There are many 3D printed models that you can’t print in one piece. You’ll have to glue them together for the final result.
So how do you glue PLA and what are the best glues for PLA?
Let’s dive in.
These methods are really easy and safe, too.
Glue PLA with adhesive
Cyanoacrylate is a great option for gluing 3D printed parts together.
It’s quick-drying and easy to use, so you can get excellent results in seconds! Make sure that before applying this superglue onto your project or part of the 3D printer frame ensure all pieces are aligned properly and then hold tightly until it cures (about one minute).
Leave them alone afterwards too – just give it about two additional minutes after fully curing at room temperature for best durability!
Superglue will work fine with PLA, but not so much with flexible materials.
Also, because superglue cures so quickly, be careful not to get any on your skin or in your eyes.
Glue PLA with epoxy
The 3 advantages of using epoxy are that it will give you a stronger bond than conventional adhesives and glues because the two bonding surfaces meet at an angle, fills small gaps if they exist on either side, as well as improving finishing with techniques like applying external layers to remove 3D printing layer marks.
Preparing, manipulating and applying epoxy is much more complicated than it sounds. In order to do a successful job you need a space that is well ventilated so as not to breathe in the fumes from your workspace or get them on anything precious like furniture- but this can be tricky because of its toxicity!
There are a lot of epoxy resins out there, but any one will do the job. You can use them for both glueing and smoothing – just make sure you’re using resin with enough consistency (which makes it easy to work 10-15 minutes).
The main disadvantage of epoxy is that it’s much more complicated to prepare and apply. You have to do all three steps in a space without any dust or dirt, as well as being ventilated so you don’t breathe its fumes which give off toxic gases!
Gluing PLA with friction welding
This technique doesn’t require glue or any other material: it consists of friction welding the PLA using a Dremel tool. A piece of filament is inserted into the rotary grinder’s mandrel and spun at high speeds against one side, melting its way through to fill in all gaps between parts securely bonding them together without adhesive for an excellent finish every time!
However, it’s not quite good enough for getting a strong bond. It’s good to fill up cracks or blemishes, though.
Gluing PLA with a hot glue gun
Hot glue is a quick and easy alternative to gluing 3D printed parts together. The bond of hot glued objects will be pretty strong, although it’s important not to overdo the application as there can sometimes still some visible residue from rubbing on surfaces that werent directly bookmatched for each other.
A good rule-of-thumb: at least two mm thickness needs apply before attempting print jobs with this type of adhesive!
Another option is to use a hot glue gun with 3D printed PLA sticks to create an even stronger bond and have the ability match both color or material. It’s perfect for prints made from this type of plastic.
Glue PLA with a 3D pen
A nice result can be obtained with 3D pens. Parts bonded together look like they are printed in one piece because the “glue” is this same type of filament used to print them!
3D pens are not as effective as other glue options and they suffer like any other material: it has a tendency to become brittle once it fully cures.
Conclusion
To ensure that your final product has a strong and durable bond, you need to follow these five steps:
1) Prepare the surface
2) Apply glue evenly
3) Carefully align pieces together so they are flush with one another before pressing down firmly on both surfaces of the glued area
4) Remove any excess from around the edges. This ensures that there will be no gaps between elements when completed.
5) Let dry
