Honeywell Plastics

Snap-Fit
Design Manual
Table of Contents

Topic Part

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introduction

Snap-Fit Design Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I

Types of Snap-Fits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II

Snap-Fit Beam Design Using Classical Beam Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . III

Improved Cantilever Snap-Fit Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV

“U” & “L” Shaped Snaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V

General Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI

English/Metric Conversion Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Introduction

Snap-Fit Design

This manual will guide you through the About Honeywell Plastics
basics of snap-fit design, including: types Honeywell Plastics is a fully integrated, global supplier of
nylon 6 — from production of feedstocks to the
of snap-fit designs and their applications; compounding, manufacture and distribution of hundreds
of resin grades.
how to calculate the strength of the unit and Honeywell Plastics is committed to continuous product
development to sustain rapid growth in the nylon resin
amount of force needed for assembly; and the
market. In our Plastics Technology Laboratory, a highly
experienced staff of research and development engineers
three common causes of failure in snap-fits
continues to develop new resins to further extend the
and how to overcome them. horizons of product performance.

Honeywell offers four major lines of high-quality

engineering resins, including:

• Capron® (nylon 6 and 6/6)

• Petra® (post-consumer recycled PET)

• Nypel® (a post-industrial nylon 6)

• AegisTM (a barrier nylon)

These resins from Honeywell, coupled with the

company’s concept-through-commercialization expertise,
can combine to help make possible the most efficient,
cost-effective snap-fit for your product. Our technical
support is ready to help you with all your needs. And for
more information, you can always visit our web site at
www.honeywell-plastics.com.
Part I

Snap-Fit Design Applications

Why use snap-fits? This chapter will give you a
thumbnail sketch of the benefits of snap-fits and the
materials used to make them. UNDERCUT

Snap-fits are the simplest, quickest and most cost-

effective method of assembling two parts. When
designed properly, parts with snap-fits can be assembled
REQUIRES SLIDE IN MOLD
and disassembled numerous times without any adverse
effect on the assembly. Snap-fits are also the most
environmentally friendly form of assembly because
of their ease of disassembly, making components of
different materials easy to recycle.

Although snap-fits can be designed with many materials,

SLOT
the ideal material is thermoplastic because of its high
flexibility and its ability to be easily and inexpensively
molded into complex geometries. Other advantages NO SLIDE REQUIRED
include its relatively high elongation, low coefficient of
friction, and sufficient strength and rigidity to meet the
requirements of most applications.

The designer should be aware that the assembly may

have some “play”due to tolerance stack-up of the two
mating parts. Some snap-fits can also increase the cost
of an injection molding tool due to the need for slides in
the mold. An experienced designer can often eliminate NO SLIDE REQUIRED,
the need for slides by adding a slot in the wall directly MOLD LESS COMPLEX
below the undercut or by placing the snaps on the edge
of the part, so they face outward (see Figure I-1). Figure I-1

I-1
S N A P - F I T D E S I G N A P P L I C AT I O N S

Concluding points: Snap-fits solve the problem of

creating an inexpensive component that can be quickly
and easily joined with another piece. Thermoplastics
are the ideal material for snap-fits because they have the
flexibility and resilience necessary to allow for numerous
assembly and disassembly operations.

Door handle bezel

Backside of bezel Detail of backside of bezel, cantilever design

I-2
Part II

Types of Snap-Fits
This chapter provides an overview of the different types of When designing a cantilever snap, it is not unusual for
cantilever snap-fits and gives an idea of when they are used. the designer to go through several iterations (changing
length, thickness, deflection dimensions, etc.) to design a
Most engineering material applications with snap-fits use snap-fit with a lower allowable strain for a given material.
the cantilever design (see Figure II-1) and,thus,this manual
will focus on that design. The cylindrical design can be Other types of snap-fits which can be used are the “U”
employed when an unfilled thermoplastic material with or “L”shaped cantilever snaps (see Part V for more detail).
higher elongation will be used (a typical application is an These are used when the strain of the straight cantilever
aspirin bottle/cap assembly). snap cannot be designed below the allowable strain for
the given material.
Concluding points: Most applications can employ a
cantilever type snap-fit in the design. In applications
with tight packaging requirements, the “U”or “L”shaped
snap may be required.
Y

