tabs for screw fastening, ensuring firm attachment and long-term reliability. When selecting concealed hinges, choose a cup diameter that matches your cabinet's construction for optimal functionality—especially for soft-close or push-to-open cabinet systems that require precise alignment.
The hinge arm is the load-bearing structural part connecting the hinge cup to the mounting plate on the cabinet frame. Often constructed from high-strength steel or durable alloys and available in various finishes (nickel-plated, chrome, etc.), the hinge arm houses the adjustment mechanisms—such as eccentric cams or screws—for fine-tuning door alignment (up/down, left/right, in/out). These adjustments facilitate perfect overlays or inset door installations, accommodating both frameless and face-frame cabinetry. Depending on your project, options include standard, full overlay, half overlay, and inset concealed hinges, each with a hinge arm tailored to specific clearance and movement requirements.
The key elements of a concealed hinge assembly are the hinge cup and hinge arm, which work together to provide smooth, hidden articulation for cabinet and furniture doors. Most quality concealed hinge sets include two primary components: the main hinge (cup and arm) and the mounting plate. For limited-space or specialty applications (like compact cabinets or appliance doors), single-piece or mini concealed hinge sets are available.
The mounting plate is a precision-engineered bracket fixed to the cabinet frame or carcass, usually with two or four screws based on the anticipated load and door size. It contains notches, clips, or press-in dowels for secure engagement with the hinge arm. Mounting plates come in various heights and offsets to accommodate different reveal dimensions, which is crucial for achieving a uniform cabinet appearance in kitchens, offices, retail displays, or laboratory casework. Selecting the proper mounting plate is important for soft-close hinge installations, ensuring the smooth and silent operation preferred in high-end cabinetry.
Industrial enclosure concealed hinges play a vital role in protecting sensitive electronic components and securing access panels in harsh environments. They are engineered to maintain the integrity, safety, and tamper-resistance of control cabinets, server racks, and utility boxes. These heavy-duty hinges are available in a range of configurations—from basic models with slotted screw holes and standard curved brackets, to advanced variants featuring tamper-proof fasteners, vibration-resistant mounting systems, quick-release removable hinge pins, and corrosion-resistant finishes. Leading manufacturers also offer custom solutions for applications with unique load, security, or environmental requirements.
The curved pivot mechanism enables a smooth and controlled swinging motion for cabinet doors, ensuring minimal stress on both the hinge and the door structure. Curved pivots may include mounting holes for screws in wooden cabinetry or hole-free versions designed for welding to metal enclosures or custom metal fabrication projects, offering versatility for installers and OEMs.
Concealed hinge brackets are designed for rugged performance and precise alignment, similar to those employed in traditional butt hinges. They may include pre-drilled holes for fast installation or solid versions for custom machining, making them adaptable for OEM production lines or retrofit projects.
Removable hinge pins are a characteristic of industrial enclosure concealed hinges, facilitating rapid detachment of access doors for maintenance or inspection. This design keeps the hinge brackets mounted while allowing uninterrupted access to electrical panels, wiring, or sensitive equipment. Removable pins are particularly valued in applications demanding frequent servicing, such as electrical distribution boards or industrial equipment control boxes.
Electrical box concealed hinges are purpose-built for enclosures housing electrical circuits, switchgear, breakers, and sensitive wiring. Engineered for effortless removal and reattachment, these hinges are an essential part of electrical box hardware—enabling fast access for repairs, upgrades, and compliance inspections. Made from high-grade steel, stainless steel, or specialty alloys, these hinges withstand exposure to dust, moisture, and corrosive substances, satisfying requirements for NEMA-rated or IP-rated electrical enclosures.
Main components of an electrical box concealed hinge include:
Featuring a robust, easy-grip top, the heavy-duty steel quick release pin streamlines door removal and replacement, which is essential for safety and efficiency in industrial maintenance workflows. Quick release mechanisms also help comply with regulatory requirements for emergency access to live electrical components.
The box leaf features precision-drilled holes compatible with bolts or machine screws, ensuring a secure mechanical connection between the hinge body and the enclosure’s utility bracket.
Industrial-grade hex bolts are typically used to fasten the hinge assembly to the enclosure structure, delivering superior strength for heavy doors or doors subject to frequent opening cycles in high-traffic environments.
