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Top 5 Best Glue for PLA

As a 3D artist, you must know that sometimes, your models are too big for your 3D printers. What happens then? You can’t drill nails into PLA to join your pieces together, as you might do with other materials. For your 3D PLA models, the best option is glue.

In this review, we’ll look at some of the best glues for PLA, and how you can use different kinds of glue for bonding your 3D PLA printed parts. That’s not all. We’ll also show you why we have picked one of these options as our best choice.

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Image
Product
Best Overall
Gorilla Super Glue Gel
  • Works on a variety of materials (plastic, metal, fabric, stone, ceramic, paper, rubber)
  • Has an anti-clog cap with a metal pin
  • Complete and long-lasting repairs within seconds
Surebonder Glue Gun
  • Great design
  • No glue back up since side fins allow the gun to lay on its side
  • Interchangeable nozzles available
Bob Smith Maxi Cure
  • Thick viscosity
  • Awesome for plastic model assembly
  • Fast and efficient
Maggio Pen Adhesive for 3D Printing
  • Lasts very long. Does not dry up after first use
  • Non-toxic and odorless
  • Perfects the first layer of 3D printing
UHU Stick
  • Effective in attaching paper to surfaces
  • Can be applied to a variety of surfaces without fuss, so scope of application is wider than that of similar glue sticks
  • Maintains shape and texture, as well as the size of the cardboard, photo, or other items it has been used on

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

3D Printer Adhesive Glue

3D Printer Adhesive Glue

3D artists and hobbyists have always argued on the best kind of glue for PLA models. However, many agree that cyanoacrylate (known as Super Glue) is a definite choice. So, we looked into different brands that produce super glue for PLA. There were a lot of options to pick from, but we have settled for the 3D Printer Adhesive Glue.

This glue has an amazing 90-day, no-strings-attached money-back guarantee. Of course, this is not to say that it is not certain to give you the best quality prints for your PLA models. We just think it’s pretty great that you won’t lose your money in the rare event that it doesn’t work for you. Let’s take a look at some features.
Top Features

  • Water-soluble
  • Thermal dynamic coating
  • No-mess applicator

Pros

  • Can hold onto surfaces even when your 3D printing surface is hot
  • Coating dries alongside the printed material
  • Easily detachable
  • No chance of a clogged up nozzle

Cons

  • Does not work on aluminum bed surfaces
  • Doesn’t work with very high temperature
  • Does not work on microporous coating
  • It is not supported by a magnetic bed

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Glue For PLA: Buying Guide

Glue for PLA

There are various types of glues for PLA. PLA also differs, and it’s important to know the purpose of the glue you want to use before purchase. Don’t forget the fact that glues can provide an extended life span for your PLA models. When choosing glue, always make sure to look at the point on which you want to put the glue and the surface on which you want to attach the glue.

Are you short on time or just want a quick answer?

Check out our list below for a summary of our results.

  1. Gorilla Super Glue Gel (Our Overall #1 Pick)
  2. Surebonder Glue Gun
  3. Bob Smith Maxi Cure
  4. Maggio Pen Adhesive for 3D Printing
  5. UHU Stick

Flexibility of the PLA

A factor you might want to look into while selecting your choice of glue is the flexibility of the PLA. Some glues make PLA assume a rigid position after they set and cure, which might not be suitable if you want that part to be flexible. On the other hand, it might be useful for another portion you want to be solid and firm.

Surface Preparation

Surface preparation of PLA can also influence your choice of glue. PLA surfaces can either be sanded or unsanded, and different glues may be required depending on the kind of surface. A glue that bonds perfectly for sanded PLA may not produce the same result for unsanded PLA. Keep this in mind when selecting your choice of glue.

Setting Time

This is another criterion for selecting your PLA glue. This can be essential if there are parts of the PLA that can’t be clamped. A glue that sets quickly can be very useful in such instances.

Sometimes, there’s just no way to escape using glue for your 3D PLA models. Using glue to bond your 3D models helps improve aesthetic quality above all other options. Here are some pointers when choosing the right kind of glue for your 3D models.

What Is PLA Glue?

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is made of renewable material like sugarcane and corn starch. It is used to make degradable bioplastics for food packaging, medical implants, and also 3D printing.