CANTILEVER

“U” SHAPED CANTILEVER Automotive oil filter snaps

“L” SHAPED CANTILEVER

Figure II-1

Cordless screw driver housing, cantilever snap-fit

II-1
;;;
Part III

Snap-Fit Design Using Classical Beam Theory

A design engineer’s job is to find a balance between MATING FORCE
integrity of the assembly and strength of the cantilever
beam. While a cantilever beam with a deep overhang
can make the unit secure, it also puts more strain on the P

beam during assembly and disassembly. This chapter R

explains how this balance is achieved. α' W

α

A typical snap-fit assembly consists of a cantilever beam

with an overhang at the end of the beam (see Figure III-1).
The depth of the overhang defines the amount of
deflection during assembly.
FRICTION CONE R

}
P α+ β
ENTRANCE SIDE
W

β
α

RETRACTION SIDE

Friction Coefficient µ = tan β

Mating Force = W

OVERHANG DEPTH W = P tan(α + β)

µ—
+—tan α
Figure III-1 W =P—— ——— —
1– µ tan α

Figure III-2
The overhang typically has a gentle ramp on the entrance
side and a sharper angle on the retraction side. The small
angle at the entrance side (α) (see Figure III-2) helps to The main design consideration of a snap-fit is integrity
reduce the assembly effort, while the sharp angle at the of the assembly and strength of the beam. The integrity of
retraction side (α') makes disassembly very difficult or the assembly is controlled by the stiffness (k) of the beam
impossible depending on the intended function. Both the and the amount of deflection required for assembly or
assembly and disassembly force can be optimized by disassembly. Rigidity can be increased either by using a
modifying the angles mentioned above. higher modulus material (E) or by increasing the cross
sectional moment of inertia (I) of the beam. The product
of these two parameters (EI) will determine the total
rigidity of a given beam length.

III-1
SNAP-FIT DESIGN USING CLASSICAL BEAM THEORY

The integrity of the assembly can also be improved by Cantilever Beam: Deflection-Strain Formulas
increasing the overhang depth. As a result, the beam
has to deflect further and, therefore, requires a greater P
t
effort to clear the overhang from the interlocking hook.
However, as the beam deflection increases, the beam
stress also increases. This will result in a failure if the
beam stress is above the yield strength of the material. L
b
Thus, the deflection must be optimized with respect to
the yield strength or strain of the material. This is I ) Uniform Cross Section,
achieved by optimizing the beam section geometry to Fixed End to Free End
ensure that the desired deflection can be reached without
exceeding the strength or strain limit of the material.
Stiffness: k = P = Eb t
Y 4 ( )
L
3

The assembly and disassembly force will increase with

Strain: e = 1.50 ( )
t
L2
Y

both stiffness (k) and maximum deflection of the beam

(Y). The force (P) required to deflect the beam is
proportional to the product of the two factors: P t
2
P= kY t

The stiffness value (k) depends on beam geometry as

shown in Figure III-3. L
b

Stress or strain induced by the deflection (Y) is also

II ) Uniform Width, Height Tapers
shown in Figure III-3. The calculated stress or strain
to t/2 at Free End
value should be less than the yield strength or the yield
strain of the material in order to prevent failure. Stiffness: k = P = Eb ( )
Y 6.528 L
t 3

When selecting the flexural modulus of elasticity (E)

for hygroscopic materials, i.e., nylon, care should be
Strain: e = 0.92 t2 Y
L()
taken. In the dry as molded state (DAM), the datasheet
value may be used to calculate stiffness, deflection or
retention force of snap design. Under normal 50% b
P
relative humidity conditions, however, the physical t

properties decrease and, therefore, the stiffness and

retention force reduce while the deflection increases.
Both scenarios should be checked. L b
4