The lid leaf rotates around the quick release pin, providing smooth pivot action when opening or closing the box or cabinet. Its design ensures seamless engagement with the hinge body’s knuckle for dependable operation in demanding settings such as power distribution panels or process control cabinets.
Choosing the right concealed hinge is essential for cabinetmakers, furniture designers, and industrial electricians who prioritize security, durability, and a refined aesthetic. Whether you require adjustable soft-close hinges for kitchen cabinets, heavy-duty concealed hinges for commercial enclosures, or specialized quick-release electrical box hinges, understanding the parts and industry terms helps ensure your project’s success and compliance with relevant standards.
For further information or sourcing guidance, explore our directory of leading concealed hinge manufacturers and suppliers, or contact a specialist for advice on product selection based on your application’s load capacity, overlay style, door material, and environmental conditions.
Overlay and reveal are key terms used to define the design of cabinet doors and concealed hinge specifications. These dimensions impact both the positioning of the door and the overall aesthetics of the cabinet.
Overlay refers to the extent to which the cabinet door covers the edge or frame of the cabinet. Conversely, reveal denotes the portion of the edge or frame that remains visible when the door is closed.
Variations in overlay and reveal give rise to the three primary classifications of concealed hinges.
This type of concealed hinge is employed in cabinets where the door aligns with the front edge of the cabinet box or frame. When the door is closed, its perimeter sits flush against the edge of the cabinet panels.
Full overlay does not always imply that the door entirely covers the cabinet box. Certain designs allow for a degree of reveal. Most datasheets for commercially available concealed hinges provide mounting plate dimensions, enabling the precise adjustment of overlay and reveal as needed.
In a half overlay concealed hinge setup, two cabinet doors cover the cabinet's frame and meet at the center of the frame. This central meeting point includes a partitioning wall or center post where the concealed hinge is affixed. The hinge arrangement ensures that both doors can open simultaneously without colliding.
Curved pivot concealed hinges are particularly suitable for half overlay configurations due to their compact size and ease of attachment to both wood and metal cabinets.
Half overlay installations are achieved with the use of a cranked hinge arm and a raised mounting plate, which collectively minimize the overlay of a single door.
Inset concealed hinges are designed for doors that fit within the cabinet panel or frame, resulting in no overlay. This configuration ensures that the outer face of the door is flush with the outer surface of the cabinet frame or edge of the cabinet box.
Inset concealed hinges feature a highly cranked hinge arm and a raised mounting plate to completely eliminate any overlay.
Pivot concealed hinges are designed for cabinets with inset doors where the hinges must be discreet. These hinges consist of two flat leaves, an L bracket attached to one of the leaves and the knuckle, and either a permanent or removable pin, with the removable pin version typically used in industrial settings. They ensure smooth operation and are suited for holding lightweight doors in industrial applications.
In addition to the desired overlay, cabinets may feature various frame constructions. It is essential to use the appropriate hinge type to ensure proper attachment and functionality.
This hinge is designed for cabinets with plain or exposed side panels, utilizing mounting screws fixed perpendicular to the mounting plate. Frameless-type concealed hinges can be configured as full overlay, half overlay, or inset hinges.
A face frame cabinet features a small fascia installed on the side panels. The mounting plate design of face frame-type concealed hinges varies between full overlay and inset types. For full overlay hinges, the mounting plate has screws oriented perpendicularly to the plate. In contrast, the screws for inset hinges are aligned at an angle and fixed to the backside of the frame.
Special concealed hinge designs are available for less common cabinet types, typically found at the inside and outside corners of furniture. Examples of concealed hinges suited for these areas include:
This hinge is designed for use with double doors in L-shaped corner cabinets. Standard concealed hinges, whether overlay or inset, attach the door assembly to the cabinet frame, whereas bi-fold concealed hinges are used to join the two doors together. This setup creates a folding door mechanism, with one side hinged directly onto the cabinet.
These hinges are designed for use in inside-corner cabinets where the side panel is aligned and flush with the door. Many blind corner hinge arms are designed to allow the cabinet door to open up to a full 90°.
Commonly referred to as angled concealed hinges, corner concealed hinges are designed for doors mounted at the outer corners of furniture. While many furniture pieces have 90° angles at the corners, options are also available for 30° and 45° angles. A corner concealed hinge is available to match the specific angle of the furniture.