PLA Glue is an adhesive specially formulated for PLA plastics. Although PLA glue can also be applied to other materials, other kinds of glue might not work for it. PLA glue is important for your 3D modeling, especially when you are working with large models that are too big for your printing plate.

What Adhesives to Use for PLA?

Glue PLA

To glue PLA together, there are a lot of options. Take a look at some of them below.

Cyanoacrylate

Cyanoacrylate is a family of adhesives, and have found their use in many places. In industries, hospitals, and even households, cyanoacrylates are the preferred option for gluing items together. Cyanoacrylates are popularly known as Super Glues. They are fast and quick to dry; hence people prefer them because they save time. For 3D artists, this is one of the top choices for gluing 3D printed parts.

Epoxy resin

Epoxy has many uses. It is one of the most versatile bonding options that exist and is created by mixing two gluing components that will match and stick together to form glue. When using epoxy, the resin is the third component and acts as a hardener to complete the gluing process. This PLA adhesive takes a longer period to completely cure since heat is given off after the components have been mixed. In chemistry, this is referred to as an exothermic reaction.

Acetone

Acetone is an organic compound that is miscible with water and serves as an organic solvent. Acetone is also known as paint thinner, and it can be used to bond 3D printed parts made of PLA. For the best option for gluing PLA to PVC, you should check this out. When gluing PLA pieces together with acetone, a thin layer of acetone is applied to the surface to be bonded. Too much acetone can damage 3D printed parts, so you should be careful when using this adhesive. Acetone is also a flammable liquid and should be used away from open flame or hot surfaces.
What is acetone you can watch in this video:

PLA Solder

This is similar to using a solder, but the difference is that PLA is used as a filament. This method works for most filament types and PLA. Instead of a soldering iron, a 3D printing pen can be used.

Safety Tips

Glue to PLA

3D printing is not child’s play. There are safety precautions that must be taken when printing your 3D models and when bonding them. For instance, if you want to bond PLA to metal, extra care must be taken to prevent exposure to toxic fumes. Other safety tips include:

  • Beware of flammable material. 3D printing can be done under extreme heat, and you must ensure that there are no flammable materials nearby
  • Take care not to inhale the toxic fumes
  • Keep children away
  • Wash your hands immediately after working
  • Make sure the lab you’re working in is well ventilated

The Best Glue for PLA

The top best product [hide]

Gorilla Super Glue Gel


Gorilla Super Glue Gel
If you don’t know Gorilla, then something has gone wrong somewhere. This brand has been tried and tested to provide one of the best bonding glues ever for households and the commercial and industrial sphere. Its wide range of versatility has seen it employed in several bonding projects, and PLA is not left out of them. Wouldn’t you love a glue that dries very fast and creates a strong bond on your craft? For bonding your PLA printed parts, check out the Gorilla Super Glue Gel.
Technical Specifications:
  • Very thick; does not need control gel
  • Short drying time
  • Provides strength and resistance against drops and falls
Pros
Works on a variety of materials (plastic, metal, fabric, stone, ceramic, paper, rubber)
Has an anti-clog cap with a metal pin
Complete and long-lasting repairs within seconds
Cons
Not recommended for use on polyethylene or polypropylene plastic
Cannot be used on foam rubber
The gel isn’t very thin

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Surebonder Glue Gun


Surebonder Glue Gun
Welcome to the world of glue guns. The Surebonder Glue Gun makes our list because it is efficient and very easy to use. With the touch of a button, you can switch the gun on or off, and bond away! It will work great with a PLA glue stick, and it boasts of way more power than the regular glue gun. Do you want to see some more features? See some of them below.
Technical Specifications:
  • Cordless glue gun
  • Three different models to choose from
  • Comes with an insulated nozzle
  • Automatic shutdown after 30 minutes
Pros
Great design
No glue back up since side fins allow the gun to lay on its side
Interchangeable nozzles available
Detachable, sturdy wire stand
Cons
Faulty guns can leak glue completely, defeating the aim of the glue gun
Glue triggers can become faulty
Inability to use when charging