III ) Uniform Height,Width Tapers

to b/4 at Free End
Stiffness: k = P = Eb
Y 5.136 L ( )
t 3

Strain: e =1.17 t2 Y
L()
Where:
E = Flexural Modulus
P = Force
Y = Deflection
b = Width of Beam

Figure III-3

III-2
SNAP-FIT DESIGN USING CLASSICAL BEAM THEORY

Concluding points: In a typical snap-fit, the strength

of a beam is dependent on its geometry and maximum
deflection during assembly. The force to assemble and
disassemble snap-fit assemblies is highly dependent on
the overhang entrance and retraction angles.

Close-up of automotive fuse box, snap on sides of box Close-up of automotive fuse box snap

Close-up of automotive fuse box, full view

III-3
Part IV

Improved Cantilever Snap-Fit Design

The cantilever beam formulas used in conventional
snap-fit design underestimate the amount of strain at
the beam/wall interface because they do not include the
deformation in the wall itself. Instead, they assume the
wall to be completely rigid with the deflection occurring
only in the beam. This assumption may be valid when
the ratio of beam length to thickness is greater than
about 10:1. However, to obtain a more accurate
prediction of total allowable deflection and strain for
short beams, a magnification factor should be applied
to the conventional formula. This will enable greater
flexibility in the design while taking full advantage of
the strain-carrying capability of the material.

Honeywell Plastics has developed a method for esti-

mating these deflection magnification factors for
various snap-fit beam/wall configurations as shown
in Figure IV-1. The results of this technique, which
have been verified both by finite element analysis and
actual part testing1, are shown graphically in Figure IV-1.
Figure IV-2 shows similar results for beams of
tapered cross section (beam thickness decreasing
by 1/2 at the tip).

Snap-Fit Design Examples 1 & 2 illustrate this procedure

for designing snap-fits, including calculating the
maximum strain developed during assembly and
predicting the snap-in force required.

1 Chul S. Lee, Alan Dubin and Elmer D. Jones,“Short Cantilever Beam

Deflection Analysis Applied to Thermoplastic Snap-Fit Design,” 1987 SPE
ANTEC, held in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

IV-1
IMPROVED CANTILEVER SNAP-FIT DESIGN

8.0

ON A BLOCK
(SOLID WALL)
7.0

6.0 2 4
ON A PLATE
(OR THIN WALL)
DEFLECTION MAGNIFICATION FACTOR Q

3
5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0

ASPECT RATIO, L/t

Uniform Beam, Q Factor

Figure IV-1

IV-2
IMPROVED CANTILEVER SNAP-FIT DESIGN
DEFLECTION MAGNIFICATION FACTOR Q

8.0

7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0
5T
; 2T
t/2

5T

2.0

2T

1.0

0.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0

ASPECT RATIO, L/t

Tapered Beam, Q Factor

Figure IV-2

IV-3
;
IMPROVED CANTILEVER SNAP-FIT DESIGN

Improved Formulas

W=P—µ——

bt
P=—
——

Where:
+—

2
—
6L
t

MAXIMUM STRAIN (@ BASE)

 = 1.5 —L—
MATING FORCE
tY—-

tan
———

E—
—
2
Q

α
1– µ tan α
—
W
b

W = Push-on Force
W’ = Pull-off Force
Y

Figure IV-3

P = Perpendicular Force
P

µ = Coefficient of Friction
α = Lead Angle
α’ = Return Angle
b = Beam Width
t = Beam Thickness
L = Beam Length
E = Flexural Modulus
α

NOTES:
(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)
MATERIAL
PEI
PC
Acetal
Nylon 6(4)
PBT
PC/PET
ABS
PET

August 1989.

Force Formula

NOTES:
(1)
PEI
PC
MATERIAL

Acetal
Nylon 6
PBT
PC/PET
ABS
PET
Allowable Strain Value, o
UNFILLED
9.8%(2)
4% - 9.2%(2)
(1)

1.5%(1)
8%(5)
8.8%(2)
5.8%(2)
6% - 7%(3)

Table IV-I

70% of tensile yield strain value

G.G.Trantina. Plastics Engineering.

