Best Glue for PLA – Your Complete Guide to PLA Adhesives

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Plastics. They are a hot topic in today’s world. Love them or hate them, they are part of our everyday life. Not only are they functional in our day-to-day lives, but they are useful in our creative endeavors, like 3D printing. To make the most use of this, you will need the best glue for PLA. Follow our guide below on PLA adhesives and joining 3D printed parts below.

 

 

 

The Importance of Plastics

Materials that can be used for 3D printing include plastics, metal (such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminium and even gold), resins, powders, graphite and graphine, and paper. We are assuming you are interested in working with plastic in particular.

Did you know that there are currently more than 9 billion tons of plastic in the world? Of these 9 billion tons, there are more than six different types of plastic, that are classified according to type. Plastics take years to break down. Some can even take thousands of years.

Although the sheer scale of plastic production, combined with their exceptionally low rate of decomposition, has caused a big problem in terms of pollution, they remain one of the most convenient, not to mention some of the cheapest materials available. Some of the characteristics that make plastic a favorable material to use, include the following:

 

 

What is PLA?

As you can see, plastic in all of its shapes and forms has a lot going for it, if you are looking for a durable material that has a wide variety of uses and that can be produced relatively cheaply. And, while most plastics take longer than our lifetimes to decompose, causing worlds of problems for the environment, the problem of pollution is solved by plastics like Polylactic Acid (PLA) plastics.

PLA is a renewable, biodegradable form of plastic. In contrast to other plastics that are made from non-renewable resources like petroleum, PLA is a type of plastic that is biodegradable because it is made from organic material like corn starch and sugarcane. While petroleum-based plastics can take hundreds or thousands of years to break down, PLA plastic takes a mere six months to two years to break down. It is also relatively cheap to produce.

There are many different kinds of PLA plastic, but the common factor among all of them is that they are made from organic material. Its properties are similar to those of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP). PLA is regarded as “thermoplastic”, which refers to the way in which it responds to heat.

You will notice PLA being used in various contexts of everyday life. Some bottles are made out of PLA plastics. For example, food containers and certain items used in the medical field (such as plates and screws that need to be discarded after use).

It is also a favorite among 3D printing enthusiasts. There are at least four different types of plastic that can be used for 3D printing, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The two most commonly used types of plastic that are used in 3D printing are ABS and PLA plastic. They are both thermoplastics, which means that they heat up and change form when heated, and solidify again when cooled down, without losing their structural integrity.

Today, there are many manufacturers of PLA, such as WeForYou, Evoknik, NaturaWorks and Corbion. Although many people enjoy using ABS plastic for 3D printing, PLA has a number of superior qualities that make it the most commonly used plastic in 3D printing.

To name one of the features that make PLA a superior choice, PLA requires a lower temperature than ABS for printing. Another advantage PLA has over ABS plastic is that it is able to print corners that are sharper. As a filament for 3D printing, many colors are available in PLA plastic. It is usually available as a thin film or plastic pellets rather than sheet stock or rod.

PLA requires a lower temperature than ABS for printing. The melting point of PLA is 180 degrees Celsius, while ABS plastic melts between 200 and 260 degrees. The benefit of the lower melting point is that you do not need a heated printing bed or a closed chamber. Another advantage PLA has over ABS plastic is that it is able to print corners that are sharper. It is also easy to work with. After printing, it doesn’t require much work: at most, light sanding and rub with acetone to create smooth surfaces.

The downside to using PLA is that there is a danger that the print head will become clogged with PLA, as it has a higher viscosity than ABS. ABS is also more flexible and resistant than PLA. Despite these drawbacks, PLA remains the most popular option for gluing PLA plastic pieces together.

 

 

Types of Glue

Gluing pieces of PLA together is an art in itself. This process is underrated among those who are new to the process of 3D printing. Contrary to popular belief, joining 3D printed parts is at least as important as the printing process itself, especially if you are printing something that is larger than your printing bed.

