- Yes, there are guidelines. Look up guidelines for snap features…Snap Latches. There is quite a bit of math involved.
- You probably have to talk to an engineer or materials expert to evaluate the tensile, yield strength, elasticity, etc.
- Objet (and most rp machines/materials) offer a “flexible” material that functions like polypropylene. Materials and Filaments for 3D Printing | Stratasys - Stratasys. It is meant to bend without breaking, good for living hinges and snapping parts. Might be the best one to test and dial in your design. I would suggest to do 3-5 different variations (different lengths, widths, etc. at a time to get it right. If you want to do more reliable testing then you can probably do RTV molds and cast parts in a material that has properties close to you final material.
- Once you have your design close you can send it out to an engineering house to do FEA analysis and modifications as needed. All in CAD.