Coefficient of Friction(1)

Material tested against itself

µ
30% GLASS

2.1%(1)

1.5%(1)

V.H.Trumbull. 1984 ASME Winter Annual Conference

DAM - “Dry As Molded”condition
Honeywell test lab; Note 4% should be used in Mating

0.20 - 0.25
0.25 - 0.30
0.20 - 0.35
0.17 - 0.26
0.35 - 0.40
0.40 - 0.50
0.50 - 0.60
0.18 - 0.25

Table IV-II

 = Strain at Base
o = Allowable Material Strain
Q = Deflection Magnification Factor
(refer to Figure IV-2 for proper
Q values)
Y = Deflection

Wheel cover with cantilever snaps

IV-4
; ;
IMPROVED CANTILEVER SNAP-FIT DESIGN

t
W

DETERMINE:
Snap-Fit Design Example #1

L
Y
P

A) THE MAXIMUM DEFLECTION OF SNAP

B) THE MATING FORCE

SOLUTION:

o = 1.5 —
—
t
tY—
L Q
max- ⇒ Y
2 — max

(0.015)(0.5)2 (2.0)
GIVEN:
Material ⇒ Petra 130

t=
L=
b=
E=
µ=
(PET)
0.10 in
0.50 in
0.25 in
1.3 (106) psi
0.2 (From Table
IV-II, Coefficient
of Friction)
α = 30.0°
o = 1.5% (From Table

Figure IV-4
IV-I, Allowable
Strain Value)

A) THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE DEFLECTION OF SNAP

o—L—2 —
=—

Ymax = —————————— = 0.050 in

(1.5)(0.1)
1.5 t
Q

L = 5.0 ⇒ Q = 2.0 (from Q Factor Graph)

Therefore,in an actual design, a smaller value for deflection

(Y) would be chosen for an added factor of safety.

B) THE MATING FORCE

t

DETERMINE:
Snap-Fit Design Example #2

L
P

Figure IV-5
GIVEN:
Material ⇒ Unfilled

t
Y
L
b

IS THIS TYPE OF SNAP-FIT ACCEPTABLE FOR USE IN

NYLON 6 (CAPRON® 8200 NYLON)

SOLUTION:

t
 = 1.5 —L—
tY—-
Q
L = 3.57 ⇒ Q = 2.7
—
2

 = 1.5 —(0.063)(0.090)
———————— = 6.2%
(0.225) (2.7) 2
=
=
=
=
Nylon 6
0.063 in
0.090 in
0.225 in
0.242 in

(From Q Factor Graph,

Figure IV-1)

Therefore, it is acceptable for unfilled Nylon 6

(See Allowable Strain Value,Table IV-1).

Concluding points: Unlike conventional formulas,

Honeywell includes the deflection magnification factor in
all calculations. The examples show how to calculate the
maximum strain during assembly and how to predict
the force needed for assembly.

P = bt
——
2
—E—
— —o
6L
(0.25)(0.1)2 (1.3)(106) (0.015)
P = —————————————————— = 16.2 lb
6(0.5)

W=P—µ——
+—tan
———α
1– µ tan α
0.2 + tan30º
W = 16.2 ————————— = 14.2 lb
1 – 0.2 (tan30º)

Therefore, it will take 14.2 lb mating force to

assemble parts, if the part deflected to the material’s
allowable strain. Close-up of automotive wheel cover snaps

IV-5
Part V

;;
;
“U” & “L” Shaped Snaps
The cantilever beam snap-fit design isn’t appropriate
for all applications. This chapter defines “L”and “U”
shaped snaps and tells when they are used.

Occasionally, a designer will not be able to design a

cantilever snap-fit configuration with a strain below the
allowable limit of the intended material. This is usually
due to limited packaging space which can restrict the
length of the snap. This is the ideal time to consider
using either an “L”shaped snap or a “U”shaped snap.

