CA LC U L AT I O N S D ES I G N A PPL I CAT I O N S B . 3 .

Design calculations for

snap fit joints in plastic parts

Contents

1.

Introduction

2.

Requirements for snap-fit joints

3.

Basic types
3.1
3.2

of snap-fit joint
leg snap-fit
Barbed leg snap-fit supported
on

3.3
3.4

4.

both sides

4
4

Cylindrical snap-fit
Ball and socket snap-fit

Critical dimensions for

snap-fit joint
permissible undercut depth Hmax.
and maximum permissible
elongation s,^
a

Maximum

4.2

Elastic modulus E

10

4.3

Coefficient of friction M
Assembly angle a\ and retaining

10

Design calculations for snap-fit joints

Barbed leg snap-fit
5.1
5.2
Cylindrical snap-fit
5.3

6.

4.1

4.4

5.

Barbed

Ball and socket

snap-fit

Calculation
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4

examples
leg snap-fit
Cylindrical snap-fit
Ball and socket snap-fit
Barbed leg snap-fit supported

Barbed

angle 2

11

12

12
13
14

16
16
16

18

both sides

18

7.

Demoulding ofsnap-fit joints

20

8.

Applications

21

Barbed

21

on

8.1
8.2
8.3

9.

leg snap-fit
Cylindrical snap-fit
Ball and socket snap-fit

Explanation of symbols

10. Literature

23
24

24

25

Introduction

1.

2.

Snap-fits are formfitting joints which permit great design

flexibility. All these joints basically involve a projecting
lip, thicker section, lugs or barbed legs moulded on one
part which engage in a corresponding hole, recess or
undercut in the other. During assembly, the parts are
elastically deformed. Joints may be non-detachable or
detachable, depending on design (figs. 4 and 5). Nondetachable joints can withstand permanent loading even
at high temperatures. With detachable joints, it is neces
sary

to test

in each individual

deformation which

can

case the permanent load

be permitted in the joint. In the

unloaded state, snap-fit joints are under little or no stress

and are therefore not usually leaktight. By incorporating

sealing elements, e.g. O-rings, or by using

leaktight joints can also be obtained.

an

adhesive,

Snap-fits are one of the cheapest methods of joining

plastic parts because they are easy to assemble and no
additional fastening elements are required.

Hostaform
Acetal

copolymer (POM)

Hostacom
Reinforced

polypropylene (PP)

Celanex
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)

@Vandar
Impact-modified
polybutylene terephthalate (PBT-HI)

lmpet
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

registered

trademark

Requirements
for snap-fit joints

Snap-fits
position.

used

fix

two

cases,

it is

parts together in a certain

important to exclude play
between the assembled parts (e. g. rattle-free joints
for automotive applications). The axial forces to be
transmitted are relatively small. In the majority of appli
cations, the joints are not subject to permanent loads
are

In

some

to

(e. g. from internal pressure).

Special fasteners such as rivets and clips also work on the

snap-fit principle. They should be easy to insert, suitable
for blind fastening, require low assembly force and be
able to bridge the tolerances of the mounting hole.

3.

Basic types

of snap-fit joint

The undercut

outside

depth H

is the difference between the

of the barb and the inside

edge

edge

of the hole

(% 1):
The parts with an undercut can be cylindrical, spherical
or barbed. There are three corresponding types of snapfit

joint:

Barbed

undercut

The
.

2.
3.

leg snap-fit
Cylindrical snap-fit
Ball and socket snap-fit

In

leg

is deflected

designing a

vent

by

barbed

overstressing

at

depth H

this

leg,

amount

care

therefore be
Barbed

as

large

LI

(1)

L2

during assembly.

should be taken

to

pre

point of support
radius r (fig. 1) should

the vulnerable

because of the notch effect. The

3.1

as

possible.

leg snap-fit

Hg.l

Barbed

3.2

Fig.

leg snap-fit supported on

both sides

1, Pj

-\

_vu

i
S

HJ1

T t
-1 >~

(/}

/R

l
spring elements supported on one or
both sides and usually pressed through holes in the
mating part (fig. 1). The hole can be rectangular, circular
or a slot. The cross-section of the barbed leg is usually
rectangular, but shapes based on round cross-sections are
also used. Here, the originally cylindrical snap-fit is
divided by one or several slots to reduce dimensional
rigidity and hence assembly force (fig. 2).
Barbed

legs

are

This
on

joint employs

barbed

both sides. The undercut

spring element supported

depth H is the difference

edge of the barb and the width of

(fig. 3). Hence as in formula (1) we

between the outside

the

receiving

hole

obtain:

undercut

depth

Lt

L2

(la)

snap-joint may be detachable or non-detachable

depending on the design of the retaining angle.

This

Fig.2

3.3

Cylindrical snap-fit

Cylindrical snap-fits consist of cylindrical parts with a

lip or thick section which engage in a corre
sponding groove, or sometimes just a simple hole in the
mating part.
moulded

Fig.

4: Non-detachable

compression ( ) of the shaft

joint

^1DG

100%

(4)

+ ~^-WO%

(5)

_==*.

UG

elongation (+)

of the hub

e2

AV*
i-TC

As it is

known how the undercut

depth H is appor
mating parts, it is assumed for sim
plicity that only one part undergoes a deformation e
corresponding to the whole undercut depth H.
not

tioned between the

H
-100%

e=^^-100%
DK

or

Dr,

Ball and socket

3.4

Fig.

