Plastic Snap Fit Design

[miner00]

Has anyone had any luck using polycarbonate in the design of plastic snap fit parts. I have seen through this forum that most people recommend POM (acetal copolymer) for this application. I am working on a part that was originally designed to use Lexan PC.

Any general ideas on this subject.

 

[insideman]

I have used PC in snap applications successfully. GE has a Lexan design guide that covers snaps thoroughly.

I downloaded it from a GE web site, don't remember which one.

Good hunting!

Pat httpL//

http://www.aquasite.com/skonkworks

 

I work in camera design for Polaroid and we have used Lexan for our camera structure and mechanisms for 20 years. Cameras like the 600 express have the whole shutter mechanism and gear train made out of Polycarbonate and all assembled by snaps. Buy one and take it apart to see all the different types we used. We have made over 70 million of them so we would consider it successful.

 

[chaving]

Polycarbonate is an excellent material for snap-fits given it's tough and ductile nature - Just be sure to radus al angles and corners because it is notch sensitive.