Weber Knapp Blog

A library-goer checks out a book or other piece of physical media.

Inspecting several high-end refrigerators quickly reveals the widespread use of hidden hinges in premium models. As the name suggests, these hinges are invisible to the casual glance and therefore create a more seamless look in the kitchen.

Improving stability.

Upgrading performance. 

Enhancing safety. 

These are just a few of the reasons a design engineer might find themselves calculating the center of gravity for any object. 

In the world of hinge design, this calculation can be used for someone as simple as keeping a lid, door, or cover from slamming into something -- or someone.

Designing a no-slam hinge doesn’t just keep your customers safer, it also keeps you protected … from lawsuits. On a lighter note (pun intended), a steady open/close also improves ease of use for customers.

Finding the center of gravity in objects isn’t always easy; not all objects are perfect circles or simply symmetrical. In fact, most aren’t, and calculating their center of gravity takes a certain level of skill – something an experienced heavy-duty hinge manufacturer possesses. 

In this article, we’ll look at three ways (in order of decreasing difficulty) for how to find the center of gravity of an irregular object. Can't wait? Click on any one of the ways to jump to the corresponding section: 

• The Easy Way
• The Easier Way
• The Easiest Way!

You have a beautiful kitchen design in mind, complete with a folding countertop. 

But have you considered the weight of this addition? 

When it comes to folding countertop projects, precision is key. The weight and size of the countertop being lifted can greatly affect the counterbalance of the motion control system, and guessing or estimating can lead to serious problems. 

From country roads to major highways, you'll likely spot more boutique hotels than vast chains. Even near big cities, boutique hotels are gaining traction. 

Globally, today's clientele values the "experience" aspect of their purchases. This holds for an awaited online package, a meal at a themed eatery, and beyond. 

Hotels and motels are striving to offer that distinct experience.

In the vibrant world of life on the road, every square inch of space matters. 

Despite the advent of electric motion controls, the relevance of mechanical motion control in today's technologically advanced world cannot be understated. 

Like so many other manufacturing technologies, counterbalance systems make life easier for the end customer. Matched with the right application, they can be a game-changer for user experience and safety.

The global pandemic has prompted a significant shift in our priorities and perceptions, particularly when it comes to our living spaces. As people spent more time at home, a newfound appreciation for space optimization and efficiency emerged. 

Off-the-shelf solutions don’t fit every design. To improve user experience, resolve a safety issue, or stand out from competitors, everything you put into your product design should fit like a glove.