In stainless steel door hinge manufacturing, sheet metal offers a fast and efficient way to produce stainless steel door hinges. Its flat form makes cutting, shaping, and storage easier, which helps streamline production and improve consistency. However, sheet metal hinges often lack the strength and corrosion resistance needed for demanding environments.
That’s where investment casting stands out. Cast hinges provide higher durability, better corrosion resistance, and stronger overall performance—making them the preferred choice for heavy-duty and long-term use.
Is Stainless Steel Magnetic or Not
Investment-cast stainless steel hinges may exhibit slight magnetism due to structural changes during cooling and solidification—not because of poor quality. Unlike sheet metal, which undergoes rolling that removes magnetic structures, cast hinges retain some ferritic or martensitic phases. This minor magnetism doesn’t affect performance. In fact, investment casting enhances strength and durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty, weather-exposed applications.
Can Magnetic Be Removed or Reduced in Cast Stainless Steel
Yes—but it depends on the steel grade and the treatment process. Minor magnetism in cast stainless steel comes from structural changes during solidification, where some austenite turns into ferrite or martensite (both magnetic phases). To reduce this:
- Heat treatment: Reheats the casting to high temperatures and rapidly cools it to restore a fully austenitic (non-magnetic) structure—mainly effective for 304 and 316 grades.
- However, complete removal isn’t always necessary, especially in heavy-duty hinges where slight magnetism doesn’t affect performance, strength, or corrosion resistance.
In short, while the magnetic can be reduced through proper heat treatment, it’s not a defect—and in many cases, it’s not even a concern.
Stainless Steel Spring Door Hinge Material Explained
Most door hinges on the market are made from sheet metal and mass-produced using punch presses. At Waterson, we take a different approach—investment casting. This method is ideal for crafting heavy-duty stainless steel hinges.
With investment casting, we can design a larger barrel to fit our patented enclosed mechanism, boosting both durability and performance. It also allows for small-batch customization, perfect for unique project needs.
We offer a range of stainless steel options, including 304 and 316, along with multiple finish types – satin SST,flat black,satin brass,dark bronze, and more. As you explore our collection, you’ll notice how our design and production stand apart from standard hinge offerings.
Go further with Magnetic Stainless Steel: Myths, Facts, and Testing Methods here.
Waterson Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Hinges
Waterson heavy duty spring loaded door hinges combine the function of an overhead closer and a hinge into a single, sleek component—complete with optional hold-open and door-stop features. Designed for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors, these hinges are easy to install and adjust to meet ADA and ICC A117.1 standards for opening force, while ensuring quiet and secure closure. Crafted from durable stainless steel, they are NFPA 80 compliant, UL 3-hour fire-rated, and built to perform reliably in both interior and all-weather exterior environments. See all our features.
In addition to these performance advantages, Waterson offers flexible customization services. As a direct manufacturer, we can tailor hinge sizes, finishes, and especially hinge leaf designs to meet the specific structural needs of your doors. This makes our hinges an ideal solution for door manufacturers seeking custom options that integrate seamlessly with their existing frames.
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Please note that Waterson Closer Hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.
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