A living hinge is a thin, flexible piece of plastic that is incorporated into the design of a part, allowing it to bend and flex without breaking. This is achieved by creating a thin section in the part, often with a series of closely-spaced cuts, that can bend back and forth when pressure is applied.
Capsule hinges are a specific type of living hinge that is often used in the design of medical and pharmaceutical products. These hinges are named for their shape, which resembles a capsule or pill.
By incorporating capsule hinges into the design of parts, manufacturers can reduce assembly time and cost while also improving the overall durability and reliability of their products.
One example of the benefits of capsule hinges is illustrated in Figure 1A and 1B. Without a living hinge, the box shown would require two molds, two molding operations, and assembly. However, by incorporating a capsule hinge into the design, the box can be produced in a single mold with a single molding operation, reducing both production time and cost.
Another benefit of incorporating capsule hinges into the design of parts is that it allows for a more streamlined and efficient manufacturing process. With fewer parts and assembly steps, the risk of errors and defects is reduced, improving overall product quality.
In addition to reducing assembly time and cost, incorporating capsule hinges into the design of parts can also lead to improved ergonomics and user experience. By allowing parts to bend and flex, capsule hinges can make products more comfortable to use and easier to handle.
Overall, incorporating capsule hinges into the design of plastic parts is a simple but effective way to improve the efficiency, durability, and user experience of products. By working with a skilled and experienced plastic parts manufacturer, companies can ensure that their parts are designed and produced with the highest quality standards in mind.