Q: There are many grades of stainless steel hinges on the market (such as 304, 316, etc.), how to choose the appropriate material according to the usage environment?
A: As a manufacturer specializing in precision hardware manufacturing, Dongguan Aoji Precision Hardware Co., Ltd. recommends choosing stainless steel hinge materials from the following dimensions:
Environmental corrosiveness level
304 stainless steel (austenitic standard grade 06Cr19Ni10): suitable for most daily scenarios (such as indoor doors and windows, furniture), its nickel (8% -10.5%) and chromium (18% -20%) components can resist humid air and weak acid and alkali corrosion, with high cost-effectiveness.
316 stainless steel (with 2% -3% molybdenum added): recommended for high salt spray and high humidity environments (such as coastal areas, chemical plants, and ships). Molybdenum can effectively resist chloride ion corrosion, but the cost is about 30% higher than 304.
Surface treatment process
Even with the same 304 material, the surface treatment method directly affects the lifespan. Aoji Precision Hardware often uses:
Electrolytic polishing: removes surface metal impurities, enhances the density of chromium oxide passivation film, suitable for medical and food equipment.
Sandblasting+passivation: improves surface hardness (up to HV350), suitable for industrial door hinges with frequent friction.
Actual case reference
We once customized 316 stainless steel hinges for a seaside hotel project in Dongguan, which were used in conjunction with sealing strips and had no corrosion reports within 5 years; In the same project, the indoor wooden doors use 304 hinges, which reduces costs and fully meets the requirements.
Misconception reminder:
Some manufacturers impersonate 304 with "201 stainless steel" (high manganese content), and Ogi suggests requesting suppliers to provide material spectral testing reports.
In extreme environments (such as electroplating workshops), special stainless steel (such as 2205 duplex steel) or titanium alloy should be considered.