Snap-Fit Connector Component (STEP + Parametrized)

Overview

This is a modular snap-fit connector designed specifically for 3D printed parts and CAD workflows.
The main goal of this model is to provide a ready-to-use connector that you can directly import into your own designs, without having to design and test tolerances from scratch.

The connector is designed to work reliably when printed on a well-calibrated FDM printer and does not require supports or post-processing.

It is not print-in-place, because the pins touch the inner wall to reduce wiggling.

How to use it in your own designs

1. Open your CAD software (Fusion 360 recommended)

2. Import the STEP file

3. Position the connector where needed in your model

4. Combine or adapt it to your geometry of the pins

5. Cut out the hole

6. Print

The connector is designed to be fully reusable across multiple projects.

To join the parts, fit the pins in the hole and press them together; you will hear a click when connected. To separate them, simply pull them apart.

File contents

Variants

• Connection strength: Normal or Strong.

• Supports: With or Without.

The version without supports is meant to be used when the pins are touching the build plate.

Parts

• Pins

• Hole

• Hole roof

• Hole container

• Hole roof container

The "Hole" is there so you can cut it out in your project.
The "Hole roof" is an extension of the hole that allows printing the hole without supports, so the ceiling doesn't collapse (not needed if printed upside down).
The "Containers" are the minimum recommended boxes where the hole should be carved out of.

Sketches

• Pins reserved area

• Hole container

These are 2 convenient sketches for aligning the pins in your design

Parameters

• tolerance

• height

• depth

• supportAngle

• protrusionDepth

• protrusionWidth

• separation

• rounding

• thickness

• holeChamferDepth

• holeChanferWidth

• holeContainerWidth

• holeContainerWithRoofHeight

• holeContainerDepth

• holeContainerBottomThickness

• holeContainerHeight

The design is fully parametrised; you can tweak it to fit your needs.

Note that editing certain values will require manual adjustments on some steps of the timeline.