Study of shape memory polymers snap‐fit for disassembly

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of different shape memory polymer based snap-fits in terms of disassembly time and reusability. Design/methodology/approach - In total, six different sets of snap-fits were designed and manufactured. Each set of snap-fits was tested ten times in a testing device for disassembly time. The stress caused by training process is simulated and analyzed. Findings - One of the designs shows shortest average disassembly time, lowest standard deviation, and lowest stress. However, the overall reusability of the snap-fits is not good enough for industrial use. Originality/value - The paper tests the Veritex shape memory polymer sheets manufactured by CRG Industries LLC. The reusability has been analyzed based on the stress caused by the training process.