The “L”shaped snap (see Figure V-1) is formed by

designing in slots in the base wall which effectively
increases the beam length and flexibility compared to a
standard cantilever beam. This allows the designer to
reduce the strain during assembly below the allowable
limit of the selected material. It should be noted that
adding a slot to the base wall may not be acceptable in
some designs for cosmetic or air flow concerns.

The “U”shaped snap (see Figure V-2) is another way to

increase the effective beam length within a limited space
envelope. With this design, even materials with low
allowable strain limits (such as highly glass-filled materials)
can be designed to meet assembly requirements. The
“U”shaped design usually incorporates the undercut on
the outer edge of the part to eliminate the need for slide
in the mold, unless a slot is acceptable in the wall from
which the snap projects.
“L” SHAPED CANTILEVER

Figure V-1

“U” SHAPED CANTILEVER

Figure V-2

V-1
“ U ” & “ L ” S H A P E D S N A P S ( C O N S TA N T C R O S S S E C T I O N )

“L” SHAPED SNAP–FIT “L” Shaped Snap-Fit Example

P A) Calculate the minimum length (L2) of the slot (see
sketch, Figure V-3) in the main wall for Capron® 8233
nylon in the configuration below. The required
L1
deflection is .38 inches.
t
A A
B) Calculate the required force (P) to deflect the
R b
snap .38 inches.
Section
A-A
GIVEN:
L2  8233= .021
t = .1 in
L1 = .5 in
Figure V-3
R = .12 in
I = Moment of Inertia (rectangle)
(6/o)Yt(L1+ R) - 4L13 - 3R(2L12 + R2 + 8L1R) bt 3 1(.1)3
L2 = —— ———————————— ——–---––——–————— I= = = 8.333(10-5)
12(L1 +R)2 12 12
E = 1.31 (106)
or, b = 1.0 in
Y = .38

[4L13+3R(2L12 +R2 + 8L1R) + 12L2(L1 + R)2]

P
Y=
12EI (6/) Yt(L1+ R) - 4L13 - 3R(2L12 + R2 + 8L1R)
A) L2 = —–––––———— ——————— ———————————
12(L1 +R)2

Where:
L2 = Length of slot as shown in sketch (6/.021)(.38)(.1)(.62) - 4(.5)3 - .36[.5 +.122 + 4(.12)]
o = Allowable strain of material = ———————————————
12(.62)2
———————————––
Y = Maximum deflection required in
direction of force
t = Thickness L2 = 1.187 in
L1 = Length as shown in sketch
R = Radius as shown in sketch
[4L13+3R(2L12 +R2 + 8L1R) + 12L2(L1 + R)2]
(at neutral axis) P
B) Y =
P = Force 12EI
b = Beam Width
E = Flexural Modulus
I = Moment of Inertia .38 = P [4(.5)3+(.36)[.5+
(12)(1.31)(106)(8.333)(10-5)
.122+ 8(.5).12]+ 12(1.187)(.62)2]

.38 = P (6.718)
1.31(103)

P = 74.1 lb

V-2
“U” & “L” SHAPED SNAPS

“U” Shaped Snap–Fit “U” Shaped Snap

Example #1
P
P
t
L1
L1 L2
b
L2
R
R Section
A A
A-A
Case 1
Case 1

 A) Calculate the amount of deflection at the tip of the

Y= [6L + 9R {L1(2L1 + 8R) + R }+
1
3 2 beam for a 1.0 pound load
9(L1 + R)t
6L2 (3L12 - 3L1L2 +L22 )] GIVEN:

P = 1.0 lb
or, I = 0.833 x 10-4 in4 = bt3/12 (rectangular cross section)
E = 534,000 psi
R = 0.15 in
[6L13 + 9R {L1(2L1 + 8R) + R2}+
P L1 = 1.4 in
Y=
18EI L2 = 0.973 in
6L2 (3L12 - 3L1L2 +L22 )] t = 0.1 in
b = 1.0 in

