If you want to glue PLA parts, you may encounter some unexpected challenges if you don’t have the right adhesive for the job.
The key here is not how you will need to glue your parts together but what glue you need to use to hold the PLA parts together for longer-term effects.
Printing 3D objects have been an innovative creation but desktop printers, as cool as they are, have their limitations, such as size.
You can use desktop printers to print 3D objects for several projects, but you can only print them in smaller sizes. Usually, up to 12 inches in dimension.
So how can you create the bigger-sized projects you need to or wish to create? By 3D printing in smaller parts and then gluing them all together.
This guide will show you what you need to know about gluing PLA parts for an effective long-term hold.
How To Glue PLA Parts
So now you have used your 3D desktop printer to print out all the pieces for your project. Now, you need to glue them together.
Which glue is best to glue PLA parts?
If you were printing ABS plastic, you could create an ABS slurry to chemically bond the pieces together as ABS plastic dissolves in acetone.
Check out my guide on glues for ABS plastic for more tips.
PLA plastic has chemical solvents for which the acetone method does not work. Generally, a type of super glue is commonly chosen adhesive to glue PLA parts together.
To glue PLA parts together here is the most recommended adhesive:
- Loctite Gel Control
Conclusion
Gluing PLA parts can be easy and effective if you have a suitable adhesive. Loctite Gel Control is one of the best adhesives with PLA plastic.
Other adhesives, such as epoxy, may seem to hold the pieces together, but you will see them wear off or peel off in a shorter time.
