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
Date: Thu-Fri, May 18-19
Delivery Method: In-person With Livestream
Time: 8am-4pm CT
Location: UWM School of Continuing Education or view on Zoom
Instructor: Paul Bonenberger
Fee:
$1,255 by May 4
$1,395 after May 4
CEUs: 1.4
Enrollment Limit: 30
Program Number: 4830-15316
Registration Deadline: May 11