Methodology for design process of a snap-fit joint made by additive manufacturing

Abstract

The use of additive manufacturing (AM) technology has been widely adopted due to its facility to produce highly complex elements. Nevertheless, elements fabricated by AM have dimension limitations regarding printers building capabilities (e.g. elements more volumetric than the printers building chamber). A potential solution is to divide elements in sections, which are later 3D-printed and joined using snap-fits. The present work proposes an AM design methodology for elements´ coupling by snap-fit joints. A model division and parts assembly case study is presented to analyze the parts mating design in terms of joining features resistance, support material consumption and printing times.