If you’re into 3D printing, you should understand that you can’t print all models. Some are too big for the 3D printer.

That’s when you’ll start using glue to piece together your models since you can’t nail them down.

In this article, I’ll give you a list of the best PLA glues, a buying guide, and more information on PLA gluing!

There are several adhesives you could use for PLA and several requirements you should watch out for.

Bonding PLA is not your average project and needs special tools for the job.

Fortunately, I’ll tell you everything about the necessary adhesives for PLA projects.

Types of PLA Glues

There are several options at your disposal for PLA projects. The ones below are the best types of glue I could find:

Epoxy Resin – You can do almost anything with epoxy glue. Its versatility relies on the 2-part components you must mix before applying.

The resin will harden and complete the gluing process after applying the glue.

However, epoxy resin PLA adhesives take longer to cure, but it’s not a big problem.

Cyanoacrylate – Otherwise known as super glues, cyanoacrylate adhesives are popular worldwide for their super strong hold and instant setting time.

They will tighten and dry super quickly, which makes them perfect for 3D artists who want to piece their models together.

Acetone – You wouldn’t think acetone could be used as glue, but it can.

Because this compound is miscible with water, it transforms into an organic solvent.

Acetone is a paint thinner, and you can use it to bond 3D printed parts together.

You only need to apply a thin layer of acetone to the bondable surface and clamp them down.

PLA Solder – A PLA solder uses PLA as the filament, and the rest is the same as other solders. Of course, you can use a 3D printing pen to substitute the soldering iron.

Some glues don’t work with PLA, such as hot glue, polyurethane glue, wood glue, gorilla glue, acrylic glue, cyanoacrylate glue, acrylic cement, and contact cement.

Best Glue for PLA: My Recommendations

Below you can find my recommendations for the best glue for PLA.

1. 3D Printer Adhesive Glue

At the top of my list is the 3D Adhesive Glue, a superglue that’s water-soluble and super strong.

You only need to apply a very thin layer and clamp down the 3D parts because the adhesive hardens instantly.

It offers a good thermal dynamic coating, which helps with heat resistance.

The no-mess applicator will ensure you won’t make mistakes during application by improving your precision and accuracy.

There’s also no chance of getting a clogged-up nozzle. Once applied, the coating will dry alongside the printed material and hold strong even when the surface is hot.

Still, the adhesive is easily detachable if you want to reform your 3D project.

However, 3D Printer Adhesive Glue won’t work on aluminum bed surfaces or microporous coating.

It also becomes weaker at very high temperatures while missing a magnetic bed.

3D Printer Adhesive Glue will also work great as an ABS plastic glue.

2. Gorilla Super Glue Gel

When it comes to super glues, Gorilla Super Glue Gel is your best option. Thanks to its short drying time, you’ll finish the project much quicker than other super glues.

This thick one won’t need a control gel to harden and stay strong.

Gorilla Super Glue is very versatile and can easily be used for PLA projects.

Once dry and cured, the adhesive becomes resistant to shocks, drops, and impact hazards.

You can also use it on many materials, including stone, paper, plastic, fabric, metal, and rubber.

The anti-clog cap has a metal pin, which further increases the ease of use of the glue.

I wouldn’t recommend Gorilla Super Glue Gel for foam rubber or polyethylene and polypropylene plastic.

It’s also a great option if you need glue for rubber.

All in all, this adhesive should be more than enough for your PLA project!

3.Surebonder Glue Gun

A glue gun is much easier to use than regular glue simply because the process is automatic with a glue gun.

This particular glue gun is very efficient and provides a decently strong bond.

You can even use a PLA glue stick with it – press a button and start gluing any 3D project you need!

The great design of this cordless glue gun comes with an insulated nozzle, and you can even change the nozzle designs based on your requirements.

Some are more fitted for tighter spaces, while others spread the glue on larger surfaces.

The glue gun has no backup because the side fins allow it to lay on its side.