There are various ways of gluing pieces of PLA together, such as by using superglue, epoxy, hot glue guns, 3D pens and acetone. Each of these different bonding agents have a different method of use, and has its own set of pros and cons. In this article, we will hone in on three and include a description of what we think is the best product that is currently on the market for each respective glue. But first, here is a guide to help you to know what to take into account when you choose the type of glue that will best suit your 3D printing needs.

 

Superglues (Cyanoacrylate)

This is a household glue that is commonly used for an exceptionally wide variety of applications. It is hands-down one of the most popular in the world of 3D printing. Why? It’s fast-drying, cheap, easy to use and doesn’t leave much of a seam.

The convenience and affordability come at a price, though. Being quick-drying, there is always a risk that you don’t line up your parts together or, even worse, spill a drop of glue on your project to remain there for the rest of time. Superglue sometimes requires sanding of the surfaces, which helps joining 3D printed parts. Once bonded, superglue does not offer much in terms of flexibility, and is one of the more rigid glues that you might buy. Another problem with superglue is that although the bond is very strong, it can be super brittle as the layer of glue keeping your PLA pieces together is thin. Not the best choice if you are wanting your join to be more flexible.

 

How to Glue PLA using Superglue

The quick-action nature of superglue requires that you have all your proverbial ducks in a row before unleashing the sticky stuff on your precious 3D printing project. Because super glue has a very powerful bond, you should take some precautions before you get started. The best bet if you want to avoid a world of pain after you are done gluing, in our opinion, is to wear gloves, and use a newspaper or plastic sheeting to protect your furniture. It goes without saying that you should ensure that you store you glue out of reach of children.

Now that you have taken the necessary precautions, the next thing you need to do is prepare your PLA properly. Use fine sandpaper to ensure the surfaces you want to stick together are flat and even. Alcohol can be used to make sure there is no dirt or dust attached to either of the surfaces. Surfaces need to be completely dry before you use the glue.

When gluing PLA, bear in mind that superglue dries fast, really fast. This means that you should have your surfaces properly aligned before you stick them together. Hold the two surfaces together for about 60 seconds once the glue has been applied, then leave to cure for an extra few minutes.

 

Super Glue Recommendation: GORILLA Super Glue Gel

This is one of our favourite superglues, as it can be used on a variety of surfaces and is especially effective with gluing PLA plastics together for 3D printing. As the best glue for PLA, this product is a super-fast-acting bonding agent that has a thicker consistency than normal superglue. And, it’s gel-like consistency makes it possible for use on vertical surfaces without running the risk of dripping.

This product dries within 10 to 45 seconds, making it far more convenient to use than other glues as clamps are not required. This product is versatile in the sense that it is effective when applied to various surfaces like plastic, wood, metal, leather, ceramics and paper so you can use it for more than just your 3D printing needs. The glue comes in bottles of 0.71 fluid ounces.

 

Epoxy Resin

The next best PLA adhesive is epoxy resin. It is an extremely versatile bonding agent that is used in a variety of contexts (3D printing being one of them). We recommend this as the next best thing after super glue because, like superglue, the bond that epoxy creates is exceptionally strong. If your surfaces are not flush (i.e. the surfaces are not completely flat, resulting in small gaps), these gaps can be filled by the epoxy.

That is, in addition, to be an effective glue, it is also a space-filler. What’s more, epoxy can be applied to your finished product to improve the overall quality of the surfaces and can be painted over. It’s not the best option if you are wanting flexibility, but it is not as rigid as superglue.

 

How to Glue PLA Using Epoxy Resin

Using epoxy is a little more labor-intensive than its “super-gluey” counterpart, but the result is worth the extra effort. It is usually packaged in two separate containers: one that contains the resin, and the other contains the hardener. You will have to mix these together, depending on the ratio that is described in the instructions that accompany the product (ratios for different brands may be different). Precise instructions will be available on the packaging of the epoxy resin that you decide to buy.

The drying time for epoxy resin can be anything from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Some brands are sold that dry in only 5 minutes. Once it is mixed though, you may need to work quickly. Using brands that cure at a slower rate gives you the advantage of having more time to get the alignment of your surfaces right.