Concealed or invisible hinges are commonly chosen for industrial enclosures, doors, and cabinets for several key reasons. Primarily, they enhance security, safety, and protection against tampering with sensitive or valuable equipment. In these settings, concealed industrial hinges remain hidden and out of reach, ensuring that the equipment remains secure.
Concealed industrial hinges are commonly found on interior doors and various types of security doors as well as commercial refrigerator doors and tightly sealed enclosures and cabinets. Unlike typical hinges that are completely visible, concealed hinges for industrial use are hidden, flush, and invisible offering exceptional security and protection.
Hold door closed concealed hinges use spring tension to automatically close the door once it is opened, eliminating the need for a latch. They are ideal for high-traffic areas where doors must stay closed to avoid obstructing workers' paths.
Surface-mounted concealed hinges are essential when durability, compactness, flush fitting, and smooth functionality are required. These single-action hinges can open up to 180 degrees and are suitable for attachment to both wood and metal surfaces on industrial cabinets.
For electrical enclosures, cabinets, and boxes where rapid door removal is crucial for efficient access, quick-release concealed hinges are essential. These hinges come in various styles, differing in pin type, hinge length, and strength to suit different needs.
Typically, quick-release concealed hinges are surface-mounted, allowing easier access to the pin for removal without the hassle of maneuvering around a door.
Besides the type, concealed hinges are chosen based on various specifications and features.
Cup concealed hinges come in various sizes, with each size tailored to specific applications.
The attachment method describes how the hinge arm connects to the mounting plate. The two primary types are clip-on and slide-on.
A concealed hinge with a clip-on design simplifies the process of attaching and removing doors. This feature is particularly beneficial for doors with multiple hinges, as it enables the installation of the door in a single action without the need for screws or screwdrivers.
A standard clip-on hinge features a clip tab positioned at the rear end of the hinge arm, adjacent to the depth adjustment screw. When the hinge arm is aligned with the mounting plate, the clip-on mechanism secures both components together. To detach the assembly, simply press or pull the clip tab.
The traditional method for attaching concealed hinges involves slide-on hinges. These hinges feature a straightforward design with a slot or notch on the hinge arm and a corresponding hole on the mounting plate. The hinge components are secured together using a fixing screw.
In the slide-on hinge design, the slot not only facilitates the attachment of the hinge arm to the mounting plate but also allows for depth adjustment of the hinge.
Typically, manufacturers offer a chart to guide the selection of the appropriate number of hinges. This number is influenced by the door's height, weight, and occasionally its width.
For instance, a door that is 40 inches (101.6 cm) in height generally needs two hinges. For every additional 20 inches (50.8 cm) in height, an extra hinge is recommended. Therefore,
This holds true regardless of the door's weight.
For weight considerations, a door weighing 15 pounds (6.8 kg) typically needs two hinges. Every additional 15 pounds (6.8 kg) usually requires an extra hinge. This guideline applies regardless of the door's height. It's important to note that this 15-pound threshold can vary based on hinge design, material, and thickness. The weight specification often varies more significantly than height in product datasheets.
When both height and weight suggest different hinge quantities, always use the higher number to ensure adequate support.
The method by which the door closes on its own, without needing additional external force, can be categorized into three main types: self-closing, soft-closing, and free-swing.
True to its name, a self-closing concealed hinge ensures that the door closes on its own and remains securely shut. This functionality is achieved through a mechanical design in the hinge arm, which incorporates a small spring mechanism. This spring is engineered to return the hinge to its closed position when the door is opened to a specific angle, preventing the door from remaining ajar due to insufficient torque or force.
The closing action is activated at the "tipping point" of the hinge arm, typically when the door is partially open at an angle between 10 and 20 degrees.
This concealed hinge incorporates a hydraulic damping mechanism. When the door is partially open and beyond the tipping point, the damper engages to close the door gently and quietly. This mechanism prevents sudden slamming, which could damage the furniture. The damper provides considerable resistance, making it difficult to force the door shut. While the soft-closing feature is a type of self-closing design, it includes additional technology for enhanced performance.
Certain soft-close mechanisms offer adjustable damping or resistance settings. This allows the damping system to be configured for either a higher resistance with a slower closing action or a lower resistance with a quicker closing action.
Free swing concealed hinges are the most straightforward of the three types. They lack a self-closing mechanism, allowing the door to swing open freely across its full range without encountering resistance or a tipping point. Doors equipped with free swing hinges rely on magnetic or mechanical latches to ensure they stay closed.
