Europe 
Türkiye 
United Kingdom 
Global 
Login with my Xometry account Cracking at snap-fit hook base in SLS PA12
F
Hello everyone, I’m using SLS 3D printing (PA12, 0.12 mm layer height) to create a snap-fit enclosure for a handheld sensor device. The enclosure has three internal hooks that flex about 1.5 mm during assembly and are supposed to hold a PCB securely without any fasteners. I’m seeing occasional cracking at the hook base after just 2–3 assemblies. Wall thickness around that area is 1.8 mm.
Suggested Topics
Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Choosing sheet metal thickness for a lightweight bracket
Hey, working on a small mounting bracket for a consumer electronics housing, cut and bent from stainless steel sheet (304 or 316). The part needs to stay under 200g, but it also has to... read more
0
34
May 13
Visibility of parting line on GF30 PA6 injection molded handle
Hello everyone, how visible can the parting line be on final molded parts? My team is currently designing a handle cover for an industrial machine, injection molded in PA6 with 30% glass fiber. Aesthetics... read more
1
55
May 06
Minimum embossed text size for TPU molding
Hey there, I'm designing a flexible watch strap that will be injection molded in TPU (Shore 85A). I want to include some small embossed text (branding and serial number) directly on the strap, but... read more
2
84
May 05
Printed bracket cracking – how to reinforce?
Hi, I'm prototyping a small bracket for holding a plastic cover in place—roughly 60 × 30 × 10 mm, with two hooks and two screw holes (M3) on the top side. I printed it in PLA with 20% infill... read more
1
83
Apr 23
FEA of a welded tow hitch
Hi! Need help on a welded tow hitch for an off-road vehicle using S355 steel tubing and 8 mm plates. It needs to handle a 3,500 kg towing load with off-axis forces. In ANSYS,... read more
1
124
Apr 10