'The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology'
Abstract
A snap-fit is a mechanical joint system whose mating parts exert a cam action, flexing until one
part slips past a raised lip on the other part, preventing their separation. The use of snaps in
additive manufacturing (AM) is an approach for assembling components of parts too large to
build in one piece in AM. There are broadly two types of snap-fits possible to encounter,
permanent and non-permanent, depending on the design geometry. An experimental study
was carried out to evaluate the mating/dismounting force for snap-fits regarding several
geometrical parameters for additive manufacturing. The design chosen for this study has been
established from the start to work on only one design. The parameters chosen for experimental
investigation were the mating angle, the separation angle and the inner diameter of the mating
part. All in all, fifteen pairs were designed and additive manufactured for evaluation. The force
required to insert and separate the snap components was recorded and compared to the value
based on a derived equation.Mechanical Engineerin
