Sometimes 3D-printed parts need extra strength, whether you’re assembling large prints, fixing broken parts, or combining multi-material models. The right adhesive makes a huge difference! ๐ฏโจ
Let’s explore the best glues for different 3D printing materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more!), plus pro tips for perfect bonding! ๐ง๐ค
๐ ๏ธ 1. Why Use Glue in 3D Printing?
๐น Assembling multi-part models (large prints, robot frames).
๐น Fixing broken prints (cracks, failed layers).
๐น Joining different materials (PLA + TPU, PETG + ABS).
๐น Post-processing for stronger final parts!
Different filaments need different types of glue โ letโs break it down! ๐ฏ๐ ๏ธ
๐ 2. Best Glues for PLA (Polylactic Acid) โ The Most Common Filament! ๐จ
PLA is tricky to glue because it’s non-porous and smooth, but these adhesives work well:
โ Best Adhesives for PLA:
โ Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate – CA Glue) โ Best overall! ๐
โ 3D Gloop! โ Special PLA adhesive, melts parts together! ๐ฅ
โ Epoxy Resin โ Strong & durable, but takes longer to cure! โณ
โ Hot Glue Gun โ Fast & easy, but not the strongest! ๐
๐ฅ Best Choice?
๐ก Super Glue (CA glue) + Accelerator (Spray Activator) = Fast & Strong! โก
โ ๏ธ What to Avoid?
โ Solvent-based glues (PLA doesnโt dissolve like ABS).
โ Standard wood glue (not strong enough for PLA).
๐ฏ Pro Tip: Sanding the surface before gluing helps PLA adhere better! ๐๏ธ
๐ 3. Best Glues for ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) โ Strong but Tricky! ๐ช
ABS is tough and can be chemically welded! ๐ ๏ธ
โ Best Adhesives for ABS:
โ Acetone (ABS Slurry or Weld) โ Melts ABS together, making a chemical bond! ๐งช
โ Super Glue (CA Glue) โ Works well, but not as strong as acetone welding! ๐
โ Epoxy Resin โ Great for large ABS assemblies!
๐ฅ Best Choice?
๐ก Acetone welding = ABS parts fuse together permanently! ๐ฅ
๐ฏ Pro Tip: To make ABS Slurry, mix acetone + ABS scraps = perfect adhesive for ABS bonding! ๐๏ธ
๐ 4. Best Glues for PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) โ Strong & Slippery! ๐๏ธ
PETG is durable & flexible, but hard to glue because it resists adhesion!
โ Best Adhesives for PETG:
โ Super Glue (CA Glue + Activator) โ The most effective! โก
โ 3D Gloop! (PETG Formula) โ Designed specifically for PETG bonding! ๐๏ธ
โ Hot Glue Gun โ Works, but not very strong.
๐ฅ Best Choice?
๐ก Super Glue + Activator = Fastest & Strongest PETG Bonding! ๐
๐ฏ Pro Tip: PETG doesnโt like being sanded โ Instead, use alcohol to clean surfaces before gluing! ๐งผ
๐ 5. Best Glues for TPU (Flexible Filaments) โ Hard to Bond! ๐คธโโ๏ธ
Since TPU is rubbery and flexible, most glues wonโt hold well.
โ Best Adhesives for TPU:
โ Contact Cement โ Stays flexible & strong! ๐คฒ
โ Flexible Super Glue (Rubberized CA Glue) โ Bonds TPU without getting brittle! ๐ฆพ
โ Shoe Goo / E6000 Glue โ Super strong & remains flexible! ๐โโ๏ธ
๐ฅ Best Choice?
๐ก Contact Cement is perfect for TPU because it remains stretchy! ๐
๐ฏ Pro Tip: Sewing TPU together can be better than gluing for wearable applications! ๐
๐ 6. Best Glues for Resin Prints (SLA/DLP 3D Printing) โ Fragile but Precise! ๐๏ธ
SLA resin prints are brittle and need a strong, clear adhesive!
โ Best Adhesives for Resin Prints:
โ UV Resin (Same as Print Material) โ Cures under UV light = seamless bonds! โ๏ธ
โ Super Glue (CA Glue) โ Strong, but leaves visible seams.
โ Epoxy Resin โ Best for larger parts, but slow to cure.
๐ฅ Best Choice?
๐ก UV Resin + UV Light = Invisible, Super-Strong Bonding! ๐ฏ
๐ฏ Pro Tip: Apply UV resin, then cure with a UV flashlight for instant strength! ๐ฆ
๐ 7. Specialty Adhesives for Multi-Material Bonding! ๐
If you’re combining PLA + TPU, ABS + PETG, or metal-infused filaments, you need the right glue!
Best Multi-Material Adhesives:
โ JB Weld (Epoxy for Plastic & Metal) โ Bonds almost anything! ๐ฉ
โ E6000 (Flexible + Strong) โ Great for mixed materials!
โ Gorilla Glue (Expanding Polyurethane Glue) โ Super strong, but messy! ๐๏ธ
๐ฏ Pro Tip: For best results, rough up surfaces (sanding) before gluing! ๐ ๏ธ
๐ฅ Quick Reference: Best Glue for Each Filament!
Material | Best Adhesive | Extra Tip |
---|---|---|
PLA | Super Glue (CA) + Activator | Sand surface before gluing! ๐๏ธ |
ABS | Acetone Welding | Creates chemical bond = super strong! ๐ฅ |
PETG | Super Glue + Activator | Clean with alcohol before gluing! ๐งผ |
TPU | Contact Cement | Stays flexible, best for rubber-like parts! ๐คธโโ๏ธ |
Resin (SLA) | UV Resin + UV Light | Cures instantly = invisible seams! โ๏ธ |
Multi-Material | Epoxy (JB Weld, Gorilla Glue) | Works on mixed plastics! ๐ฉ |
๐ Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Glue for 3D Printing!
๐น For PLA: Super Glue + Activator = Fast & strong! โก
๐น For ABS: Acetone welding = Chemical bond! ๐ฅ
๐น For PETG: Super Glue = Quick & reliable! ๐๏ธ
๐น For TPU: Contact Cement = Stays flexible! ๐คธโโ๏ธ
๐น For SLA Resin: UV Resin = Perfect invisible joins! โ๏ธ
With the right glue, your 3D prints will be stronger, more durable, and seamlessly assembled! ๐โจ