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! π―β¨
Let’s explore the best glues for different 3D printing materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more!), plus pro tips for perfect bonding! π§π€
π οΈ 1. Why Use Glue in 3D Printing?
πΉ Assembling multi-part models (large prints, robot frames).
πΉ Fixing broken prints (cracks, failed layers).
πΉ Joining different materials (PLA + TPU, PETG + ABS).
πΉ Post-processing for stronger final parts!
Different filaments need different types of glue β letβs break it down! π―π οΈ
π 2. Best Glues for PLA (Polylactic Acid) β The Most Common Filament! π¨
PLA is tricky to glue because it’s non-porous and smooth, but these adhesives work well:
β Best Adhesives for PLA:
β Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate – CA Glue) β Best overall! π
β 3D Gloop! β Special PLA adhesive, melts parts together! π₯
β Epoxy Resin β Strong & durable, but takes longer to cure! β³
β Hot Glue Gun β Fast & easy, but not the strongest! π
π₯ Best Choice?
π‘ Super Glue (CA glue) + Accelerator (Spray Activator) = Fast & Strong! β‘
β οΈ What to Avoid?
β Solvent-based glues (PLA doesnβt dissolve like ABS).
β Standard wood glue (not strong enough for PLA).
π― Pro Tip: Sanding the surface before gluing helps PLA adhere better! ποΈ
π 3. Best Glues for ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) β Strong but Tricky! πͺ
ABS is tough and can be chemically welded! π οΈ
β Best Adhesives for ABS:
β Acetone (ABS Slurry or Weld) β Melts ABS together, making a chemical bond! π§ͺ
β Super Glue (CA Glue) β Works well, but not as strong as acetone welding! π
β Epoxy Resin β Great for large ABS assemblies!
π₯ Best Choice?
π‘ Acetone welding = ABS parts fuse together permanently! π₯
π― Pro Tip: To make ABS Slurry, mix acetone + ABS scraps = perfect adhesive for ABS bonding! ποΈ
π 4. Best Glues for PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) β Strong & Slippery! ποΈ
PETG is durable & flexible, but hard to glue because it resists adhesion!
β Best Adhesives for PETG:
β Super Glue (CA Glue + Activator) β The most effective! β‘
β 3D Gloop! (PETG Formula) β Designed specifically for PETG bonding! ποΈ
β Hot Glue Gun β Works, but not very strong.
π₯ Best Choice?
π‘ Super Glue + Activator = Fastest & Strongest PETG Bonding! π
π― Pro Tip: PETG doesnβt like being sanded β Instead, use alcohol to clean surfaces before gluing! π§Ό
π 5. Best Glues for TPU (Flexible Filaments) β Hard to Bond! π€ΈββοΈ
Since TPU is rubbery and flexible, most glues wonβt hold well.
β Best Adhesives for TPU:
β Contact Cement β Stays flexible & strong! π€²
β Flexible Super Glue (Rubberized CA Glue) β Bonds TPU without getting brittle! π¦Ύ
β Shoe Goo / E6000 Glue β Super strong & remains flexible! πββοΈ
π₯ Best Choice?
π‘ Contact Cement is perfect for TPU because it remains stretchy! π
π― Pro Tip: Sewing TPU together can be better than gluing for wearable applications! π
π 6. Best Glues for Resin Prints (SLA/DLP 3D Printing) β Fragile but Precise! ποΈ
SLA resin prints are brittle and need a strong, clear adhesive!
β Best Adhesives for Resin Prints:
β UV Resin (Same as Print Material) β Cures under UV light = seamless bonds! βοΈ
β Super Glue (CA Glue) β Strong, but leaves visible seams.
β Epoxy Resin β Best for larger parts, but slow to cure.
π₯ Best Choice?
π‘ UV Resin + UV Light = Invisible, Super-Strong Bonding! π―
π― Pro Tip: Apply UV resin, then cure with a UV flashlight for instant strength! π¦
π 7. Specialty Adhesives for Multi-Material Bonding! π
If you’re combining PLA + TPU, ABS + PETG, or metal-infused filaments, you need the right glue!
Best Multi-Material Adhesives:
β JB Weld (Epoxy for Plastic & Metal) β Bonds almost anything! π©
β E6000 (Flexible + Strong) β Great for mixed materials!
β Gorilla Glue (Expanding Polyurethane Glue) β Super strong, but messy! ποΈ
π― Pro Tip: For best results, rough up surfaces (sanding) before gluing! π οΈ
π₯ Quick Reference: Best Glue for Each Filament!
Material | Best Adhesive | Extra Tip |
---|---|---|
PLA | Super Glue (CA) + Activator | Sand surface before gluing! ποΈ |
ABS | Acetone Welding | Creates chemical bond = super strong! π₯ |
PETG | Super Glue + Activator | Clean with alcohol before gluing! π§Ό |
TPU | Contact Cement | Stays flexible, best for rubber-like parts! π€ΈββοΈ |
Resin (SLA) | UV Resin + UV Light | Cures instantly = invisible seams! βοΈ |
Multi-Material | Epoxy (JB Weld, Gorilla Glue) | Works on mixed plastics! π© |
π Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Glue for 3D Printing!
πΉ For PLA: Super Glue + Activator = Fast & strong! β‘
πΉ For ABS: Acetone welding = Chemical bond! π₯
πΉ For PETG: Super Glue = Quick & reliable! ποΈ
πΉ For TPU: Contact Cement = Stays flexible! π€ΈββοΈ
πΉ For SLA Resin: UV Resin = Perfect invisible joins! βοΈ
With the right glue, your 3D prints will be stronger, more durable, and seamlessly assembled! πβ¨