A) Y = P [ 6L13 + 9R{L1(2L1 + 8R) + R2} + 6L2(3L12 - 3L1L2 + L22)]

18EI
1
L3 t Y= [6(1.4)3 +9(0.15){(1.4)
18(534,000)(0.833 x 10-4)
P
L2 L1 b (2•1.4 + 8 • 0.15) + (0.15)2} + 6 (0.973)
{3(1.4)2 - 3(1.4)(0.973) + (0.973)2}]
R Section
A A = 0.064 in
A-A

Case 2


Y= [4L 13 + 2L 33 +3R {L 1(2L 1 + 8R) + R2}]
3(L 1 + R)t

or,

Y= P [4L 3 + 2L 3 +3R {L (2L + 8R) + R2}]

1 3 1 1
6EI

Where:

Variables defined on previous page.

V-3
“U” & “L” SHAPED SNAPS

“U” Shaped Snap Concluding points: Snap-fits can use either the “U”or “L”
Example #2 shaped design to overcome space limitations. Both the
“L”and “U”shaped snaps effectively reduce strain during
assembly, thus making it ideal for materials with lower
L3
allowable strain limits.
P
L2 L1
R

Case 2
A) Calculate the amount of deflection at the tip of the
beam for a 1.0 pound load

GIVEN:

I = 0.833 x 10-4 in4

E = 534,000 psi
R = 0.15 in
L1 = 0.7 in
L1 = L2
L3 = 0.273 in
t = 0.1 in Automotive wheel cover

[4L 3 + 2L33 + 3R {L1(2L1 + 8R) + R2}]

P
Y =
6EI 1
1
= [4(0.7)3 + 2(0.273)3 +
6(534,000)(0.833 x 10-4)
3(0.15){0.7(2 • 0.7 + 8(0.15)) +  (0.15)2}]

= 0.012 in

Close-up of above cover backside featuring the “L” shaped snap-fit design
(from a top angle)

Inset shot of a “U” shaped snap-fit design

V-4
 ;;
;;;;
Part VI

General Design Guidelines

Three basic issues should be reviewed before finalizing between the parts, relaxation at the joint can result in
a snap-fit design: stress concentration, creep/relaxation, loss of seal pressure, resulting in leakage of the contained
and fatigue. Below are descriptions of these problems fluid. Another problem often seen is excessive play
and suggestions to prevent them. All should be between the parts due to tolerance variations, sometimes
considered as part of good design practice for any resulting in noise and vibration. Several ways to
thermoplastic design. minimize these phenomena include: designing a low
stress snap beam, designing the snap-fit to incorporate
The single most common cause of failure in snap-fits is a 90° return angle so that it relaxes in tension versus
stress concentration due to a sharp corner between the bending (see Figure VI-2). This will prevent the mating
snap-fit beam and the wall to which it is attached. Since part from slipping past or becoming loose. Another way
this location normally coincides with the point of is to use a large return angle and increase the land length
maximum stress, a sharp corner can increase the stress in the return angle area (see Figure VI-3). Increasing the
beyond the strength of the material, causing point overhang depth and evaluating the worst case scenario
yielding or breakage. This is more critical for rigid in a tolerance study will allow the design to retain given
plastics like glass-reinforced nylon, which have relatively pull-off force even after relaxation occurs.
low ultimate elongation. More ductile materials, like
unreinforced nylon, tend to yield and deform before they
RELAXED POSITION
break, redistributing the peak stress over a broader (EXAGGERATED)
UNDEFORMED
POSITION
region. One solution is to incorporate a fillet radius at
the juncture between the beam and the wall (see Figure UNDEFORMED P
POSITION P
VI-1), so that the ratio of radius to wall thickness (R/t) is
at least 50%. Going beyond 50% results in a marginal
increase in strength and may cause other problems like
internal voids and sink marks. If sink marks are an issue, RELAXATION IN TENSION RELAXATION IN BENDING
a smaller radius can be used, but it may increase the
stress in this area. Another option is to add the radius P = MATING PART FORCE

only on the tensile side of the beam.

