Industrial Handles

The Ultimate Guide to Industrial Handles

Industrial handles are manual operating components used on industrial equipment, machinery, and similar devices. Their primary function is to help users open, close, pull, or move related parts of the equipment, such as cabinet doors, drawers, and control panels. They are an important part of human-machine interaction in industrial equipment, and the design of the handle directly affects the convenience and efficiency of operating the equipment.

Materials Used for Industrial Handles

Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, and Aluminum Alloy

1. Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used materials for industrial handles. It offers excellent corrosion resistance. In industrial environments such as food processing, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals—where hygiene and corrosion resistance are critical—stainless steel handles help prevent rust and avoid contamination.Carbon steel handles are known for their high strength. Made primarily of iron and carbon, with a relatively high carbon content, they offer good hardness and toughness. These handles are ideal for industrial applications that involve heavy-duty forces, such as operation doors on heavy machinery or large electrical cabinets, where they can withstand frequent pulling and heavy impacts.Aluminum alloy handles are lighter while still offering adequate strength. The main advantage of this material is its ease of processing into complex shapes. In industries like aerospace, where the overall weight of equipment is strictly regulated, aluminum alloy handles are an excellent choice. They provide the necessary functionality while helping to reduce the weight of the equipment.
2. Engineering Plastics and Composite Materials Engineering plastics, such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PC (Polycarbonate), are known for their high strength and overall performance. These materials offer excellent impact resistance and can withstand collisions without breaking easily. For example, engineering plastic handles are used on the outer casings of electronic equipment, where even minor impacts during transportation or operation will not damage the handle. Additionally, engineering plastics can be molded into various colors and shapes, offering good aesthetics to meet different industrial design needs. They also have excellent insulating properties, making them suitable for industrial equipment that requires electrical safety.

Types of Industrial Handles

Surface Treatments for Industrial Handles

• Chrome Plating: Chrome plating is a common surface treatment for industrial handles. It creates a hard and wear-resistant layer that gives the handle a shiny, mirror-like finish. This finish remains intact even with frequent handling and friction.
• Nickel Plating: Nickel plating provides excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance. The nickel layer forms a protective film on the handle surface, preventing oxidation and chemical corrosion.
• Zinc Plating: Zinc plating is a more economical surface treatment. The zinc layer acts as a sacrificial anode to protect the base material; when the zinc corrodes, the handle remains protected.
• Powder Coating: Powder coating involves applying powder paint electrostatically to the surface and then curing it at high temperatures. This provides a durable and customizable finish available in various colors to meet industrial design and equipment color requirements.
• Liquid Coating: Liquid spray coating involves spraying liquid paint onto the handle’s surface, achieving finer and more detailed finishes, such as gradient colors or transparent coatings.
• Anodizing: Mainly used for aluminum and aluminum alloy handles, anodizing creates a dense oxide layer on the handle’s surface, providing excellent hardness and wear resistance.
• Brushed Finish: A brushed finish is created by grinding the surface of the handle to produce linear textures. This treatment gives the handle a distinctive metal feel and luster, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
• Passivation: Primarily used for stainless steel and other metal handles, passivation forms a protective passive layer on the surface to improve corrosion resistance.

Conclusion:

Industrial handles are widely used across various industrial scenarios, including industrial equipment, large machinery, and cabinet doors. Their main purpose is to assist in opening, closing, pulling, or moving parts related to industrial facilities. For instance, they provide a convenient grip for applying force when opening and closing cabinet doors on industrial enclosures, or help operators handle control panels when moving large industrial equipment.

Application scenarios of handles