Hinges connect two parts while allowing them to rotate relative to one another. They are typically made up of two flat plates, called leaves, with one leaf fixed to each part.
The leaves are drilled with holes for screws or bolts and interlock to form a knuckle. A pin passes through the knuckle to create the rotational connection.
Most hinges function as a revolute joint, permitting rotation about a single axis while preventing all other movements. This gives the hinge one degree of freedom (1-DOF).
Some hinges are designed for more complex motion, such as allowing a door or window to extend outward from a recess before swinging open. These designs often use multiple pins arranged in a four-bar linkage to achieve the additional movement.
Reliable hinge solutions have a significant impact on industries where durability, environmental resistance, and mounting flexibility are critical. Southco, a global leader in engineered access hardware, has expanded its proven EH Free-Swinging Hinge series with the new EH-xB Heavy-Duty Plastic Hinges, designed for versatile use in both outdoor and industrial environments.
Built for Tough Environments
The EH-xB series is engineered with high-strength, glass-reinforced nylon, offering exceptional load-bearing capacity without adding unnecessary weight. These hinges resist corrosion, UV exposure, and harsh environmental conditions, making them ideal for outdoor enclosures, off-highway equipment, and industrial access panels.
With a stainless-steel pin at the core of its design, the EH-xB hinge delivers reliable free-swinging performance with durability you can trust — even in high-vibration or exposed applications.
Flexible Configurations to Meet Every Design Need
The EH-xB isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Southco has made flexibility a key part of the EH-xB’s value with:
- Four size options to suit a wide range of panel dimensions and load requirements.
- Multiple mounting styles — Countersunk, Counterbore, Threaded Stud, or Nut — for quick drop-in replacement or new designs.
- >180-degree opening capability for maximum access to panels and doors.
Flexible Mounting and Design Options
Southco designed the EH-xB series to adapt easily to different installation requirements. Available in four sizes (40 mm to 100 mm), the hinges suit a wide range of panel dimensions and load ratings. Mounting configurations include:
- Countersunk
- Counterbore
- Threaded stud
- Nut mounting
This flexibility allows engineers to specify hinges that integrate directly into new designs or serve as quick drop-in replacements. The full opening range of greater than 180 degrees simplifies access to equipment, improving usability in compact or service-heavy applications.
Ideal Use Cases
The EH-xB hinges are designed for equipment and enclosures where strength, reliability, and low maintenance are essential. Common applications include:
- Outdoor electrical and telecom enclosures
- Agricultural and off-highway equipment panels
- Marine and transportation access doors
- Industrial machinery requiring corrosion-resistant hardware
Their all-plastic construction adds vandal resistance while remaining RoHS compliant, supporting environmental and regulatory standards.
Backed by Southco, Delivered by TCH
As a certified Southco distributor, TCH supplies the full EH-xB product line with technical support and supply chain expertise. Our team works closely with OEMs and enclosure builders to provide solutions that match both performance and design requirements.
Contact TCH today to learn how the Southco EH-xB Heavy-Duty Plastic Hinges can improve the durability, reliability, and flexibility of your next project.