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Bob Smith Maxi Cure


Bob Smith Maxi Cure
The Bob Smith Maxi Cure is one of the best glues for 3D-printed PLA. Together with the INSTA-SET formula, it easily boasts being the perfect adhesive solution to all PLA bonding projects. It can be very useful for filling voids or modifying on your PLA. To apply the Bob Smith Maxi Cure, you may have to carve it unto your piece with a razor blade or knife. Once it sets, it produces a fine finish without leaving a trace or mark on your PLA. Let’s see some of its top features.
Technical Specifications:
  • Great for filling voids
  • Bonds a wide variety of materials
  • Includes both CA glue and accelerator
Pros
Thick viscosity
Awesome for plastic model assembly
Fast and efficient
Bonds better than most adhesives
Cons
Blunt nozzle
Easily dries up
Not thin enough for smooth application

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Maggio Pen Adhesive for 3D Printing


Maggio Pen Adhesive for 3D Printing
The Maggio Pen Adhesive for 3D Printing makes this list because it is very easy to apply. All you have to do is shake and pull once the build plate of the 3D object has cooled down. The Maggio pen can be cleaned easily with water after use and lasts for up to 100 average printing uses. It is odorless and doesn’t have many technical drawbacks. Wanna see some sterling features? Look below!
Technical Specifications:
  • No sticking problems
  • Helps to prevent warping on surfaces
  • Ensures a strong adhesion to the hot plate
Pros
Lasts very long. Does not dry up after first use
Non-toxic and odorless
Perfects the first layer of 3D printing
Highly versatile
Cons
Comes in a very small bottle
Applicator can be defective, leading to irreparable damage
Can be quite messy

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UHU Stick


UHU Stick
The UHU glue stick comes in a pack of 12 and is a great choice for adhering paper to other materials, including PLA. It is completely solvent free and is packaged in a handy plastic container with a screw cap to prevent the glue from drying. When applied, the glue spreads effortlessly and can be washed out with water, easily leaving no residue. You may really find the UHU stick to be a useful part of your craft. Let’s see some great features of this glue stick.
Technical Specifications:
  • Top choice for attaching pictures to photo albums
  • Washable, does not leave wrinkles and dries clear
  • Does not dry out at all
Pros
Effective in attaching paper to surfaces
Can be applied to a variety of surfaces without fuss, so scope of application is wider than that of similar glue sticks
Maintains shape and texture, as well as the size of the cardboard, photo, or other items it has been used on
UHU stick is odorless and non-toxic
Perfectly sized and easily handled
Cons
Tendency to go soft or look like it has melted
Difficult to unscrew
Can be quite messy

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Glue For PLA: FAQs

What is the best glue for PLA?

Cyanoacrylate. This is what you regularly refer to as Super Glue. Super Glue is usually the best choice for bonding PLA parts. Frankly, any brand will do the job. However, the best kind of glue for PLA comes in resealable tubes or containers that allow you to use the glue for as long as you like.

Does Super Glue melt PLA finishing techniques?

Not necessarily. A proper application of Super Glue will not melt the PLA finishing technique. The type of glue more susceptible to melting finishing techniques is acetone, which is a solvent. However, note that the abrasive application of Super Glue can damage the finishing surface, but not necessarily melt it.

Does Gorilla Glue work on PLA?

Gorilla Glue has an amazing ability to work on PLA socket type joints. Its method of operation fills the open cavities of the PLA parts. The effectiveness of Gorilla glue depends majorly on the strength and assembly of the PLA surface you want to use it on. Gorilla Super Glue (GEL) works quite well with PLA and is not messy in any way.

Does acetone melt PLA?

In its pure form, PLA will not be melted by acetone. However, other additives have been added to the PLA made items, leading them to be susceptible to melting with acetone. Most PLAs and similar non-acetone-dissolving 3D printer filaments do not have the same finishing. When PLA and acetone smoothing works, it’s due to other materials added to the PLA.

What Is the Meaning of PLA

PLA stands for polylactic acid and is made from cornstarch. Lactic acid is made from dextrose by fermentation. Dextrose is made from cornstarch, and cornstarch is made from carbon dioxide and water. PLA can be formed into a variety of products. PLA is also a thermoplastic polyester and comes from renewable sources. They are used to make bioplastics, which are some of the most used items around the world and are not resistant to breakage or damage.

Conclusion

To reiterate what has already been said in this review, gluing your PLA models together helps to add more functionality and aesthetic quality to your models. The kind of surface you use for your 3D printing is also important, as metallic surfaces will need a different kind of glue, compared to plastic surfaces.

If you’ve read through up till this point, there is no doubt that you can now make the best choice in glue for 3D printed PLA models. Keep printing, and keep gluing!

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