Written by Callum Thornton, Hinge Technology - Product Manager in SFS Group Fastening Technology Ltd.  

Concealed Hinges - Types, Features and Application

SFS have manufactured high performance door and window hinge solutions at its factory in Pordenone, Italy for export worldwide since 1980.

We produce one of the industry's most advanced hinge ranges to suit PVC, composite, timber and aluminium entrance doors and internal doors for both the residential and commercial sectors. Engineers at SFS develop solutions to meet the high expectations of final customers and architects, often bespoke to specific customer needs. All of our hinges, when required, meet security standards such as PAS 024 and are accredited by 'Secured by Design' and satisfy the requirements of the EN 1935 testing guidelines.

What are concealed hinges and why use them?

SFS produces and distributes concealed hinges for interior doors, which are aesthetically pleasing for architects, designers and door manufacturers. Our concealed hinges are a high-tech solution, currently in great demand on the market and continues to grow. The demand for doors suitable for minimal and essential style environments is now ever greater and with the tendency to use very thin profiles, capable of 'blending in' with their surroundings.

What do we mean by concealed hinges?

With concealed hinges, we mean multi-lever hinges with multiple rotation angles and axes, completely recessed inside the door frame and therefore practically invisible, able to minimise details and become more pleasing to the eye. This particular hinge design is mainly applicable to wooden doors, technical doors, design doors and fire doors.

Concealed hinges for Interior Doors

This range of concealed hinges is called: W-Tec. The letter 'W' directly refers to the design, thickness and shape of the lever arms creating a 'W' shape. While the word 'Tec' intends to specify the technical soul of the product.

SFS concealed hinges are patented and EN1935 certified. They guarantee reliability and stability over time as they are tested up to 200,000 cycles. Great attention is also given to aesthetics, safety and design, with the use of the highest quality materials, a wide range of colours are available in stock and various possibilities for rapid installation and customisation.

W-Tec 3D+ concealed hinges for Interior Door

These concealed hinges are ideal for any capacity up to 160kg. They are created to last over time and are easy to use in any context. They can be adjusted in height, laterally and in depth, they are also available in three variants to meet a wide range of door weight capacities. In addition to wooden profiles, the W-Tec 3D+ can also be applied to cover and steel frames. This hinge is an SFS product, a guarantee of quality thanks to strict controls of both the process and the tests performed on the hinge itself.

The three variants:

1. W-Tec 3D+ 60
2. W-Tec 3D+ 100
3. W-Tec 3D+ 160

W-Tec 3Ds concealed hinges for Slim Profiles

W-Tec 3Ds is a slim and robust range of concealed hinges, ideal for thin profiles, extremely stable and easily adjustable with a capacity of up to 70kg. Also available in different colours on request.

W-Tec 3Df concealed hinges for Fire Doors

The range of W-Tec 3Df concealed hinges are ideal for fire doors and entrance installations in modern industrial and design contexts. This is a range of hinges designed to withstand heavy loads and can easily be altered once fitted, even by one person.  

W-Tec 3DL concealed hinges for Heavy Doors

The W-Tec 3DL is a series of concealed hinges with high technical performance and durability, ideal for doors weighing up to 230kg for solid wood, cover and steel frames, also available in a vast range of colours and customisations.

Adjustment and assembly of concealed hinges

The adjustment of the SFS concealed hinges is simple as they are purely mechanical adjustments. Our concealed hinges have three adjustments:

1. Height 
2. Side
3. Depth 

These adjustments  are all independent of each other.

Thanks to the particular 7-axis kinematics of the SFS hinges which keeps the body and door straight, minimising wear on the hinges and consequently the systems do not require major adjustment or adjustments over time.

Common applications for heavy duty adjustable concealed hinges

Once assembled, the angle of the hinge can be easily adjusted according to need, even by a single person allowing it to still open and close smoothly, with thanks to the innovative adjustment methods. Even the assembly of concealed hinges is quick and easy, even for heavy doors creating a smooth operation.

Downloads

FAQs

1. Can concealed hinges be used on cabinet doors?

Possibly, depending upon the design and features of your cabinets.

2. Can these hinges be used for fire doors?

All W-Tec hinges have undergone fire testing to REI30, with exception of W-Tec 3Ds. Only the W-Tec 3Df has been tested to REI60.

3. Can this hinge be colour matched to my doors?

Yes, we can entertain enquiries regarding a range of bespoke RAL colours depending on your request.

4. Do you have a slim concealed hinge available?

Yes, we have the W-Tec 3Ds which is designed for narrow profiles as small as 24mm.

5. Is the door swing restricted at all?

No. This hinge facilitates complete door opening to 180 degrees.

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