5: Detachable

snap-fit

joint

Fig.

The difference between the

largest

diameter of the

shaft DG and the smallest diameter of the hub DK is the

undercut

depth

Ball and socket

H.

snap-fits (fig. 6)

are

mainly

used

as

motion

A ball

undercut

depth H

(2)

DK

DG

transmitting joints.
corresponding socket;
ence

DG largest diameter of the shaft [mm]

DK smallest diameter of the hub [mm]

between the ball diameter DG and the socket open

ing diameter DK.

undercut

The parts

are

deformed

by

the

amount

depth
H

As
are

can

also be described

ADC

result of these diameter

deformed

as

as

follows:

DG

DK

(7)

Because the shaft is solid and therefore very rigid, the

hole undercut depth H must be overcome by expanding

deformed

JDK

(3)

changes,

the shaft and hub

DG ball diameter
[mm]
DK socket opening diameter [mm]

the hub. As
=

depth

of this undercut

depth during assembly. The diameter of the shaft is

reduced by ADC, and the diameter of the hub increased
by +ZlDK.
So the undercut

or ball section engages in a

the undercut depth H is the differ

as

result of this diameter

elongation

change,

the hub is

follows:

DG-DK
^
jL>K

H
100%

100%

DK

(8)

the deformation is lower. So barbed

Critical dimensions

4.

legs

are

stressed

much less than

cylindrical snap-fits. As a result of this,

higher elongation is permissible and in many cases is
necessary for design reasons.

for a snap-fit joint

of the type of

snap-fit there is a linear relation

depth H and elongation e. The
maximum permissible undercut depth Hmax. is limited by
the specified maximum permissible elongation e^^
Irrespective

between the undercut

The

load-carrying capacity

of

snap-fits depends

on

non-rectangular barbed leg cross-sections, the follow

ing relationships apply between undercut depth H and
deformation e in the outer fibre region (outer fibre elon
gation):
For

the

elastic modulus E and coefficient of friction //. It can be

matched to the requirements of the joint by adjusting
undercut

angle

K2

depth

H and

assembly angle

or

semicircular

I2

(10)

100

retaining

(see section 4.4).

third of

circle

I2

Hmax.

cross-section
Maximum

4.1

en

Hmax.= 0.578

cross-section

maximum

permissible undercut depth Hm

permissible elongation &max.

en

0.580

(H)

100

and
quarter of a circle
cross-section

Hmax.=

0.555-^-^-

(12)

In barbed

legs (fig. 7), the following relation applies

between undercut depth H (= deflection) as a result of
deflection force FB and elongation or compression in the
outer fibre region of the barbed leg cross-section
(rectangular section):

These

undercut

depth Hmax.

-|- - ^
-

also

apply approximately to leg

comparison

(9)

depth Hmax.

sectors

of

an

annulus.

between formula 9 and formulae 10

12 shows that the maximum

for barbed

legs

permissible

to

undercut

with cross-sections in the

form of segments of a circle is 15% lower than that of

a rectangular barbed leg cross-section (assumption:

barbed

leg length
[mm]
barbed leg height
[mm]
permissible elongation [/o]

x.

relationships

cross-sections in the form of

-I).

The maximum

Fig.

permissible undercut depth Hmax. for

barbed legs of different length and height with a
rectangular cross-section can be read off figs. 10 to 13.

Kg-

\
'fi

Fig.

8:

Elongation

in cross-section A- A

'T

a
\

n t

(fig. 7)

1
The maximum

permissible undercut depth Hmax. for

leg snap-fits supported on both sides can be
calculated with the aid of fig. 14, irrespective of the
material. Fig. 14 applies for emax
6% (see calculation
example 6.4).
barbed

The maximum deformation

critical

region

(fig. 8) only applies

in the

A, fig. 7, while in other cross-sections

Fig.

10: Maximum

undercut

permissible

depth Hn

Fig.

12: Maximum

permissible

undercut de

for Hostacom M 4 N01 and G 3 N01

for Hostaform and Hostalen PP

a
3

o^

<^i

~13^
E

4^

n *iln*L

mm

30
M

20

max.

-%

S Is
A

10

Sl=15
s
s

sl

10

mmN.

S
sv

mm

s
2

Si

Maximu

\
\

\\

mi n

permis ble

s,

Vl

x=
SJ

Xj
f

10

20

mrr [

mn

rn

15 mm\

m\

\.

Sk

x
\

pbo

30

^s

>

op

|5

KJ

p^

oj

S.

s\

undercut

mm

20

mm

\.

Hmax.
depth

s_

i"

8%

y&^

s 1=50 mm

2%

^|

LU u=L

max.

X 1= 5

4*

Ui

s
mm

X
V

\
pfo

S
\

o l^

I
0 5

0.8

2345

1.0

Height

Fig.

11: Maximum

of barbed

permissible

leg

0.5

6mm8

undercut

345

1.0

0.8

Height

depth Hn

Fig.

13: Maximum

of barbed

permissible

undercut

depth Hmax.

for Hostacom G 2 N01 and M 2 N01

for Hostaform C 9021 CV 1/30

mm

max.