Note that some brands develop high temperatures when mixed together, which may have an effect on your 3D printer glue and the PLA you are using Heat can, however, be managed by using a product that has a slower curing process.

 

Epoxy Recommendation: SMOOTH-ON XTC-3D: High Performance 3D Print Coating

This product comes highly recommended, not only by us, but by the hundreds of customers who regularly use it. We like it for a number of reasons, not least because of the fact that it functions not only as a glue, but as a smooth coating for any plastic surfaces.

 

3D Printing Pen

A lot can be said for the use of 3D printing pens as glue. These tools are basically used as a hot glue gun, but with PLA instead of glue. The beauty of 3D printing pens is that they can be used for more intricate work, or as a filler (if there are gaps in your surfaces). 3D printing pens act like a welding tool, either by melting your two surfaces together or by filling the gaps between your two surfaces.

Another factor working in these versatile tools’ favor is that they can be used in a number of different craft projects, not just for gluing plastic together. Some people like to use them to make 3D patterns on a variety of surfaces, for example. One of the main reasons why we suggest these pens as one of the top three ways of gluing your PLA together is because they are very easy to use!

 

Printing Pen Recommendation: SCRIB3dP1 3D Printer Pen

Behold, the SCRIB3dP1 Printer Pen, which is our pen of choice for a many good reasons. This pen is versatile, easy to use, accurate, and effective. Oh, its also plenty of fun to work with!

As you can see, these are minor drawbacks when compared to the advantages that 3D printer pens have to offer. Depending on the quality of the pen that you buy, and how well you look after your pen, they can last for many years. You will, of course, have to continue to keep buying the PLA to refill the pen as you use it.

To get an idea of precisely how user-friendly these pens are when compared to other more complicated methods of gluing your plastic together, take a look at these simple instructions on how to use the SCRIB3dP1 pen:

 

Other Glue Types

So far, we have described what we think are the top three options for your PLA gluing needs. However, when it comes to stick small parts of plastic together, there are many more options than the ones we have described above. Read on for some more ideas for the best glue for PLA.

 

Hot Glue Gun

A glue gun is a user-friendly way of binding a variety of mediums. It is a great investment, as it can be used time and time again, for anything from wood to plastic. When choosing your hot glue gun for 3D printing, you can choose between a mini glue-gun (recommended for beginners) and a full-sized glue gun for more hardcore projects.

On any glue gun instruction manual (as is the case with any glue, for that matter), you will find a few words of caution. For name one, you should not use this equipment in humid environments. Secondly, once you have used a glue stick, you should not remove it (instead, add another glue stick behind it to push the old one forward). You should also not disassemble your glue gun in any circumstances. If you are opting for a glue gun to glue your 3D parts together, you should also note that so long as your glue gun is getting power, you should be running it continuously.

The glue that would be used here comes in sticks that fit into the glue gun, which can be transparent or opaque. Word of warning if you are wanting a more quick-drying, rigid bond for your PLA bits and pieces: this glue can be quite flexible, and can take a long time to dry. This is one of the best glue for PLA options thanks to its easy use and versatility.

 

Acetone

Another good PLA adhesive is Acetone. Acetone, aka paint thinner, is organic in nature and is used as a solvent in general use, and when used to stick pieces of PLA plastic together. Although not exactly a glue as it works by dissolving the plastics allowing them to merge, the strength of the bond that is provided with this product, as well as the fact that the seal is basically invisible if used properly, makes it worth mentioning as an experimental alternative to the glues that have already been mentioned.

Despite these significant advantages, there are elements that are cause for concern, if you do not take the necessary precautions when using acetone. It should only be used in ventilated areas, failing to heed this advice could result in dizziness. It is also highly flammable, so should not be used in near heat or open flames. There is also the danger of using too much acetone and burning through your filament.

To use acetone as a 3D printer glue, apply a thin coat on both surfaces, using a brush or cloth. The way this works is the layer of acetone dilutes the plastics, allowing them to mix with one another in such a way that a new plastic is formed as the bonding agent, rather than glue. Drying time depends on the amount of acetone you have used, as well as the size of the parts you are sticking together. But it can take anything from a few minutes to a few hours to dry, possibly with the help of clamps.

