This guide discusses the benefits of 3D printing snap-fits and gives design and material recommendations.

Introduction

Snap-fit joints are a quick and easy way of connecting two 3D printed components together using interlocking features. Not only are they a low cost and time saving connection method but they can also reduce the number of parts in an assembly and offer the possibility of rapid assembly and disassembly.

This article discusses the most appropriate snap-fit connections for 3D Printing, presents good design practices to consider when designing snap-fits with plastics and briefly introduce advanced design specifications redirecting the reader to more detailed information on this topic.

Finally this article examines which 3D printing process are more suitabile to manufacture your snap-fit connections.

Snap-fit connections

3D printed snap-fits also do not have injection moulding design limitations (draft angles, separation lines, wall thickness, undercuts etc) and can be easily designed and altered. This makes them ideal features for rapid prototype generation where clearance and fit are critical and because of this they are often applied in the design and testing of enclosures.

Snap-fit construction for a DIY loud speaker

Common snap-fit connections

There are 2 main types of snap-fit connections that are appropriate for 3D printing:

Cantilever snap-fits