6%

P
^\
y

rr

10
8
6

""

s.
^V 1

on

JV

S
=

20

mm

Sj=15mmS

30r
x\r
s

\
Si

10

mm

I
I

0.8

1.0

345

Height of barbed leg h

6mm8

X
1.5

0.8

V
S

mr n

N^

0.1

0.5

6mm 8

leg h

1.0

345

Height

of barbed

leg h

X
6mm8

The undercut

depth H is

calculated

maximum

1
s

thickness of

Fig.

maximum

14: Barbed

undercut

J~lmax.

^ ()

depth

Dt

(14)

DC

100

outside diameter of the shaft [mm] in cylindrical

snap-fits or ball diameter [mm] in ball and socket

snap-fits
The maximum

leg [mm]

permissible elongation (table 1) [%]

leg snap-fit supported

both

on

sides; relative undercut depth

spring leg thickness for

function of barb

as a

emax.

permissible elongation of materials with

a
yield point (e. g. Hostaform) should be about
a third of the elongation at yield stress es (fig. 15a).
For materials without a definite yield point (e. g. glass
fibre reinforced Hostacom, fig. 15b), the maximum per
missible elongation (see table 1) should be about a third
of the elongation at break SR.
definite

TT

width and

permissible

en

(-1)

barb width [mm]

length of hole [mm]

Smax.

follows:

(-!)' (>+4)

12

as

6%

Fig. 15a: For materials

(e. g. Hostaform)

with

definite

yield point

1.0
0.8
0.6

0.4

relative

spring leg thickness

0.01

0.2

es
3

El-

0.1
0.08

Fig. 15b: For materials without

point os (e. g. Hostacom)

0.06

0.04

|
TB

0.02

0.01

0.008

0.006

IE.
0.004

Fig.

0.002

0.4

0.5

Relative barb width

With

cylindrical snap-fits

the maximum

permissible

-r

and ball and socket

snap-fits,
depth can be
permissible elongation

undercut

calculated from the maximum

emax.

16

F
^o

0.001

0.3

SR

(%) using the formula:

0.6

ES

'

definite

yield

os

Table 1 :
Maximum

permissible elongation

Material

emax.

for determination of the maximum

Maximum

Barbed

leg

permissible

permissible elongation

undercut

emax.

depth Hn

(%)

Cylindrical snap-fits,
snap-fits

ball and socket

Hostaform C 52021
Hostaform C 27021
Hostaform C 13021
Hostaform C 13031
Hostaform C 9021
Hostaform C 2521
Hostaform C 9021 K
Hostaform C 9021 M

Hostaform C 9021 TF
Hostaform T 1020
Hostaform S 9063/S 27063
Hostaform C 9021 GV 1/30

1.5

Hostaform S 9064/S 27064

10

0.8

Hostacom M2 N02
Hostacom M2 N01

Hostacom G2 N01
Hostacom M4 N01
Hostacom G2 N02
Hostacom Ml U01
Hostacom G3 N01
1.5

1.0

S 1.0

S 0.5

Vandar 4602 2

^ 3.0

^2.0

Celanex 2500

S 2.0

1.0

S 1.0

S 0.5

Hostacom M4 U01

Impet

2600 GV 1/30

Celanex 2300 GV 1/30

Elastic modulus E

4.2

The elastic modulus E0 is defined in DIN 53 457 as the

slope of the tangent to the stress-strain curve at the

origin (fig. 16,

page

Fig. 17: Secant modulus Es as a function of outer fibre

elongation (based on 3-point flexural test)
(el%/min)

8).
a

E0

at

the

point

(15)

Celanex 2300 GV 1/30

b Hostaform C 9021 GV 1/30

c

Hostacom G 3 N01

d Hostacom M 4 N01
With greater elongation, e. g. Si (fig. 16), the elastic modu
lus is smaller because of the deviation from linearity
between

The elastic modulus then

and

a
e.
corresponds
slope of a secant which is drawn from the origin
through the e\ point of the stress strain curve. This is
known as secant modulus Es and is dependent on the
magnitude of elongation e
to

the

Hostaform C 9021

Celanex 2500

g Hostacom M 2 N01
h Hostacom G 2 N01

Vandar4602Z

The

following applies:

N/mm2

,a

7500

Es

f(8)

S,

(16)
7000

This

snap-fits.

modulus ES is used in design calculations for

Fig. 17 plots the secant modulus against elonga

tion

to

secant

up

barbed

the maximum

6500

\\

permissible elongation for

legs.

6000
r

450(f
v
4.3

Coefficient offriction fj.

assembling snap-fits, friction has to be overcome. The

degree of friction depends on the materials used for the
mating elements, surface roughness and surface loading.
Table 2 gives coefficient of friction ranges for various
combinations of mating element materials. The friction
values quoted are guide values only.
In

4000

3500

\
3000

Table 2
1500

element materials

Coefficient of friction //

V
\

2500

2000

Mating

\
\\

vV

S3
"V

Vs sf__ .!^
_\ sjX
^ ^1\

^S

1000

[*-_

'

^^^

---^
-

^s
l"**

Hostaform/Hostaform

0.2

to

0.3

Hostaform/other

0.2

to

0.3

Hostaform/steel

0.1

to

0.2

Hostacom/Hostacom

0.4

Hostacom/other

plastics

plastics

to

0.4

0.2

to

0.3

Impet/Impet
Impet/other plastics
Impet/steel

0.2

to

0.3

0.2

to

0.3

0.1

to

0.2

Vandar/Vandar

0.3

to

0.4

Vandar/other

0.2

to

0.3

Vandar/steel

0.2

to

0.3

Celanex/Celanex

0.2

to

0.3

Celanex/other

0.2

to

0.3

0.1

to

0.2

Celanex/steel

10

plastics

500

1
1

calculation

example

3456

0.3

plastics

*-

Hostacom/steel

25*^.