Figure VI-2

SHARP R=
CORNER .5t MINIMUM

LAND LENGTH

t
POOR DESIGN GOOD DESIGN

RETURN ANGLE
Figure VI-1

Creep, or more accurately stress relaxation, can result in

OVERHANG DEPTH
a reduction of the holding force between the two
components connected by the snap-fit. Stress relaxation
will occur gradually over time. If there is a gasket or seal Figure VI-3

VI-1
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

Fatigue, or repetitive loading, is the third major cause

of failure. Fatigue concerns primarily apply if hundreds
or thousands of cycles are anticipated. While the design
stress level might be well within the strength of the
material, the repeated application of this stress can
result in fatigue failure at some point in the future.
Some polymers perform better than others in this regard,
making them ideal candidates for snap-fits or living
hinges that must flex repeatedly. The first way to avoid a
fatigue failure is to choose a material known to perform
well in fatigue. This can be done by comparing the so-
called S-N curves of the materials, which show the
expected number of cycles to failure at various stress
levels and at different temperatures of exposure. The Close-up of automotive fuel rail cover, snap-fit design
second way, still using the S-N curves, is to choose a
design stress level, at the correct temperature, that results
in the required number of load applications prior to
failure. This method will usually be conservative since
S-N curves are typically generated at much higher
frequencies than would be anticipated for repeated
application of a snap-fit assembly.

For hygroscopic materials like nylon, the effects of

moisture on final part dimensions and mechanical
properties also must be considered. For further
information, please consult the Honeywell Plastics
Design Solutions Guide.

Concluding points: There are a number of ways to Close-up of truck mirror patch cover
overcome the issues of stress concentration, stress
relaxation and fatigue. A well thought-out design and
using the right polymer for a given application will
minimize these issues. This allows the application to
benefit from all the advantages of a snap-fit design.

Aerator Circular saw handle inset shot featuring snap-fit closure and mating part

VI-2
Notes
English/Metric Conversion Chart
To Convert To Multiply
English System Metric System English Value by. . .

DISTANCE
inches millimeters 25.38
feet meters 0.30478

MASS
ounce (avdp) gram 28.3495
pound gram 453.5925
pound kilogram 0.4536
U.S.ton metric ton 0.9072

VOLUME
inch3 centimeter 3 16.3871
inch3 liter 0.016387
fluid ounce centimeter3 29.5735
quart (liquid) decimeter3 (liter) 0.9464
gallon (U.S.) decimeter3 (liter) 3.7854

TEMPERATURE
degree F degree C (°F –32) / 1.8 = °C

PRESSURE
psi bar 0.0689
psi kPa 6.8948
ksi MN/m2 6.8948
psi MPa 0.00689

ENERGY AND POWER

in lbf Joules 0.113
ft lbf Joules 1.3558
kW metric horsepower 1.3596
U.S.horsepower Kw 0.7457
Btu Joules 1055.1
BTU • in / (hr • ft2•ºF) W/m • °K 0.1442

VISCOSITY
poise Pa • s 0.1

BENDING MOMENT
OR TORQUE
ft lb N•m 1.356

DENSITY
lb/in3 g/cm3 27.68
lb/ft3 kg /m3 16.0185

NOTCHED IZOD
ft lb/in J/m 53.4
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Although all statements and information in this publication are believed to be accurate and reliable, they are presented without guarantee or warranty of any kind, express or implied,
and risks and liability for results obtained by use of the products or applications of the suggestions described are assumed by the user. Statements or suggestions concerning
possible use of the products are made without representation or warranty that any such use is free of patent infringement and are not recommendations to infringe any patent. The
user should not assume that toxicity data and safety measures are indicated or that other measures may not be required.

All brand names mentioned herein are registered trade names of their respective owners.

www.honeywell-plastics.com

Capron®, Nypel ®, Petra®, and Ultratough® are registered trademarks, and Aegis™ is a trademark, of Honeywell International Inc.
©Honeywell International Inc. 2002 Printed in U.S.A. 1202/Snap-Fit