Snap Fit Calculator — Cantilever Snap Dimensions

A cantilever snap fit is a flexible beam with a hook at the end that deflects during assembly and snaps into a matching recess. It is the most common snap fit type used in 3D printing for enclosures, lids, and clip connections.

Keep the strain below the material allowable limit. Longer, thinner beams deflect more without high strain. Add fillets at the base to reduce stress concentration. Print so the beam bends parallel to layers, not across them.

For PLA, keep undercut to 0.5-1.0mm for a 15mm beam. Nylon allows 1-2mm undercut for the same beam length. The undercut determines how far the hook engages — deeper = more secure but harder to assemble and more strain.

Print the beam so it deflects parallel to layers (the beam lies flat on the bed). This way, the bending does not try to delaminate layers. If the beam must bend across layers, use higher print temperatures for better layer adhesion.