Hinges in Sun catchers

How critical is it to reinforce hinge joints?

It is often suggested that straight, or nearly straight, joint lines need to be reinforced. “Restrip” or similar reinforcements within the hinge are often suggested to strengthen the panel.

However, such reinforcement within the bands will do nothing to resolve the hinge problem. To make a panel resistant to folding at the hinge, the reinforcement needs to be at right angles to the hinge. This will resist the bending of the panel most effectively.

If the hinge joint does not extend to the outside of the panel, external reinforcement will be needed from side-to-side to strengthen the panel against bending.

In a hanging item bending at a hinge is not the same kind of problem. What is a concern is that the pieces will separate. Edge reinforcement such as wire soldered to the edge all around the panel. This is because the adhesive is degraded by the heat of soldering and cannot be relied upon to hold the weight below the hinge joints.

Zinc came borders are often recommended as the solution to creating stiffer panels. It certainly has strength advantages, but is generally limited to straight lines or regular curves. For more free form pieces, soldering a thin copper wire to the edges and covering with hobby came provides a strong edge to a hanging panel. The wire also can provide strong hanging points independent of solder lines emanating from the interior.