Sensys and Intermat: Concealed Hinge Terms and Suitable 35 mm Replacements
Sensys and Intermat refer to established hinge ranges in cabinet making, which feature a standard cup diameter of 35 mm and can be replaced during repairs using standard concealed hinges with an identical overlay type and matching cross mounting plate.
What are Sensys and Intermat Exactly?
The names Sensys and Intermat denote widely used product lines for concealed furniture hinges. The main technical difference between the two systems lies in the damping mechanism. While the Sensys range features integrated damping, Intermat is a classic concealed hinge without an integrated soft-close mechanism, which can be retrofitted with separate clip-on dampers if required.
Both systems standardly use a cup hole with a diameter of 35 mm. If such a hinge wears out or breaks, it is not strictly necessary to fit the exact same brand of product. Suitable concealed hinges / cabinet hinges from other manufacturers can readily serve as replacements, provided the key mechanical parameters match.
Technical Parameters for a Suitable Replacement
Just like a standard car tyre, where the bolt pattern and offset must match the wheel rim precisely, replacing a hinge requires adherence to exact measurements. To ensure a smooth replacement, check the following values on the cabinet carcass and door:
- Cup diameter: The dimension of the round recess routed into the cabinet door. For these series, 35 mm concealed hinges are the industry standard. Smaller 26 mm drillings occur less frequently.
- Closing mechanism: If the door needs to close smoothly and quietly, a replacement with concealed hinges / cabinet hinges with damping (Soft Close) is required.
- Drilling pattern: The distance between the two fixing screws next to the hinge cup. Common industrial hole spacings are 45 mm, 48 mm, or 52 mm.
Determining the Correct Door Overlay
The most important factor during replacement is the position of the door relative to the carcass side panel. An incorrect overlay means the door cannot be mounted or closed properly. A distinction is made between three construction types:
- Full overlay: When closed, the door rests flush over the outer edge of the carcass side. Full overlay concealed hinges (also known as surface overlay) are used for this. The hinge arm is straight in this variant.
- Half overlay: Two doors share a central carcass side panel. Each door covers only half (usually approx. 8 mm to 9 mm) of the edge. The hinge arm for half overlay concealed hinges features a pronounced crank.
- Inset: The door does not sit on the edge of the carcass side, but sits flush inside the side panels. Inset concealed hinges are used here, featuring an extremely curved arm.
Opening Angle Depending on Room Configuration
In addition to the overlay type, the opening angle defines how far the cabinet door can swing open. A standard kitchen unit typically uses 110-degree concealed hinges / cabinet hinges.
However, if internal drawers or pull-outs are fitted inside the cabinet, the door must swing completely clear of the internal opening to prevent collisions. In such cases (often referred to as wide-angle hinges), 155-degree concealed hinges / cabinet hinges are the technically correct choice.
Installation: Interplay with the Cross Mounting Plate
Every cup hinge consists of the actual hinge in the door and the cross mounting plate (base plate) on the interior carcass wall. These plates are usually fitted according to System 32 – a standardised line of holes with a 32 mm drilling distance.
When replacing a defective Sensys or Intermat hinge with an alternative brand replacement part, it is essential to replace the mounting plate as well. The clip mechanisms (clip-on technology) for tool-free connection of the hinge arm to the plate are not cross-compatible between different manufacturers. Securing the new plate to the timber is standardly achieved using Euro screws (5 mm diameter) or classic chipboard screws (3.5 mm to 4 mm diameter).