After 30 minutes of activity, I’ll turn it off automatically, and you’ll need to restart it, though.

It’s a safety switch that works great for most projects. However, the glue trigger may become faulty from time to time.

Lastly, a faulty Surebonder Glue Gun may leak glue, which is a severe problem for all glue guns. If that happens, you’ll need to replace the product.

4. Bob Smith Maxi Cure

For 3D print projects, Bob Smith Maxi Cure is one of the best options at your disposal.

The bonding formula is near-perfect for these projects, thanks to the INSTA-SET characteristics and the thick viscosity.

It’s great at filling gaps and voids you couldn’t fill with other glues. Moreover, the texture and traits of this adhesive are designed for 3D prints.

Apply a thin slice of adhesive to the printed parts and wait for it to dry and cure completely.

You’ll notice it becomes invisible after it finishes the curing process. Bob Smith Maxi Cure will bond on many materials, but it was specially designed for plastic and other PLA-specific materials.

Thanks to the CA glue and accelerator, you’ll work fast and efficiently, though the adhesive may not be thin enough for smooth application.

It will also dry up quickly, so you won’t have time to fix mistakes. The nozzle is also blunt, which may be inconvenient in certain situations.

5. Magigoo Pen Adhesive for 3D Printing

The Magigoo Pen Adhesive is designed for 3D printing but is also highly versatile.

You can use it for various materials, including ABS, PLA, PETG, HIPS, etc. Applying it is also super easy.

All you need to do is shake it, press the nib against the material, and squeeze it just a bit. The glue will start flowing, and you can finish the project quickly.

You can do so with water if you need to clean the excess glue. This glue is long-lasting and will hold over 100 adhesive layers, so you’ll have enough for plenty of printing.

The non-toxic and odorless characteristics make it safe for children, as well. If it gets on your skin, clean it with water, and everything will be fine.

However, Magigoo Pen Adhesive for 3D Printing comes with its faults. The applicator can be defective, which may damage the glue bottle irreparable.

Moreover, you may make a mess if you’re not careful. Fortunately, water is all you need to lean the excess glue.

PLA Glue Buying Guide

When buying adhesives for PLA, there are several criteria you should watch out for. I’ve made a list of the most important aspects of PLA adhesives.

If you consider them, you’ll find best-buy PLA glues even if you don’t buy any of the recommended glues on my list.

PLA stands for polylactic acid, made from renewable materials such as corn starch and sugarcane.

It’s often used to make medical implants, degradable bioplastics, and 3D printing. To bond this type of material, you need good PLA glue.

Here are the criteria for PLA glues:

• Setting Time – If your PLA project doesn’t accept clamping, you’ll need glue that sets quickly without clamping. I recommend a good superglue like 3D Printer Adhesive Glue. It not only sets instantly, but it’s also highly resistant to heat and other solvents.
• Flexibility or Rigidness – Some 3D printed parts need to remain rigid, so you’ll need to use a rigid PLA glue. Other parts should be flexible and move about, which means a flexible PLA adhesive is better. Choose the type of glue that you need for the job at hand!
• Surface Preparation – Some PLA surfaces need to be sanded or prepared in some ways. Specific PLA glues don’t work on sanded surfaces, while others only work on rougher, sanded surfaces. Sanded and unsanded PLA surfaces require different glues, so it’s good to know this.

Lastly, you should know the safety tips for working with PLA glues. When working with 3D printed materials, make sure you keep children away.

Some glues are noxious and emit toxic fumes. Moreover, since 3D printing is often done under extreme heat, you should keep flammable materials away from your workspace.

Wrap Up

Working with PLA is not complicated if you use the right glue type. 3D printed parts only need a regular superglue if you want the bond to be tight and strong.

My top recommendation remains 3D Printer Adhesive Glue for its dynamic thermal coating, high tensile strength, water solubility, and no-mess applicator.