Motion Control Engineering & Manufacturing Resources

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. 

Today’s hinges make life much easier and more comfortable. We have progressed so far from just a plain old door hinge to advanced solutions for kinematic motion, mechanical spring counterbalance, and spring assist technologies. 

A quick look at a few higher-end refrigerators will show you how prevalent hidden hinges are in top-tier appliances. As the name suggests, these hinges are invisible to the casual glance and therefore create a more seamless look in the kitchen. 

Industries over all the map -- hospitality furniture, outdoor and professional kitchen appliances, ergonomic office equipment, medical equipment, and more -- need motion control solutions. Sometimes, the path to their end result zigs and zags several times.

Whether you’re looking to consolidate production of an existing product or improve the design of a new one, single-source manufacturing makes sense.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still in effect and winter fast approaching, it’s crucial to be prepared for the work-from-home holiday. 

When it comes to manufacturing BBQ smokers, proper hinge design is vital. Smoker lids are often extremely heavy, which can make them a safety hazard. 

The user experience for a product with a heavy lid or cover can range from awkward to annoying to downright dangerous.

Picture holding an industrial toolbox lid in place while reaching in one-handed, maybe twisting your back in the process. Or what if it comes down suddenly when your arm or fingers are in the way? The bruises won't be pretty, and the damage might be much worse.

This is why many designers add gas spring lid supports to their lid design. Others lean toward using counterbalance spring mechanisms or other mechanical spring solutions.

As a kid, you might have marveled at the flip-up bar countertop at your parents’ favorite restaurant. But a lot has changed since then, and bar lift gates have improved significantly. 

Product improvement and differentiation should be a priority for anyone involved with an ongoing project.

One of the best ways to do that? Do something the other guys don’t have the knowhow or big-picture vision to do.

You might as well just call RVs "tiny houses on wheels." After all, while they present a luxury camping solution, it goes without saying that space is at a premium.