Elongation

6.2

4.4

The

Assembly angle
assembly angle

a\

at

and

(figs.

retaining angle

18 and

a2

Fig.

18: Detachable

Fig.

19: Non-detachable

Fig.

20

F]

assembly force required

joint

19), along with the

barb dimensions and coefficient of friction fj, between

the mating elements (table 2), determines the required
force F,

(fig. 20). The greater a\ the higher the

required. With a large assembly angle
and
(! 45)
high coefficient of friction //, it may no
longer be possible for parts to be assembled. The barb
then shears off rather than being deflected. The recom
mended assembly angle for barbed legs and cylindrical
15 to 30.
snap-fits is i
assembly
assembly

force

joint for

90

With ball and socket

snap-fits, the assembly angle cannot

freely chosen. It depends on the maximum permissible
socket opening diameter DK (fig. 27).
be

The

retaining angle 2 (figs. 18 and 19) decides how much

loading the joint can stand. The maximum load-bearing
capacity is reached when the retaining angle is a2 90
(fig. 19). During long-term loading and/or in the event
of elevated ambient temperatures, the retaining angle 2
should always be 90. The joint is then permanent. For
detachable joints, a retaining angle 2
45 should be
provided, preferably a2 30 to 45.
=

11

Barbed

5.1

Design calculations
for snap-fit joints

5.

Fig.

leg snap-fit

22

The

load-bearing capacity of snap-fits under steady

(short-term) stress depends primarily on:
1

the mechanical

particularly

properties of the plastics concerned,

as expressed by the elastic

stiffness

modulus ES,
2. the

design of the snap-fit, i. e. wall thickness,

depth H, retaining angle 2-

undercut

Load-bearing capacity is
which the

assembly

joint

can

defined

pull-out force F2
opposite direction to
separating.
as

the

stand in the

without the parts

possible to design the direction of

snap-fit assembly right angles to the actual loading
direction F during service (fig. 21). Then the load-bearing
capacity of the joint is not determined by pull-out
force F2 but by the break resistance or shear strength of
the vulnerable cross-section. This design technique is
most often used with ball and socket snap-fits.
In many cases, it is

at

The

assembly force FI and pull-out force F2 (fig. 22)

legs can be calculated from the formula:
3H

Fl,2

secant

ft
i
2

The factor

fig.
tr

// +

Ii2

[N]

(17)

jM-tan!^

depth

modulus

-^

can

be taken

l-w-tanai.2

from
directly
'

23.

Fig.

V- +
c
i-i
23:
Factor -r^
1
\JL

tan

gl,2

tan

1,2

(from formulae 17, 22 and 25)

assembly/retaining angle i, 2

tan

[mm]
[N/mm2] (Fig. 17)
moment of inertia [mm4] (table 3)
barbed leg length [mm]
coefficient of friction (table 2)
assembly angle
[]
retaining angle
[]

Es
1

ES -J

undercut

Fig. 21

for

barbed

as a

function of

Table 3
Barbed

leg

Moment of inertia

cross-

[mm4]

section

^\1
xNSN

rectangle
semicircle

b'h3

b
i,p.
wnere

|2

0.110 r4

|>_

0.0522 r4

circle

quarter
of a circle

^_

0.0508 r4

_j

h
r

leg width [mm]

leg height [mm]
radius [mm]

third
of

12

15

30

45

90

60

Assembly/retaining angle

retaining angle a2 90, the pull-out force F2

is determined by the shear-stressed area and the
shear strength TB of the plastic used.

With the

Fig.

24

Table 4

Ultimate tensile

Material

strength OR and
strength OB

tensile

The shear

stress

TS is

[N/mm2]*
Hostaform C 52021

65

Hostaform C 27021

64

Hostaform C 13021

65

Hostaform C 13031

71

Hostaform C 9021

64

Hostaform C 2521

62

Hostaform C 9021 K

62

Hostaform C 9021 M

64

Hostaform C 9021 TF

49

Hostaform T 1020

[N/mm2]

or

F2max.

110

Hostaform S 27063

50

Hostaform S 9063

53

Hostaform S 27064

42

Hostaform S 9064

42

5.2

Hostacom M2 N02

19

Hostacom M2 N01

33

Hostacom M4 N01

33

Hostacom G2 N01

32

Hostacom G2 N02

70

Hostacom G3 N01

80

Hostacom Ml U01

36

Hostacom M4 U01

33

Celanex 2500

(18)

Taking into account ultimate tensile strength OR or

tensile strength 0B (table 4), the following holds true
shear strength

Fig.

for

TB

0.6

CTR

(19)

TB

0.6

OB

(20)

64

Hostaform C 9021 GV 1/30

A TB

rB

[N]

(21)

Cylindrical snap-fit
25

65

Celanex 2300 GV 1/30

150

Celanex 2300 GV 3/30

50

Vandar 4602 Z

40

Impet

Ts

2600 GV 1/30

165

assembly force FI and pull-out force F2 for cylin

snap-fits unlike for barbed legs can only be
roughly estimated. This is because the length a (fig. 25)
which is deformed during assembly of the parts with
consequent increase in assembly force FI is unknown.
The length a depends on both the wall thickness of the
hub and the undercut depth H. A useful guide to a has
proved to be twice the width b of the moulded lip.
The

drical

I Test

specimen injection

moulded

according to

DIN 16770 part 2.

