How to Glue 3D Prints: A Complete Guide for Seamless Connections
5 min
3D printers often have size limitations, and larger models need to be printed in smaller parts, so it's important to know how to properly glue 3D prints. Proper bonding ensures the structural stability of your project, preventing cracks or weak spots from forming over time. This guide will walk you through how to precisely and durableally glue 3D prints.
Source: https://x3d.com.au/blogs/tips-and-tricks/5-ways-to-glue-3d-prints-together
Choosing the Right Glue for Your 3D Prints
Different types of 3D printing materials require different glues. Here are some popular glues based on the type of material:
PLA: Super glue (cyanoacrylate) is ideal for PLA. It bonds quickly and holds securely.
ABS: Acetone can be used to weld ABS parts together by slightly melting the surfaces and fusing them together. Alternatively, epoxy or super glue works well.
PETG: Super glue works well with PETG, but for better results, it's recommended to use a stronger glue like epoxy or a specialized plastic bonding glue.
Resin: For resin models, using super glue or epoxy will achieve a strong, long-lasting bond.
Source: https://www.instructables.com/Testing-the-Best-Glue-for-PLA-3D-Printed-Parts/
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Before you start gluing 3D prints, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
Glue (superglue, epoxy, or acetone)
Sandpaper (for smoothing surfaces)
Clips or elastic bands (for holding parts together while glue sets)
Paper towels (for cleaning off excess glue)
Safety gloves (when working with epoxy or acetone)
Face mask (if working in a poorly ventilated area or with superglue)
In addition to using glue, hot glue guns and 3D pens can also be used to glue 3D prints. Hot glue guns are great for quick glue runs or to quickly secure parts before you need to align them. Hot glue dries quickly, making it ideal for non-critical components or when assembling large models where precision isn't a primary concern. However, hot glue doesn't have the same bond strength as epoxy or superglue, and the high temperatures can cause temperature-sensitive materials like PLA to warp. 3D pens extrude filaments like a 3D printer, making them great for filling gaps, reinforcing seams, or even creating extra features on your model. By using the same material as the printed model (such as PLA, ABS, or PETG), the 3D Pen is able to form a bond that is seamless in appearance and strength to the original filament. It is especially useful when repairing small defects or reinforcing weak spots in complex models.
Source: https://store.prospot.com/products/high-temperature-professional-heavy-duty-hot-glue-gun-84-8001
A Step-by-Step Guide to Gluing 3D Prints
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Make sure the surface you plan to glue is smooth and clean. Use sandpaper (150-200 grit) to lightly sand the edge or surface where the parts will connect. This helps to bond better by creating a slightly rough surface that will allow the glue to adhere more effectively.
Step 2: Dry-assemble the parts
Before applying glue, dry-assemble the parts to check alignment. Make sure the parts fit together correctly, especially if your model requires precision. If needed, sand more for better alignment or use a utility knife to trim any uneven areas.
Step 3: Apply Glue
Depending on the glue you use, the application process will vary:
Super glue: Apply a thin, even layer of glue to one surface. Press the two parts together and hold for 10-30 seconds. Super glue sets quickly, so avoid adjusting the parts after you press them together.
Epoxy: Mix the two components of epoxy (resin and hardener) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a small amount of epoxy to the surfaces and press the parts together. You may need to hold the parts in place for a few minutes until the epoxy begins to set.
Acetone (for ABS): Dip a brush or applicator in acetone and apply a small amount to both surfaces. Once the plastic begins to soften, press the parts together and hold them until the acetone evaporates and a bond forms.
Source: https://www.facfox3d.com/info/best-glue-for-pla-abs-petg-3d-prints-fa-69498583.html
Step 4: Secure the Bond
After applying the glue, secure the parts with clamps or elastic bands to maintain pressure while the glue dries. This prevents gaps from forming and ensures a tight bond.
For super glue, you may only need to hold the parts for a minute or two. However, epoxy may take several hours to fully cure, so clamp the parts overnight for maximum strength.
Step 5: Clean off excess glue
Before the glue dries, quickly wipe off any excess glue with a paper towel. Dried glue is difficult to remove and may leave noticeable marks on your model.
Step 6: Sand the seams
If you want a flawless, seamless finish, you can sand the bonded area after the glue has fully cured. Use fine sandpaper to smooth the seams and blend them with the surrounding surface. If needed, you can also apply filler or putty to hide any remaining gaps before sanding again.
Conclusion
Gluing 3D prints is a critical step that cannot be ignored when assembling larger or complex models. By choosing the right glue, carefully preparing the bonding surfaces, and following the correct application method, you can create strong, seamless seams that make your 3D printed projects more professional and durable. If you need to take your project a step further, JLC3DP provides a one-stop 3D printing solution that covers full-color 3D printing and post-processing services, so you can let your imagination run wild!
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