how the crap do you glue pla pieces together?

[4...@bellsouth.net]

I am not new to 3-d printing just pla and can't for the life of me get a good answer on how to put two pieces of this stuff together...

any help would be nice of ya......

[Fozzie]

There are several good glues that work well with PLA, Plastruct makes one and Pro Weld is good too.

[DHeadrick]

I've had good success with CA glue (Cyanoacrylate/Super Glue)

[Jay]

Go to Hobby Lobby. They have a selection of CA glues with different set up times / holding ability. I get the 'medium' stuff....clear bottle with a light green cap. Cheap and it's a big bottle....you still need to clamp / tape until its set though...works like a champ.

Jay

[Jetguy]

Also, with CA type glues, I use an catalyst accelerator which help set the glue nearly instantly.

[Andre Bynoe]

I use a mixture of both superglue and Testors model glue (orange tube.)

[Bryon Miller]

I've used superglue but wouldn't recommend it unless you are printing display pieces.  If you put too much on it starts to damage the PLA.

[Jay]

All good points...which is why I like the medium setup CA...it's NOT instant. I also use disposable brushes to apply (you can get a big bag of them at Harbor Freight for like $6)....

Jay

[Bonekollector]

I use superglue a lot with kicker so it sets up immediately. + 1 for Plastruct too.

[Fozzie]

The advantage of Plastruct and Proweld over superglue is that is actually melts the plastic together so you get a VERY strong bond that will not shear off like a superglued joint sometimes will.

[Jay]

Uh...so it's a fusion glue? How does that work with PLA? Is this a caustic/evap type? 

I'm leery of anything that 'melts' the plastic. Especially across a wide spectrum of plastics....you wouldn't use Acrylic glue with PVC and vice versa...well, you could but I don't think you'd get a good bond...

Just asking...

Jay

[Brian33433]

Sluperglue always worked for me

[Fozzie]

I come from a styrene modeling background and glues that melt the plastic and fuse two pieces together are exactly what we want for strength and a bond that will survive sudden impacts and shear forces. Superglued objects tend to separate in those circumstances, but fused pieces won't.

[BruceA]

Why is everyone in such a rush  print faster, glue quicker etc: Why has everyone got to get every thing done quickly, some things work better if you slow down a bit, I have yet to see a post about how quickly you can have sex!

Using Aromatic Freon (ZIP Kicker) will of course set up the glue almost instantly, however you get nothing for nothing!. The joint is now very brittle so will fail sooner than a naturally cured joint. If you have to use Aromatic Freon wipe a very thin coat on one surface apply the glue on the other surface and then bring the 2 together. Much stronger glue joint and almost as quick

[Jimc]

weld-on or methylene chloride. both basically the same thing. you can solvent bond pla with that as fozzie recommends. solvent bonding is the strongest way to do it. if your item is not going to see frequent use (static item on a shelf) and the joint doesnt need to be super strong then the superglues recommended will be fine. 

[RMurray]

I use hot glue, it works great and sticks to everything.

On Thursday, February 6, 2014 10:53:27 PM UTC-7, 4...@bellsouth.net wrote:

[3DwannaB]

Be aware that CA glue emits cyanide gas. Use it with GOOD ventilation and do not breath in the tiny fumes! I use CA glue but i HATE it. It's dangerous for more reasons then just the gas. I use the ticker stuff so it does not flow like water. I'd rather wait then use accelerant since the accelerant can stain the surface.

I have used PVC pipe glue and Gorilla glue. With the later use just a tiny amount because it expands and use water as an accelerant.

[Scottbee]

CA glue does NOT emit cyanide gas (when used as an adhesive at room temperature).

[iamloremipsum3d]

I use Gorilla Glue brand Superglue.  Has worked the best so far.  Super strong.  I glue it to wood and metal and have had no issue.  Ive tried several epoxies and they just havent worked well for me.

On Friday, February 7, 2014 12:53:27 AM UTC-5, 4...@bellsouth.net wrote:

[Jabu]

I use Gorilla Glue. It does expand and can ooze out of the joints, but is pretty easy to clean up with a sharp blade

[weiin]

just to add some data points:
I use plastic welding. All those skirts, supports, rafts get recycled to form the weld between my PLA pieces.
My friends use silcone putty which has the added advantage of filling up gaps.