13

The

assembly

force FI and

pull-out

force F2

can

be calcu

Fig.

lated from the formula:

ratio

M+

->u
r>
c
Fu-p.rt.IV2b

1,2

rxn

[N]

'

joint

DG
b

outside diameter of the hub [mm]

width of the moulded lip [mm]

fj.

coefficient of friction

pressure

pressure p, the

s
o

[N/mm2]

^-Es-^

smallest diameter of the hub

DK

DK

(table 2)

depth H and joint

following relationship applies:

function of diameter

[N/mm2]

Between undercut

as a

(22)

assembly angle []
retaining angle []

ai

or

DG
tan

f_

Geometry factor
DG
Ji

26:

(23)

[mm]
1.2

The geometry factor K

depends

on

1.5

the dimensions of the

Diameter ratio

a
_

L>G

snap-fit:

mv +
K=

VDGj

Fig.
+1

or -pj

UK

27

(24)

fuy-i
loj
outside diameter of the hub

Da
DG

[mm]

outside diameter of the shaft [mm]

Here it is assumed that the whole undercut

accommodated

by expansion

depth

H is

of the hub. With thin-

walled shafts, the shaft deforms as well but this can be

ignored in the case described here. Fig. 26 shows the geo
metry factor K

as a

function of the diameter ratio Da/Dc.

Ball and socket

5.3

snap-fit

In this

design (fig. 27), the assembly angle j and retain

ing angle 2 and hence assembly force FI and pull-out
force F2
The

and

14

are

the

Table 5

same.

assembly/retaining angle is between 8 (e

16 (e
4%), depending on elongation.

1%)
=

-^100%
UK

Assembly angle a\
Retaining angle 2

DG

0.07

11.4

0.10

13.9

0.12

15.9

0.14

assembly or pull-out force,

cylindrical snap-fits are used:

To estimate

Fi

T-.
F2

T^2
=

fs~

DG

'

+ tan
T
i
l jM-tana

the formulae for

joint

pressure

relationship

pressure p

r-Nn

[N]

[N/mm2]
DG ball diameter [mm]
f deformation length divided by the
a
DG l ball diameter (table 5)
coefficient of friction (table 2)
H
a.
assembly or retaining angle [] (table 5)
p

The

can

(25)

by

the

rJ'Es'T

undercut

DK
ES

socket

geometry factor

secant

depth H and joint

following formula (23):

between undercut

be described

tN/mm2]

depth [mm]
opening diameter [mm]
modulus [N/mm2] (fig. 17)

my
bJ

(26)

+ i

K=

+1

fAiiDj 1

15

Calculation

6.

b) Assembly force FI

examples

For the

Barbed

6.1

leg snap-fit

assembly

3H

force FI formula

ES J

(17) applies:

// + tani

I3

\-fjL-

tan 0.1

The top and bottom

plates of a time switch are to be

detachably joined by two diagonally opposite spacers
and two barbed legs. The hole diameter in the top plate
is DK
8 mm. The pull-out force F2 required per barbed
leg is 50 N. The barbed legs are to be injection moulded

For the Hostaform/steel

from Hostaform C 9021 and will have

that the friction coefficient fi

0.3

ES

2800 N/mm2

mm

(fig. 17).

cross-section

slotted circular

(fig. 28).
Using table

Fig.

mating elements, it is assumed

0.2 (table 2).

28

we

obtain for the semicircular

cross

section:

J
So

assembly

Each

to

28.2 mm4

out as

3-0.3-2800-28.2

0.2 + 0.577

153

0.2

0.577

18.5 N

securing

each have

44

0.11

force FI works

F,=
FI

0.110 r4

element

comprises

be deflected

element is therefore 2

by

FI

barbed

legs which
assembly force per

two

H. The
37 N.

c) Pull-out force F2
The

pull-out force F2 is calculated in the same way as

45 is substituted for
assembly force except that 2
The pull-out force is thus
=

a)

What should the dimensions of the barbed

What assembly force FI is required ?

b)
c)

What

pull-out

force F2 is obtained?

a) The maximum permissible

chosen

leg be?

outer

F2

fibre

elongation

1 % For the semicircular crossto be emax.

section, the following applies using formula (10):
=

is

31.6 N

pull-out

63

force of

pull-out

N, which is greater than the required

force of 50 N.

0.578-^-smax.
Cylindrical snap-fit

6.2

The
1 is chosen

31.6N

Each element withstands

r--^-

0.578

to

be 15

body

of

rubber-tyred

roller is

to

be made in

-0.01

that the roller bears

is used

as

directly

onto a

steel axle, Hostaform

the construction material.

H= 0.3mm

a) What should the dimensions of the snap-fit be

(undercut depth H) ?

The diameter of the undercut is calculated from

+

2H

1 mm, the

angle
16

8.6

mm.

The slot width is chosen

assembly angle

a2 45.

a\ 30

and the

two

parts which are permanently joined together (fig. 29).