As you have seen, each agent described in this article has its own set of considerable advantages and disadvantages when used for gluing PLA. Taking the time to find out about their respective pros and cons can make a difference not only in terms of whether your gluing is successful or not, but it can also have a significant effect on what your final product looks like.

 

Name of Product	Drying Time	Flexibility	Strength of Bond	Seam Visibility
Superglue	Less than 1 minute	Rigid	Very strong	Very thin
Epoxy	A few minutes to a couple of hours	Semi-flexible	Very strong	Thick, but can be used as a filler so seam is not noticeable
Acetone	A few minutes to a few hours	Rigid	Very strong	Invisible
Hot Glue Gun	10 to 20 minutes	Flexible	Strong	Thick seam
3D Printing Pen	A few seconds	Rigid	Strong	Thick, but can be used as a filler so seam is not notiecable

 

 

Things to Consider When Buying PLA Glue

There are a number of things you should consider before you choose what glue to use, because not all glues are created equal. Take some time to think about the following factors before you buy your glue.

 

Flexibility of the Glue

Different types of glue offer different degrees of flexibility. Some (like superglue) are more rigid, while others allow some leeway for manoeuvring of the different parts of your 3D object. Consider the purpose and desired appearance of your final product when you think about flexibility.

 

How to Prepare Your PLA Surface

Something you should also take into account before you buy your glue, is whether or not you need to sand your surfaces before gluing them together. For some glues, having a bit of friction helps with adhesion, but this does not apply to all glue types. This is important to know when choosing the best glue for PLA.

 

Drying Time

Glues have varying setting times. Some require hours or days, in which case you will probably need clamps. If your 3D object cannot be clamped, or if you don’t have clamps, you will need a glue with a shorter drying time. A fast-drying product is generally the best glue for PLA.

 

Effects of the Gluing Process

Some glues become hot when they are curing. PLA plastics are sensitive to heat, and might start to change form, soften or melt at certain temperatures that are generated during the curing process. Glues can also react to different substances resulting in marks that form on your project, or vene result in burning through the plastic itself.

 

Appearance

Some glues leave a visible seem, others leave marks, and others require a few millimetres of glue in order to work effectively. This is an important factor when you are planning which glue you are going to use, as it could affect your design in ways that are not visually appealing and that may affect the overall look. The best glue for PLA is clear and seamless.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Glue Can Be Used for 3D Printed Plastic?

Lots of different types of glues can be used for gluing 3D printed plastic together. Superglue is probably the best option for gluing PLA plastic pieces together (which is the most commonly used plastic for 3D printing) because it is a cheap, quick-drying, and strong adhesive. It can be brittle though, so is not very durable.

 

Will Hot Glue Work to Glue PLA Together?

Yes, you can use hot glue on PLA plastic. Bear in mind, however, that the glue needs to reach a certain temperature in order to melt, and it is possible that your PLA will become deformed during the gluing process. Hot glue tends to be quite flexible and can take a while to dry, depending on the brand you use.

 

How Can PLA Plastic Be Glued Together?

There is a variety of glues that will work; which one you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. Your options include hot glue, superglue, 3D printing pens, acetone, and plumber’s cement. Each type of glue has different application processes, drying times, and other qualities that could affect the appearance of your 3D design and your experience working with the glue and plastic.

 

Can I Use Gorilla Glue on PLA?

Yes, Gorilla Glue works as an effective glue for PLA plastics used as a filament for 3D printing. Many people prefer the Gorilla super glue because its thicker consistency makes it less likely to drip and is generally easier to work with.

 

Can PLA be Melted by Acetone?

Pure PLA cannot be melted by acetone, but acetone does work as a solvent for PLA that is used for 3D printing. This is because other chemicals are added to the plastics that are used for printing, and these are what are affected by the acetone.

 

There you have it – an essential introduction into the world of 3D printing and how to glue PLA plastic together in the most efficient, user-friendly and durable ways. Whether you are trying PLA plastic for 3D printing for the first time, or are an old hand, we hope the information is of value to you as you learn and grow in your creative journey!