Motion Control Engineering & Manufacturing Resources

When most people think of workplace ergonomics, they think of the office worker who sits 8 hours a day in front of a computer. And as studies show, ergonomics is very important in this type of office setting, both for reducing strain and improving productivity. While the 9-5 office worker is the poster child for the importance of ergonomics, what about those on their feet most of the day? And what about their customers?

Picking the right hinge for the right application can often seem like a difficult puzzle. You have to consider the cycle life, environment, and cost, which can often leave you at a standstill. 

But, there’s one hinge option that balances all three factors to provide a reliable and cost-effective hinge solution: spring-assist hinges. 

The way people are working is changing, so the modern office (or home office!) should change to accommodate employee habits. 

If you’re considering new office furniture, it's important to think about what your office needs. Do you need extremely durable pieces that will last for years? Do you want to prioritize comfort and ergonomics?

Engineers and designers often ponder over what type of hinges to use on their product. “Should we go with standard hinges or invest in heavy-duty industrial hinges?”

In most situations, a standard hinge is a cost-effective motion control method that will perform acceptably. However, if you’re looking for that next level of efficiency and safety, upgrading to a heavy-duty industrial hinge solution is the way to go. 

No matter where you live, work, or play, there are hinges around. Cabinets, fridges, grills, cars, and airplanes all have hinges that we interact with on the day-to-day. 

Incorporating kinematic motion, mechanical spring counterbalance, and spring assist technologies into product design is no small task. Engineers and designers need to pay special attention to factors like:

While some industries have been using motion control solutions for years, other industries could still benefit from modern hinge designs – ceramics being one of them. 

Not all manufacturers get to boast that they’ve been around for a century. But Weber Knapp can, and it’s thanks to our dedication to innovation and diversity. The technology has transformed since the 1900s, and so has the way we optimize your product. 

So you’ve read up on the benefits of ergonomic office products. You’ve heard rave reviews about the top ergonomic office chairs, ergonomic computer solutions (i.e. advanced keyboard mechanisms and adjustable monitor arms), and desktop components for training desks. 

When people think of the term engineering, things like rockets or skyscrapers come to mind. But not all engineering is about building massive structures or traveling into space. 

Some engineers focus on the little details that take a customer’s product from ho-hum to high-end.

We spoke with Erik Dahlgren, the Director of Manufacturing Engineering at Weber Knapp, to find out how those little details can be a game-changer for a customer’s product.