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Design guide

Snap-Fits and Latches

For snap-fits choose PA11 or PA12 (MJF/SLS) – they withstand many bending cycles. To prevent breakage, fillet the base of the cantilever and limit the strain to a few percent.

Material

PA11 has a higher elongation at break than PA12, so it is more resistant to repeated bending. Resins (except Durable/Tough) and PLA are brittle and unsuitable for snap-fits.

Geometry

  • Fillet the base of the cantilever (radius ≥0.5× the thickness).
  • Taper the cantilever thickness toward the tip – for a more even stress distribution.
  • Orientation matters in FDM – bending should occur within the layer plane.

More design guide topics

Wall Thickness

The recommended minimum wall thickness for 3D printing is 0.75 mm (down to 0.5 mm for some designs).…

Holes and Openings

The smallest recommended hole for 3D printing is about 1–2 mm in diameter; for precise holes (bushings, shafts),…

Threads and Threaded Inserts

The most durable thread in a 3D printed part is a metal threaded insert, heat-set into a prepared…

Clearances Between Parts

Leave a clearance between separate parts or moving components: MJF and SLS – ≥0.5–1 mm, FDM – 1–2…

Moving Parts and Assemblies

MJF and SLS can produce moving assemblies in one piece – hinges, chains, rotating parts – provided you…

Orientation and Supports

SLA and FDM parts are built with supports – orientation determines surface quality, strength and cost. MJF and…