Weber Knapp Blog

If you’ve ever walked a trade show floor thinking, “I have two hours and a long list of booths,” you’re not alone. The International Builders’ Show is big, busy, and easy to feel overwhelmed by.

IBS 2026 is coming up February 17–19 in Orlando as part of Design & Construction Week. The show runs alongside KBIS, bringing builders, manufacturers, and product teams together in one place.

Custom heavy-duty hinges often work behind the scenes, but they support some of the most demanding applications across modern industry. 

Hinges look simple… until you’re the one responsible for choosing one. If you’re early in your engineering career or new to sourcing mechanical components, it’s not always obvious how hinges actually work or what makes one design stronger than another.

Engineers and designers often stop to consider what type of hinge a product really needs. In many cases, a standard hinge does the job – it’s affordable, reliable, and easy to source. But when equipment is heavier or used more often, those same hinges can wear out faster and compromise safety.

No matter where you live, work, or play, hinges are everywhere. You’ll find them on cabinets. On refrigerators. On cars and airplanes. They’re a quiet part of daily life that keeps things moving.

Boats are different. They rely on hinges that do far more than open and close. Marine hinge design calls for careful thinking about motion control, spring assistance, and the effects of salt, weather, and humidity.

When you’re working through the details of a new product design, it’s easy to think, “A hinge is a hinge.” But if you’ve ever seen a lid sag, a door bind, or an access panel fail under load, you know hinge selection can make or break a design.

The temptation to save a few dollars with a lighter, cheaper hinge is real, especially when budgets are tight. Yet choosing the wrong hinge can lead to damaged equipment, unsafe operation, and costly redesigns down the line. 

When most people think of Weber Knapp, one thing might come to mind: hinges. And it makes sense. For decades, the company has been a trusted source of precision-engineered motion control solutions, especially heavy-duty and counterbalance hinges. But here’s the thing – hinges are used in such a wide variety of applications.  

You’re planning a new bar – or giving your current space an upgrade. The goal is to create a space that feels stylish and original, where customers enjoy the atmosphere as much as their drinks.

Motion control solutions can bring strength and versatility to bar and restaurant design, supporting both modern and traditional concepts.

When you walk into a hospital, it’s easy to notice the advanced medical equipment, high-tech monitors, and life-saving devices. Just as important, though often overlooked, are the chairs, tables, cabinets, and beds that fill each room.

Hospitality design is a nonstop balancing act between visual appeal and practical usability.

When designing for a bar counter, restaurant, and bar owners must envision a workspace that not only looks inviting to customers, but also allows staff to operate safely and efficiently. Consider that it’s a busy, high-touch environment, where every inch counts – smooth movement behind the bar is critical.