Because of the relatively high stress involved and the fact

mm

DK

a\.

to

be

retaining

b) What assembly

force FI is

required?

c) What is the pull-out force F2?

a) Maximum permissible undercut depth Hmax.

To determine the maximum

permissible

undercut

H
=

tan

-tan

depth

Hmax., it is assumed that only the hub is deformed.

The greatest elongation takes place at the diameter DK
16 mm.
which is expanded during assembly to DG
is 6max.

Fig.

permissible elongation

4%, according

to

30

0.64

The maximum

2-0.577

for Hostaform

table 1.
b

0.55

mm

29

The

joint

pressure p is calculated from formula

H

<f^
K
7r*

Qil

^:

E*-i

P"W

(23).

With

1Q?

The

^^r
I"
L>G
=

secant

fig.

1.5

modulus for

(fig. 17)

3S^

emax.

is Es

26 shows

value for K of 3.6.

4% for Hostaform

1800 N/mm2.

~B

So the

joint

pressure works

out as

p-0.04.Jff
p

The

assembly force FI

20 N/mm2

is
0.2 + 0.577

Fi

permissible undercut depth

according to Formula (14):

So the maximum

calculated

max.

TT

can

20-yt-16-2 -0.55
1-0.2-0.577

be

FI

970.8 N

p\

100

c) Pull-out force F2
16

100

Hmax.

0.64

DK

DG-H

16

15.36

DK

The diameter DK is chosen

assembly
F!

mm

According

mm

be 15.4

mm.

JT

(22) applies:

fj, +

2b

DG

fj.

to

formula

TB

OB

force FI, formula

0.64

force FI

b) Required assembly
For the

to

90, the joint is perma

retaining angle 2
nent. The force required to separate the mating elements
can be calculated from the shear strength rB and the
shear-stressed area A (shear surface).
Because the

tan !

(20) the shear strength

=

assembly angle

a\

is 30.

for Hostaform/Hostaform

OB

62 N/mm2 e.g. for Hostaform C 2521

TB

0.6

TB

37.2 N/mm2

(table 4)

62

tan !

The shear surface in this

The

0.6

is

case

is

The coefficient of friction

mating

elements is asumed

to

be /A
0.2 (table 2). The width b of the undercut can be
determined from the assembly angle a\ and the undercut

it

DG b

16

27.6 mm2

depth

H.

0.55

17

So

using

formula

(21), the pull-put force

F2

max.

ist:

b) Assembly
For

TB

27.6-37.2

pull-out

%, table 5 gives

The deformation
~-

F2max.

force FI

0.07

1027N

to

8.
retaining angle of 2
ball
the
diameter
is
by
=

divided

length

according

force F2

table 5.

For Hostacom/Hostacom the coefficient of friction is

Ball and socket

6.3

In

car,

the

mitted via

snap-fit

movement

of the accelerator

pedal

is

linkage
joint connecting the pedal

the

to

0.4

(table 2).

trans

the carburettor. A ball and socket

to

(JL

For

14
=

Y^r"

JLG

~5~~

1-75 for K

linkage (fig. 30) and

required to have a

made from Hostacom G 3 N 01 is

(26).

my + 1

force F2 of at least 100 N. The ball diameter

8 mm, the outside diameter Da
14 mm.

pull-out
DG

formula

using

VDj

K=

+1

AY.

loj
Fig.

30
14

+ 1

\7.92J
-+1

P1_Y_
\7.92j
K=2.94

17 the

According to fig.
G3N01fore

joint

a)

How

large

should the socket

opening

4400 N/mm2.

can

pressure

from formula

modulus of Hostacom

l%is

Es
The

secant

be calculated with H

What

assembly

force F]

or

pull-out

DG

DK

(23):

diameter DK be?

[N/mm2]

P=D~'Es'"K
b)

force F2 is
0.1

obtained?

4400-

'

7.92

a) Socket opening diameter DK

According to table 1 the maximum permissible

gation for Hostacom G3 N01 is emax. 1%.

The
elon

assembly

or

2.94

18.89 N/mm2

pull-out force

is then

(formula 25):

T
U +
fJ.

a_
A.

T^-f

tan
L

^p-^D-g:-^fc'
//tan
1

Thus

using

formula

(8)
DG

DK

18.89 -;r-82- 0.07-

0.4 + 0.14
1-0.4-0.14

100%

DK

Fi.2
DK

152 N

DG
=
r>

+ 1

100

Barbed

6.4

DK

leg snap-fit supported on

0.01 + 1

The

housing

halves of

box-shaped moulding made

be non-detachably joined
barbed leg snap-fits supported on both sides (fig. 31).

two

from Hostacom M2 N01

DK

18

both sides

7.92

mm

by

are to

For

an

assumed

31

Fig.

spring

element thickness of

"T"

*-b-

1
f

3 mm,

"rf

0-15 is obtained.

El
1

\\

V)

KP

element thickness ratio of

spring

\ \

\, l
J

ir

With the aid of

fig. 14,

an

undercut ratio of

p_r
=

-p

0.019

is determined.

What should the dimensions of the

The

receiving

holes in the

The maximum
to

The undercut H of the barb is then calculated from

H

snap-fit joints

moulding

are

permissible elongation

emax.

20

be?

0.019

0.019

20

0.4

mm

mm.

according

table 1 is

6max.

