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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.

[Tom Barton]

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?

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[klaus kolb]

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.

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[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.

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