Meet the Next-Generation of ST Torque Hinges
Southco is proud to introduce the next generation of ST Torque Hinges: the ST-7A2 and ST-10A2. These new hinges keep everything you love about torque hinges, and add more than double the cycle life of previous models.
ST Torque Hinges are compact, rugged, and high-torque to allow users to easily position panels and lids regardless of their weight. Their size and torque values fit designs ranging from the smallest webcams and consumer electronics, to portable computer screens, LCD displays, point-of-sale terminals, medical equipment, and larger enclosure panels. The new additions to this series, the ST-7A2 and ST-10A2, provide the same versatility, strength, and ergonomic benefits as their predecessors, with the added benefit of a greatly increased cycle life.
While torque hinges are an excellent way to improve the user experience for a product, they had an inherent limitation: increased wear on the internal mechanism. Since the mechanism takes part of the load off the user, it naturally wears down over time, losing some of the torque that makes it desirable. On a long enough timeline, and with enough use, a torque hinge can feel similar to a normal hinge when its mechanism’s strength is depleted. The ST-7A2 and ST-10A2 solve this problem by upgrading this internal mechanism. This upgrade dramatically increases the cycle life of the hinge, so it can function correctly for a product’s entire lifespan.
Versatility is another strength of ST Torque Hinges, and the two new additions improve on that as well. New installation options are now available in the form of an increased strength adapter for heavier loads, and a wire offset adapter for increased freedom in the design phase. These additions make it easy to include ST Torque Hinges in a wide variety of designs.
Finally, one of the most significant benefits of ST Torque Hinges is the ergonomic improvements they offer. As engineers are designing for the future, they are looking for any way to increase safety and ease of use for their devices. Torque hinges provide smooth movement, and help users position devices exactly where they want them. By eliminating gravity as a factor, users can know the position of every panel and device they move at all times. It also reduces the risk of injury that comes with panels accidentally slamming shut on a user. The ST-7A2 and ST-10A2 enhance the user experience, and increase safety for the designs of the future.
