Author Topic: Glue For PLA+ and Others  (Read 3064 times)

Offline wagnmkr

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Glue For PLA+ and Others
« on: January 08, 2025, 10:36:39 AM »
Although I have been printing for a few years I have never had to glue any of the pieces together.

I have a copy of Chris's clock all printed and ready to be glued so I did a test on some similar material. I used Gorilla Instant gel glue and after sitting for 24hrs, the bits just fell apart. I tried some cheap, Dollar Store stuff but had the same result.

I lightly sanded the bits first, appied the glue, and put the pieces in a jig to sit in the proper position but it didn't help.

What do others use?

 :cheers:

Tom
I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline cnr6400

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #1 on: January 08, 2025, 12:49:43 PM »
Hi Tom, I've had good results gluing PLA for several years , many many parts with cyanoacrylate glue (also called Super Glue, Crazy Glue etc.) The Zap brand available at some hobby shops and online from Amazon is the best I have found. Very strong bond with it on the eSun PLA + I like to use. The nozzle does not clog, the glue has long life after opening the bottle, and the cap doesn't get stuck on. I have tried the Bob Smith industries brand that my local hobby shop sells and it sticks PLA OK but has all three problems I mentioned the Zap glue does not have. Medium thick Zap is the type I use most, it gives a bit of parts positioning time and is less likely to glue you and the parts together like the thin stuff. Hope this helps.  :cheers:
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Offline crueby

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #2 on: January 08, 2025, 12:54:30 PM »
This is the stuff I used on my clock, works great on PLA and lots of other materials. I have used it to hold together some of my RC submarines  with printed hull sections. Grabs pretty quick, will fill small gaps.
https://www.amazon.com/Weld-Acrylic-Plastic-Cement-Tube/dp/B00R5NYM7M

Offline gbritnell

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #3 on: January 08, 2025, 01:04:37 PM »
Hi Tom,
I have used Gorilla and Loctite brands on PLA with good success.  I use several different brands of PLA , Sun, Inland and Creality but I can't remember which brand I glued.
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Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #4 on: January 08, 2025, 03:23:23 PM »
Thank You for all the good information.

Cnr6400, I have use gallons of Zap over the years I was in RC glider competition. I haven't use it lately but I just checked with a real hobby store I will be at tomorrow and they have stock so I will add it to the list. I also mainly use Esun PLA+ but the odd roll of the Creality stuff creeps in as well.

I will also retry the Gorilla Brand I have and see if I did not do something I should have.

Chris, that looks like very good glue, but Amazon seems to be the only place to get it and I don't really want to by them a new truck. There must be a lot of import duty on it.

Thanks Again for all the replies,

 :cheers: :DrinkPint:
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Offline crueby

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #5 on: January 08, 2025, 03:25:56 PM »
The weld-on 16 is also available in Canada here (I dont know how much their shipping is)
https://goindustrial.com/products/ips-weld-on-16-acrylic-adhesive?srsltid=AfmBOoqq4SJNbXpWvZc_TxR2JzhNaowD2ztdIMUR4l_zum4q-0Hi2nxN

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #6 on: January 08, 2025, 08:49:19 PM »
I have managed to get the Gorilla stuff to work but I will get some Zap tomorrow.

Chris, thanks for that link.  That store chain is in BC and Alberta, but in checking them out, I found that my 3d printer parts supplier in Calgary carries the glue. I am waiting for them to get a new supply of printers in and when I order one (free shipping) I will get a couple of tubes of that glue from them as well.

 :cheers:
I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline crueby

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #7 on: January 08, 2025, 10:01:48 PM »
I have managed to get the Gorilla stuff to work but I will get some Zap tomorrow.

Chris, thanks for that link.  That store chain is in BC and Alberta, but in checking them out, I found that my 3d printer parts supplier in Calgary carries the glue. I am waiting for them to get a new supply of printers in and when I order one (free shipping) I will get a couple of tubes of that glue from them as well.

 :cheers:
Glad its all worked out!  One thing to note with the weld-on 16 glue - its thin enough that when dispensing it from the tube, its own weight will make it flow slowly out the nozzle. If you set the tube down on its side, it will keep oozing out till you put the cap back on. What I do is prop it up vertically, nozzle at the top, after dispensing and fitting parts, then put the cap back on. Good to wipe the nozzle before capping as well, like with most glues, to keep it from sticking the cap on.


Looking forward to seeing how the clock looks!

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #8 on: January 08, 2025, 10:26:41 PM »
 :cheers: :DrinkPint: :cheers:
I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline bent

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #9 on: January 10, 2025, 06:15:39 AM »
I like UV cure adhesives for their gap-filling properties, but also because you can apply them, and then adjust the fit "just so" before flashing them with a uv flashlight to set the adhesive.

Hot melt adhesives work ok too for larger bond lines.

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #10 on: January 10, 2025, 09:52:51 AM »
Thanks for that info Bent. I have never used those glues so I will look into it.