This specification refers to the angle between the door and the cabinet frame when the door is fully open. It is sometimes referred to as the range of opening or door swing.
Concealed hinges typically provide a minimum opening angle of around 100°. Hinges with angles less than 100° are classified as low angle types. Most standard concealed hinges offer an opening range between 100° and 120°. Hinges that allow opening beyond 120° tend to be more expensive due to their complex hinge arm mechanisms. The maximum opening angle available is 270°, enabling the door to swing fully back against the cabinet.
Adjusting this screw shifts the hinge arm’s position left or right when facing the cabinet door. This adjustment impacts the reveal, which is the part of the cabinet frame visible for frameless cabinets. In the case of two-door cabinets, it also alters the gap between the doors. Typically, the lateral adjustment provides a range of about 5 mm of movement.
Adjusting the lateral position can be challenging during the installation of concealed hinges, often exposing imperfections in the furniture structure. Fortunately, this adjustment is mechanical and can be done gradually by turning the screw. When adjusting one hinge, it's essential to coordinate with the other hinge on the door to achieve a balanced tilt. Excessive adjustment may cause the door to appear misaligned or sag on one side.
Adjusting the depth screw changes the door's position relative to the cabinet, moving it inward or outward. This adjustment helps manage the gap between the cabinet frame and the door's backside when the cabinet is closed.
Depth adjustment is commonly achieved through an elongated slot or notch near the back of the hinge arm, aligning with a hole on the mounting plate. By loosening the fixing screw on the plate, the hinge arm can slide forward or backward, allowing for 3 to 5 mm of adjustment. Advanced systems, such as Blum’s Spiral Tech, offer a different approach. Instead of using a fixing screw, these designs adjust the depth by rotating the adjustment screw a set number of turns. For example, Spiral Tech permits up to 5 mm of movement with just one and three-quarter turns of the screw.
The height adjustment capability of a concealed hinge enables vertical repositioning of the door. This adjustment is essential for aligning the top and bottom edges of the door with the corresponding edges of the cabinet, ensuring a proper fit.
The height adjustment mechanism is built into the mounting plate. Many designs include elongated slots on the plate that align with holes in the cabinet edge. By loosening the fixing screws, you can slide the mounting plate up or down slightly. This adjustment is usually minimal, typically ranging from 2 to 3 mm.
There are two primary types of mounting screws used for both the hinge cup and the mounting plate:
This is the traditional style of mounting hinge. As the name suggests, it uses screws to fasten the hinge onto the door and side or frame of the cabinet.
This feature was designed to simplify the installation process of concealed hinges. Hinges equipped with this capability have pre-fitted dowels built into the hinge assembly, allowing for tool-free installation by simply pressing the dowels into the holes in the cabinet.
Concealed hinges are typically made of stainless steel. Stainless steel has excellent mechanical properties, a variety of surface finishes, and inherent corrosion resistance. Other materials used for fabricating concealed hinges are nickel-plated steel, galvanized steel, and brass.
Here is additional guidance for specifying concealed hinge requirements. It is advisable to consult charts and tables that detail these values for accurate and precise mounting.
The door gap refers to the space between the edge or frame of the cabinet and the backside of the door. Ideally, a small door gap is preferred for a seamless look. However, if the gap is too small, it may cause the door to clash or scrape against the cabinet. The standard door gap is usually 3/16 inches (4.8 mm), but it can be adjusted using the depth adjustment screw.
The bore is the cavity in the door designed to accommodate the hinge cup. To determine the bore distance, measure from the edge of the door to the perimeter of the bore. This measurement, combined with the thickness of the mounting plate and the hinge crank, helps in achieving the desired overlay.
Datasheets for concealed hinges often provide specifications for mounting plate thickness. Selecting the appropriate thickness, in conjunction with the bore distance, is crucial for achieving the desired overlay. Standard mounting plate thicknesses typically range from 0 to 9 mm. A 0 mm thickness does not imply the absence of a mounting plate but indicates that the hinge does not affect the overlay reduction.
The hinge crank denotes the amount of offset in the hinge arm, which can be directed either to the left or right, resulting in positive or negative values. Similar to mounting plate thickness, the hinge crank influences the final overlay. A hinge arm with a zero crank is neutral or flat, corresponding to a full overlay hinge. The range for hinge crank values typically extends from -3 mm to +19 mm.
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