6%

Note:

The width of the barb is assumed

This

gives

to

barb width ratio of

--04'4
~

20

be b

mm.

possible flow line in the region of the spring element

provide a weak point. By increasing wall thickness
at this point, design strength can be improved (see also
C.3.4 Guidelines for the design of mouldings in engineer
ing plastics, p. 25, no. 18).

could

19

With

Demoulding of
snap-fit joints

7.

cylindrical snap-fits,

a tubular part under com

than
under
is
tension. The hub of a
pression greater
easier
is
to demould than the
snap-fit (fig. 32a) generally

parting line of the mould can

run through an undercut edge, for example with a
through hole and inwardly projecting lip (fig. 32a) or
with an outwardly projecting lip (fig. 32b).
shaft. In

The undercut

has

to

on

which the effect of the

snap-fit depends
injection moulding. The im
whether the parts can be directly

be demoulded after

portant question here is

demoulded or whether it is necessary to bed the under
cut in slides, followers or collapsible cores.

In the

some

more

inner and

There is

this. The maximum per

missible deformation values quoted in table 1 can of
course

ing.

no

be

general

answer to

well

applied equally
usually arise

Problems

demould-

parts during
from the introduction of
to

deformation forces into the component. These can result

in local stretching of the part or cause the ejector to press
into the part, among other undesirable consequences.
A disadvantage here is that the demoulding temperature

considerably above room temperature

correspondingly low.

is

it should be remembered that

the dimensional stiffness of

and hence

cases,

frequent

outer

the

case

of

blind hole

faces of the undercut

(fig. 33),

must

be demoulded

in succession. When the mould has

cylinder
It takes

1 is
core

opened (A), the

mould cavity by ejector

pressed out of the

2 along with it until

stop

4 is

reached

32

mate

Fig.

split core

^*

\\\\\\\\\\

plastic

20

33

plastic part

<

part

(B).

Through further movement of the ejector, the cylinder

is stripped from the core. Expansion of the hub by an
amount corresponding to undercut depth is not pre
vented (C).

rial stiffness is

Fig.

the

3.

Photo 2 shows Hostaform fasteners which

Applications

8.

facilitate

assembly, particularly

Nos. 1, 2 and 3

Barbed

8.1

leg snap-fit

No. 4 is

are

used

cable holder

to

as

in

mass

considerably
production.

fix interior trim in

used in

washing

cars.

machines and

dishwashers. No. 5 is

Photo 1 shows
of the

mability

examples of snap-fits in which the deforcylindrical snap-fit has been increased by

of slots. In the top half of the picture there are

rollers with Hostaform bearings for dishwashers.

means

two

In the left

roller, each barbed leg is deflected by

a clip with a similar function. Here

snap-fit is secured by driving a pin into the hollow
shank (expanding rivet). The clips for fixing car exterior
trim (no. 6) work on the same principle. No. 7 shows
the hinge fixing for a detergent dispenser tray flap on a
washing machine.

the

during assembly. With a barbed leg length

2.5 mm, the
a barbed leg height of h
maximum elongation at the vulnerable cross-section of
the leg support point is:
=

of 1

0.75
=

mm

mm

and

=1
The lower half of the

f-h
=

picture

0.058

5.f

shows how

Hostaform

bush is fixed. The bush is secured

bearing
end by a

axially at one
leg and at the other by a flange.
bush is prevented by flattening off the

barbed

Rotation of the

flange.
In all the
i

45

examples shown, the assembly angle

the retaining angle 2
90 and the joints
=

are

non-detachable.

Photo 1

Photo 2

21

photo 3 another application from the automotive

industry is shown. This is a Hostaform plug box which
snap-fits into the fascia panel. The part is made in two
symmetrical halves which are inserted into each other.

In

Photo 4 shows

lid, which

Photo 3

22

Hostaform release lever for

is secured

by

two

pairs

of barbed

a car

Photo 5 shows that

non-cylindrical housing parts can

legs. This air filter intake is
made from Hostacom G2 N01 In assembling the two
halves, the barbed legs are not deflected but the mount
ing holes are elastically deformed.
also be

joined by

barbed

boot

legs.

Photo 5

Cylindrical snap-fit

8.2

Photo 7 shows

design
Photo 6 shows

pneumatic positioning device for con

trolling the flaps in air conditioning systems. The two
Hostaform halves are snap-fitted together, thereby at the
same time forming a seal by means of an O-ring. The
operating pressure is 0.2 to 0.8 bar. The undercut depth
is H
86.5
84
2.5 mm. Owing to the different wall
thickness of the shaft and hub, the hub is extended more
than the shaft during assembly. The diameter difference
is apportioned between 1.56 mm expansion of the hub
and 0.94 mm compression of the shaft.
=

to

the

carburettor
secured

by

adjuster for a
previous example.
an

vacuum.

the

Here,

too,

car,

which is similar in

It is controlled
a

snap-fit joint connecting

The

by the
diaphragm is

rubber

the

two

halves.

assembly diameter is DG 60.8 mm and the under

1.6 mm. Assuming that during assembly
cut depth H
only the hub is expanded, the maximum permissible
elongation is
=

1.6
e

The

100%

assembly angle
45 .
angle 2

is i

45

2.6%.

and the

retaining

Photo 6

Photo 7

23

8.3

Ball and socket

snap-fit

9.