 :cheers:

Tom
I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline Pete49

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #11 on: January 11, 2025, 01:27:00 AM »
I use JB Weld Super Weld and find it really good with a better window before sticking so can be re-adjusted if need be.
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Offline ddmckee54

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #12 on: January 15, 2025, 08:50:09 PM »
Weld-on #16 is the thicker stuff in a tube, if you are looking for for the thin stuff that will wick into the joint by capillary action you need Weld-on #4.  I used it when gluing the PLA parts of my RC Benchy together.  I even made a glue/filler by dissolving scraps of PLA into the Weld-on #4, worked well for filling small gaps in the glue joint. 

A word of caution though, if you don't REALLY crank the lids on tight that stuff will evaporate out of the container - DAMHIK.

Don

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #13 on: January 16, 2025, 11:42:00 AM »
Thanks Don and Pete49. I will check out where I can find that up here.

I did get some Zap the other day but haven't found time to try it just yet.

 :cheers:
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Offline ddmckee54

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #14 on: January 16, 2025, 08:33:01 PM »
I bought my Weld-on #4 on Ebay, but shipping to Canada would probably be a killer.  Weld-on's website says they have distributors in many countries.  You might try contacting them at weldon.com to see if there's anybody close to you.
« Last Edit: January 16, 2025, 08:46:51 PM by ddmckee54 »

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #15 on: January 16, 2025, 11:44:04 PM »
It seems anything shipped to Canada these days requires a mortgage. Even Amazon Prime adds on to the cost of items compared to other sources.

The other problem we run into is some provinces appear to class that glue as hazard-is material and you know what that does to shipping.

I have a local source for the zap and a couple of other brands and I only need it for a couple of small projects so I won't fret about it. Worse comes to worse, I can print in something that acetone will de-solve and make a slurry and use it as a glue.

 :cheers:

Tom
I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline internal_fire

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #16 on: January 17, 2025, 12:48:23 AM »
that glue as hazard-is materia

Weld-on #4 is a mixture of rather nasty solvents, and it is intended for gluing acrylics and similar. (I have some, very tightly sealed  :Lol:)

I would look for anything local that says it is intended for "welding" acrylics or other plastics. It probably needs to actually dissolve the material to be effective.

A lot of glues don't work that way.

Gene

Offline petertha

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #17 on: January 18, 2025, 06:13:01 AM »
Also a recently converted RC glider /DLG guy (from Alberta). How's that 399'AGL working out, are we having fun yet? LOL (I digress). I just got a Bambu A1 couple weeks ago, First 3DP for me so still  novice but now really enjoying making my own stuff. I bought a reel of PLA from the outfit that supplied the printer so I can't even say what it is. He re-packages but says it prints well so good enough for me to get going. I'm pretty sure its not PLA 'plus', at least it doesn't indicate that anywhere.

With my scrap parts I've been playing with adhesives & spot fillers & primers. I'm actually very impressed because whatever 3DP parts I had before were very off-standish to many common shop materials. Kind of that shiny, Teflon-y 'don't stick to me' kind of material. This PLA is quite impervious to methanol, paint thinners & a few other solvents in my arsenal. Acetone will indicate some of the material color on a Q-tip swab so that appears more active. First thing I tried was CA with/without kicker & dang, it hung on surprisingly well. I jus roughed it with 120# paper & gave a wipe with methanol. I have not yet put the pliers on it to shear the glue so TBC.

I looked at the recommended glue a few posts up. It is available in Canuckistan. A bit spendy but at least no no import/hazop issues. I hope you try it so I don't have to gamble 31CAD haha. Now I wonder if some of the plastic plumbing adhesives might work? There are some common material crossovers between the 2 descriptions. Unfortunatly dont have any to try but its cheaper on volumetric basis (albeit differnt viscosity & other factors).

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #18 on: January 18, 2025, 11:31:56 AM »
Petertha, did you perhaps get your Bambu A1 from Spool 3D in Calgary? I have dealt with them for a long time. They carry one of the Weld-On products there.

I might get a chance today to test what I have.

 :cheers:
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Offline petertha

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #19 on: January 18, 2025, 04:14:03 PM »
Yes, exactly. Spool3D. I just did a quick search under 'glue' & 'adhesive' on the website, but unless I missed it, only saw bed adhesive & general purpose glue we are familiar with in RC. Maybe that was Calgary specific.
https://spool3d.ca/
Also on my list of glues to try from the shop arsenal is black (toughened) CA glue which I find to be particularly good on composites. And also a new purchase, some higher viscosity clear (I believe urethane based) glue which has worked well on tough to bond plastics where epoxy was cracking off and/or yellowing over time. Now would I trust these with 100% confidence in a structural / heat / vibration environment? Probably not, but I now see why say the plastic model or train crowd uses CA & doesn't bat an eye. At least on this type of PLA.

