Reell Torque Inserts

A torque hinge is a visible hinge that acts as a pivoting joint. A torque insert is a compact, hidden component meant to be placed inside an application. Both torque inserts and torque hinges offer the same torque and positioning power. The major difference between the two is whether it’s visible in the application or hidden.

Yes. Reell offers both hinge and torque insert products with different torques between directions. Standard options include asymmetric and one-way torque profiles.

To discuss certain corrosion or environmental requirements, reach out to our Application Engineering team.

Explore Reell Torque Hinge Products

The required torque for a friction hinge depends on the weight of the object being supported and its center of gravity location relative to the hinge axis. A torque insert is calculated the same.

For static applications, the required holding torque is calculated as:

Torque = Force × Distance

• Force - the weight of the object 
• Distance - the perpendicular distance from the hinge axis to the object's center of gravity.

As weight or distance to the center of gravity increases, the required torque increases proportionally.

This calculation determines the minimum torque needed to hold the load in position. Engineers should also account for other loads, vibration, multiple hinges sharing the load, safety factors, and the product's angle and range of motion.

A friction hinge or torque inserts with too little torque may allow the product to drift, while excessive torque can make operation difficult.

To find the right torque insert for your application — including the amount of torque required — check out our hinge selection guide.

Unit-to-unit variation can be a common complaint in many rotational joint designs. Small differences in assembly, material variation, and tolerances stack up and translate to changes in feel and holding torque from one unit to the next.

Built-up solutions such as washers, plastic rings, and friction discs each amplify this variability because they depend on how tightly components are held together and how materials behave under load and over time.

Reell provides torque inserts to incorporate into your design that address these variables to provide a proven internal component that delivers consistent torque part to part and over the life of the product, without adjustment or service.

Reell can provide this feature in a custom hinge design, but Reell’s reliable and consistent torque can eliminate the need for an additional locking mechanism, even in high-load or vibrational environments.

Reell offers position control solutions for various applications. Depending on the application requirements, our products may meet this need or can be used with a soft close, viscous damper, or spring to provide infinite positioning and soft close over the final degrees of motion.