Snap fits that survive the first click
A snap hook has to bend without cracking. In FDM, print orientation and material decide whether that works. We set both so the clip is loaded in the strong direction.
We check orientation before printing
Typical uses
Wherever assembly should work without screws.
Housing lids
Lids that open and close without tools.
Cable clips
Holders for cables and hoses in machines.
Trim panels
Covers clipped onto sheet metal or profiles.
Prototypes for moulding
Test clip geometry before the mould is built.
Suitable materials
PA12 and PA11 are tough and tolerate many bending cycles. PETG works for few cycles. PLA is usually too brittle for clips.
- PA12Tough, low-friction nylon for functional mechanical parts.
- PA11Bio-based tough nylon with excellent impact resistance.
- PETGTough everyday material with grade-dependent compliance options.
- TPUFlexible thermoplastic polyurethane - Shore 95A.
What matters for a clip
- 01The hook lies flat in the build so it bends along the layers.
- 02A radius at the hook root instead of a sharp corner.
- 03The hook is long enough for the required deflection.
- 04How often the clip is opened in service.
For clips, orientation matters more than material
FDM parts are strong within the layer plane and weaker between layers. A snap hook bent across the layers often cracks at the first click, even in PA12.
If the same hook lies flat, bending runs along the paths. Sometimes that means a housing should be split differently or the clip printed as a separate part. We sort that out before printing.
Manufacturing data at a glance
- Location
- Schleswig, Germany
- Part size
- up to approx. 250 x 250 x 250 mm, larger parts split and joined
- Quantities
- 1 to several thousand, no minimum order quantity
- Tolerances
- approx. ±0.2 mm for PLA, PETG and carbon grades, ±0.3 mm for ABS, ASA and PC
- Layer height
- 0.10 to 0.30 mm
- Materials
- 20 engineering filaments from PLA to PA12-CF and PC FR
- File formats
- STEP, STL, 3MF, OBJ, IGES up to 200 MB
- Lead time
- 2 to 4 working days for samples, 4 to 15 working days for series
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Snap fit FAQ
Why do printed clips break so often?
Usually the hook stands upright and bends across the layers, where adhesion is weakest. Printed lying down, the same clip takes considerably more.
Can I reuse the moulded clip geometry?
Often yes, but with a little more thickness and a larger root radius. We tell you where the geometry should be adapted.
How many cycles does a PA12 clip last?
It depends heavily on deflection and geometry. Only a test gives reliable numbers. We are happy to print a few variants for that.
How do I get a price?
Upload your STEP or STL file in the instant quote. You see the price immediately, and we check the file for problems before production.
Which information is needed for Snap fits?
Send a STEP file where possible, together with quantity, operating temperature, load, environmental conditions and critical dimensions. This lets us define material, orientation, production strategy and inspection effort for the part.
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