Photo 8 shows parts of a carburettor linkage made from

Hostaform. The ball, with a diameter of DG
7.8 mm,

Explanation of symbols

bears in

socket with

diameter of 7.85

mm.

feature of this
circular but

corresponds

The

special

design is the socket opening which is

elliptical. The major axis of the ellipse
to

Symbol

Unit

Explanation

mm

area

mm

deformation

not

the ball diameter DG

7.8 mm, the
in
In
this
mm
direction, the dia
length.
=

socket

minor axis is 7.5

meter

difference is

mm

length (ball
snap-fit

barb width

supported
H

7.8

7.5

mm

0.3

(barbed leg snap-fit

both sides)

on

mm

that this diameter difference is

spread evenly
around the circumference, during assembly the parts will
be expanded by

Assuming

and

Da

mm

Dr

mm

mm

outside diameter of hub

largest diameter of the

(cylindrical snap-fit)
ball diameter

(ball

shaft

and socket

snap-fit)
0.3
e

100

2%.

DK

mm

2-7.5

smallest diameter of the hub

(cylindrical snap-fit)
mm

socket diameter

(ball

and socket

snap-fit)
modulus

Es

N/mm2

secant

F,

assembly

F2

pull-out

mm

barbed

mm

undercut

J~Mnax.

mm

maximum

Photo 8

(fig. 17)

force

force

leg height
depth

permissible

undercut

depth
mnr

moment

of inertia

geometry factor
mm

mm

(fig. 26)

difference between outside

of

mm

(table 3)

and inside

leg

barbed

edge

leg length

length of receiving hole

(barbed leg snap-fit supported
on both sides)
H

N/mm2

mm

joint pressure p

Es

^=

J_
K

wall thickness

assembly angle

retaining angle

elongation

maximum

%/min

rate

of

permissible elongation

elongation

coefficient of friction

24

edge

of hole

N/mm2

tensile

N/mm2

ultimate tensile

N/mm2

shear

(table 2)

strength (table 4)

strength

strength (table 4)

10. Literature
Engineering plastics
Design Calculations Applications
[1]

H. Schmidt:

[2]

K.

VDI-Z, No. 5, 1972

Oberbach, D. Schauf: Schnappverbindungen
aus

[3]

Fgen durch Schnappverbindungen,

Kunststoff, Verbindungstechnik,

and 8, 1977
W. W. Chow: Snap-fit
Modern Plastics

design

Nos. 6, 7

Publications
A.

concepts.

International, August

1977

so

far in this series:

Engineering plastics
A. 1.1 Grades and properties
A. 1.2 Grades and properties
A. 1.4 Grades and properties
A. 1.5 Grades and properties
Vandar, Impet
A.2.1 Calculation
A.2.2

B.

Hostaform
Hostacom
Hostalen GUR

Celanex,

Characteristic values and

examples

Hostacom
calculation

principles

Hostaform
calculation

A.2.3

Characteristic values and

examples

Design of technical mouldings

B.I.I Spur gears with gearwheels made from
Hostaform, Celanex and Hostalen GUR
B.2.2 Worm gears with

worm

wheels made from

Hostaform
B.3.1

B.3.2
B.3.3
B.3.4
B.3.5
B.3.7

Design calculations for snap-fit joints in

plastic parts
Fastening with metal screws
Plastic parts with integrally moulded threads
Design calculations for press-fit joints
Integral hinges in engineering plastics
Ultrasonic welding and assembly of
engineering plastics

of technical mouldings
Indirectly heated,
system
conductive
torpedo
thermally
Hot runner system
Indirectly heated,
thermally conductive torpedo
Design principles and examples of moulds
for processing Hostaform
Machining Hostaform
Design of mouldings made from
engineering plastics
Guidelines for the design of mouldings
in engineering plastics
Outsert moulding with Hostaform

C. Production
C.2.1 Hot

C.2.2

C.3.1
C.3.3

C.3.4

C.3.5

runner

25

World-Class Engineering Polymers

Celanex thermoplastic polyester (PBT)
Celcon and Hostaform acetal copolymer (POM)
Celstran and Compel long fiber
reinforced thermoplastics (LFRT)
Fortron polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
GUR ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE)
Impet thermoplastic polyester (PET)
Riteflex thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPC-ET)
Vandar thermoplastic polyester alloy (PBT)
Vectra liquid crystal polymer (LCP)

NOTICE TO USERS: To the best of our knowledge, the information

contained in this publication is accurate; however, we do not assume any
liability whatsoever for the accuracy and completeness of such information.
Any values shown are based on testing of laboratory test specimens and
represent data that fall within the standard range of properties for natural
material. Colorants or other additives may cause significant variations
in data values. Any determination of the suitability of this material for
any use contemplated by the users and the manner of such use is the sole
responsibility of the users, who must assure themselves that the material
subsequently processed meets the needs of their particular product or
use, and part design for any use contemplated by the user is the sole
responsibility of the user. The user must verify that the material, as
subsequently processed, meets the requirements of the particular product
or use. It is the sole responsibility of the users to investigate whether any
existing patents are infringed by the use of the materials mentioned in this
publication.
Please consult the nearest Ticona Sales Office, or call the numbers listed
above for additional technical information. Call Customer Services for
the appropriate Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) before attempting to
process our products. Ticona engineering polymers are not intended for
use in medical or dental implants.
Except as otherwise noted, all of the trademarks referenced herein are
owned by Ticona or its affiliates. Fortron is a registered trademark of
Fortron Industries LLC.

2009

Ticona

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