Container Hinge Regular

Product Description

A "regular" container hinge, often referred to as a standard shipping container door hinge, is a robust and essential component that enables the opening and closing of the heavy cargo doors on intermodal shipping containers (dry cargo containers). Unlike specialized hinges for refrigerated containers (long hinges), these are designed for general cargo transport where temperature control isn't the primary concern, but durability, security, and weather resistance are paramount.

Here's a detailed description of a regular container hinge:

Key Features and Characteristics:

• Material:

  • Steel (Mild Steel/Carbon Steel): This is the most common material due to its high strength and cost-effectiveness. It's designed to withstand the significant forces involved in opening and closing heavy doors and the stresses of transportation.

  • Stainless Steel: While less common for the main body of dry cargo container hinges due to cost, stainless steel might be used for specific components like hinge pins or for containers in extremely corrosive environments.

  • Galvanized Finish: To protect against rust and corrosion, standard steel hinges are typically hot-dip galvanized or coated with a corrosion-resistant paint. This is crucial given the exposure to various weather conditions and potential saline environments during sea transport.

• Design and Construction:

  • Blade/Leaf Design: A standard container hinge generally consists of two main parts: a hinge blade (or leaf) that attaches to the door and a hinge lug (or strap) that attaches to the container's corner post.

  • Hinge Pin: A strong, often non-removable, steel pin runs through the aligned holes of the hinge blade and lug, allowing the door to pivot. This pin is critical for the hinge's integrity.

  • Multiple Attachment Points: The hinge components are designed with several pre-drilled holes for secure welding or bolting to the container's frame and door. This multi-point fastening ensures even weight distribution and robust attachment.

  • Compact Size: Compared to the "long hinges" used on reefers, regular container hinges are more compact. A standard container door typically uses four to five sets of these hinges per door (eight to ten per container), strategically placed to support the door's weight and allow smooth operation.

  • Weld-on/Forged Construction: Many container hinges are designed to be welded directly onto the container's steel structure for maximum strength and permanence. Forged hinges are also common, offering superior strength and durability.

• Functionality:

  • 270-Degree Opening: Standard container doors, facilitated by these hinges, are designed to swing open up to 270 degrees, allowing them to lie flat against the container walls. This provides full access to the container's interior for efficient loading and unloading.

  • Durability: Engineered to endure constant use, heavy loads, and the harsh conditions of international shipping (vibrations, impacts, weather extremes).

  • Security: While the primary security is provided by lock rods and lockboxes, the robust nature and secure attachment of the hinges contribute to the overall integrity and security of the container doors, making them resistant to tampering.

  • Weather Resistance: The combination of materials and coatings helps the hinges resist rust and corrosion, which is vital for maintaining the watertight and weather-resistant seal of the container.