Material for small plastic clip

[valmeidan]

So I am designing a small plastic clip, I am using it to retain an m4 shoulder bolt, approx 50mm long into a 1.5mm thick piece of metal. The bolt has a slot cut around it which was originally for a c-clip. Now we are replacing the clip with a piece of plastic similar to a plastic collate with little slots that have clip features built into it so that it can clip into the slot on the screw. I am a little concerned that abs or even pc and might bend too easily and just pop off as the clip will be quite small, say 9mm overall and about 2mm thick. Is there a better plastic out there that will provide a nice strong snap like a PVC or delrin or something but also has enough flex to file those arms about 1mm for install?

 

[dgallup]

I have had good success with low (~13%) glass filled nylons for snap fits that need some strength. You need to do stress/strain calculations to ensure the deformation will not break the part. One thing you can do with nylons is increase the moisture content to increase the ultimate elongation. The molder can throw a wet sponge in the plastic bag with the parts and they will be conditioned by the time you receive them.

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