Strictly Snap-Fits: Developing World-Class Snap-Fit Attachments
Develop a deep understanding of snap-fit attachments and gain the knowledge to develop snap-fit applications optimized for reliability, manufacturing, assembly and customer usage. With real-life observations, sample parts and a copy of the instructor’s book, you gain the tools necessary to master the snap-fit technology fundamentals.
Participants in this course receive an electronic copy of “The First Snap-Fit Handbook,” Third Edition by Paul Bonenberger included with registration.
This course can be applied to the Plastics Technology Certificate.
Instructor

Paul Bonenberger worked at a major North American engineering and manufacturing company for 37 years. For 30 of those years, he was a subject matter expert in mechanical attachments. In 1990, he recognized that no comprehensive explanation of snap-fit technology ... read more
Who Should Attend
- Designers and engineers with responsibility for developing plastic parts
- Leaders of Design-for-Manufacturing workshops where product concepts are developed
- Beginners/novices wishing to learn basic principles and design practices that will prevent fundamental product design mistakes
- Experienced individuals looking for new information and tricks-of-the-trade to help them develop better products, faster
- Managers of product groups at original equipment suppliers interested in product development, establishing performance requirements, supplier/client interactions and gaining competitive advantage
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
- Understand how a snap-fit attachment functions as a complex system of features
- Recognize and avoid many common snap-fit mistakes
- Know the minimum design requirements for a successful snap-fit attachment
- Have a process for developing sound snap-fit concepts before committing to a final design
- Be aware of important tricks-of-the-trade, otherwise discovered through trial and error
- Distinguish locking feature styles and know which is appropriate for a given application
- Understand basic processing considerations and basic material considerations for snap-fits
- Understand how enhancement features are used to create robust attachments
- Have rules-of-thumb and analysis procedures for cantilever beam based lock features
- Have a process for diagnosing common snap-fit problems
- Understand the fundamental characteristics of a snap-fit capable organization
Course Outline/Topics
Module 1 – Introduction
Module 2 – Key Requirements: Top-level technical requirements for fundamentally sound snap-fit attachments
Module 3 – Introduction to the Snap-Fit Development Process – Module 10 will describe the process in detail
Module 4 – Descriptive Elements: Generic terms and concepts used to describe a snap-fit application
Module 5 – Physical Elements – Locator Features: Strong, inflexible constraint features in an interface
Module 6 – Physical Elements – Lock Features: Flexible features enabling part assembly and disassembly
Module 7 – Lock Strength and Decoupling: Why some lock features are superior to others for part assembly and retention
Module 8 – Constraint in Snap-Fit Applications: How part-to-part positioning and joining are achieved and maintained
Module 9 – Physical Elements – Enhancements: Other features or attributes of other features that improve the attachment
Module 10 – Applying the Snap-Fit Development Process: Concepts, elements and design rules as applied to product development
Module 11 – Feature Development – Material Properties: Material properties used in feature calculations are explained
Module 12 – Feature Development – Rules of Thumb: General design rules are useful for preliminary lock feature development
Module 13 – Feature Development – Calculations: Classic beam calculations and modifications are discussed, as well as calculations for other lock styles
Module 14 – Diagnosing Snap-Fit Problems: Just as it guides development, the ALC provides the basis for diagnosing common snap-fit application issues
Module 15 – Gaining a Competitive Advantage in Snap-Fit Technology: Going beyond individual snap-fit expertise to create a culture of technical competence
Closing – Questions – Resources – Snap-fit information and data
Date: Tue-Wed, Apr 30-May 1, 2024
Delivery Method: Live Online
Time: 8am-4pm CT
Platform: Zoom
Instructor: Paul Bonenberger
Fee:
$1,255 by Apr 16, 2024
$1,395 after Apr 16, 2024
CEUs: 1.4, PDHs: 14
Enrollment Limit: 30
Program Number: 4830-15878
Registration Deadline: Apr 23, 2024