select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

3D printed vs injection molded snap-fits durability

0
T
2

Hi everyone, I want to use snap-fit joints for a 3D-printed enclosure that will be opened relatively frequently for battery replacement. I will be using ABS or PETG as I have read that they hold up well to cyclic loading. Can anyone provide insight into how 3D-printed snap joints compare to injection-molded ones, or should I explore alternative methods?

Solved by Robby76

Klaus gave some good insights, I just wanted to provide some tips to ensure a successful 3D printed joint. Make sure you print the part with the layers in line with the long axis of the cantilever snap joint, perpendicular layer lines are much weaker. Add filets on any sharp corners where the stress concentrations will be highest, i.e. on the base of the cantilever, and first print a prototype of your connection so that you can properly test it before printing the entire product.

    • T

      Hi everyone, I want to use snap-fit joints for a 3D-printed enclosure that will be opened relatively frequently for battery replacement. I will be using ABS or PETG as I have read that they hold up well to cyclic loading. Can anyone provide insight into how 3D-printed snap joints compare to injection-molded ones, or should I explore alternative methods?

      0
    • k

      Hi Tom, ABS is a great choice as it’s tougher than other common materials like PLA and PETG. Nylon is also a good choice but not all printers are able to print it. There are empirical methods to calculate the exact dimensions of the snap-fit mechanism to ensure the maximum cycle life, all you need are the specific material properties of the ABS. These equations are for injection molded joints but should still apply for 3D printed joints, just don’t expect your 3D printed joints to last as long as injection molded ones. As an alternative, you can also explore using heat insert fittings so that you can screw the parts together because ultimately injection molded snap joints will always perform better than 3D-printed ones.

      0
      Reply
      • R
        klaus kolb

        Klaus gave some good insights, I just wanted to provide some tips to ensure a successful 3D printed joint. Make sure you print the part with the layers in line with the long axis of the cantilever snap joint, perpendicular layer lines are much weaker. Add filets on any sharp corners where the stress concentrations will be highest, i.e. on the base of the cantilever, and first print a prototype of your connection so that you can properly test it before printing the entire product.

        0
        Reply
3D printed vs injection molded snap-fits durability
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Minimum letter size for raised text on SLS nylon parts
I’m working on a medical device enclosure that needs raised lettering (product name and serial number) on the lid, printed in SLS nylon. The letters are around 2 mm high with a stroke width... read more
m
j
4
25
Oct 30
2 mm stainless sheet bend radius
I’d like some help with a project. I’m designing a stainless steel 304 enclosure with multiple 90° flanges (sheet thickness ~2 mm). For strength and edge alignment, I want the inside bend radius to... read more
L
C
4
118
Oct 24
Urethane casting for sensor housings
Hello all, I’m looking for some advice. I’m working on a prototype of a handheld casing for an outdoor sensor (approx. 20×10×5 cm) that needs to be rigid, weather-resistant, and have fine surface details.... read more
a
0
74
Oct 17
Will a threaded hub and locknut hold up in a conveyor roller assembly?
hi! my project is a small conveyor assembly where the rollers need to be swapped out fairly often, depending on the material we’re running. I’m considering using an M14 threaded connection between the aluminum... read more
P
R
4
78
Oct 22
Printed aluminum parts in pressure applications
Hi! Questioning about prototyping a hydraulic valve housing (normally CNC’d in 6061) - considering aluminum 3D printing instead, mainly to speed up design iterations. The part would see ~150 bar during bench tests, with... read more
T
0
133
Sep 29