Sorry for subject detour, but while I was at an autobody supply store, I bought some of this 1K fine grain spot putty. Had not heard of the brand before because I have been out of that loop. But the spec sheet indicated a wide range of acceptable materials including 'plastics' which only narrows it down to about 10,000 varietals haha. The plan is some 3DP's will become male shape forms for female molds. I need to unload camera pics but I am very impressed with the prelim results. One swipe across the bed surface just using a playing card spreader filled in all the valleys only showing the tops of hills. A slightly thicker (or maximum 2 coats) across some more gnarly striated surface filled it very well. At least where a primer would take over which is the plan. Sanding & re-coats was dead easy & predictable. I cant recall cure time because I was done for the day & sanded in the morning. It had a slight odor but not as strong as classic polyester based bondo with catalyst. So TBC on that front.

Offline wagnmkr

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I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline petertha

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #21 on: January 18, 2025, 05:59:45 PM »
Aha! Cheaper than Amazon. Thanks for link

Offline cnr6400

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #22 on: January 18, 2025, 08:57:02 PM »
Don't forget there may be a hefty delivery charge from Alberta to Ontario for Tom or other Ontarians. Just a reminder.  :cheers:
"I've cut that stock three times, and it's still too short!"

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #23 on: January 18, 2025, 10:24:02 PM »
I was going to order some with a new printer so it would be free delivery but ordinarily it would come priority mail at around the $14.00 mark for delivery. I have dealt with this company for 8 or 10 years and they are very reliable. I have had to phone a couple of times for help and they were very quick and knowledgeable about their products.

 :cheers:
I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline cnr6400

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #24 on: January 18, 2025, 11:05:02 PM »
 :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: Good to hear, Tom.  :cheers:
"I've cut that stock three times, and it's still too short!"

Offline petertha

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #25 on: January 19, 2025, 01:21:04 AM »
On the shipping front, so far been very happy with NetParcel within the CDN arena. You just enter minimal specs, it quotes out a list of price + delivery time options from low to high. Click one & print the shipping label. A lot of the courier based drop-off depots are your local neighborhood bricks & mortar stores making some side cash to hold the parcel for the delivery truck. Some will come to your door (have not explored that). CP is just one of many options. I have yet to find an example where it wasn't cheaper or faster than CP. Same tracking & insurance features. Free to make account. (Not endorsed just a new happy customer). I'm not sure its optimal for international but I have other modes for that.

https://www.netparcel.com/home.action

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #26 on: January 19, 2025, 02:44:01 PM »
Now that I have stopped spinning and weaving, I get very few deliveries. With a Great Hobbies store about 40minutes away that sells all the Creality machines and a couple of brands of filament, plus any other hobby I could care to play with, and Spool 3D orders 3 to 5 days away, that is all I need. I used to use Amazon a lot but their "free shipping" has added to their prices and the last two orders last fall went to the wrong house. Yes, it got sorted but I prefer not to have the hassle.

I am printing some small pieces at the moment that I will use to try out the Zap glue on.
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Offline petertha

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #27 on: January 19, 2025, 05:29:56 PM »
The PLA I have sands quite predictably. I'm not talking remove a lot, but take the gloss & shine off the print. Under a microscope I'm visualizing it would be matte 'carpet' & could only assist with CA bonding. I'm keeping my 3DP rejects for tests like these. I has opened up a new world of potential for me, even if confined to prototyping things that take a lot more time in metal.

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #28 on: January 20, 2025, 06:32:25 PM »
I'm happy to say that the Zap medium has worked a treat and the clock segments are now one piece. I will let them sit overnight to cure more and hope to carry on with the clock tomorrow.

 :cheers:
I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline crueby

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #29 on: January 20, 2025, 06:33:02 PM »
Excellent!

Offline cnr6400

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #30 on: January 20, 2025, 07:40:44 PM »
 :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: :ThumbsUp: :popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn: :cheers:
"I've cut that stock three times, and it's still too short!"

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #31 on: January 21, 2025, 04:11:04 PM »
The Zap worked well. I still need to pick out the wee hour markers and for some reason it hangs a bit crooked but it is on the wall and working.

I will be in the next town next week for my eye shot and they have a Micheals there so I can get some slightly longer hands.

 :cheers:

I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

Offline crueby

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #32 on: January 21, 2025, 04:13:28 PM »
Looks great!

Did you drill a hole in the back to hang it, or just hang it on the inside of the hub? On mine, I drilled a hole near the rim on the back face.

Hmm, now we need to design and print the rest of the engine that this gear is part of!   :o

Offline wagnmkr

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Re: Glue For PLA+ and Others
« Reply #33 on: January 21, 2025, 05:09:52 PM »
You had put half round holes in some of the mating segments so I made one of those joints the top and drilled it out a bit and hung ot on a nail.

I have another one printed and it will go together next week when I get another movement.

 :cheers:
I was cut out to be rich ... but ... I was sewn up all wrong!

 

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