With a good joint, you can turn flat laser-cut parts into an enclosure, display, kit, or other three-dimensional product. The right type of joint depends on the material, the desired sturdiness, and whether the product needs to be disassembled later.
Three commonly used joints
- Finger joint: fingers and recesses interlock. Suitable for corners and box constructions, possibly in combination with glue.
- Snap joint: a spring-loaded part hooks behind an edge or into an opening. Useful when a part needs to be secured or detached.
- Press fit joint: the fit and material properties create friction. The design can be compact but requires careful material selection.
Design on the actual material
Nominal sheet thickness and actual sheet thickness can vary. The cut itself, the shape of the joint, and material behavior also influence the fit. Therefore, do not use a fixed compensation value for every material and thickness.
A generator can provide a useful starting point, but always check the dimensions, angles, minimal details, and how the parts will be stressed.
Prevent localized overload
A sharp corner, narrow hook, or very tight fit can concentrate stress. This is especially important for rigid or brittle sheet materials. Give spring-loaded parts sufficient length and space to move, and prevent assembly from only being possible with great force.
Test the fit for the full series
Create a small test file with multiple slots, fingers, or hooks that vary incrementally in size. Order this in the same material and thickness as the final product. This way, you choose the best fit based on a real part instead of a general table.
Check the complete construction
We produce according to your file, but we do not certify the joint for a specific load or safety-critical application. Therefore, test not only whether the parts fit, but also whether the construction is strong and reliable enough for its intended use.