How to Glue PLA Parts

Everyone has their own idea of how best to glue together 3D printed PLA parts, so I decided to test some of the common recommendations.

NOTE: These sample size is incredibly small, so this is by no means conclusive. However, the results match with my previous attempts to glue PLA parts together.

[jdk]

I wish all videos were like this. Short, to the point and just the facts.

[AthanCondax]

The comments seem to all be saying the same thing: this is a great video and there's no time wasted. It's straight to the point and very much appreciated.

[colonelbarker]

Thanks for making this video, short, sharp and too the point, and a nice readable graph. Thank you.

[KeithFeickert]

HAHAHA! I bought the Gel Control to glue my parts together recently because I don't trust my ability to glue the parts together in enough time and glue my hands to the piece. I am so relieved to find this video, and that I purchased and used a good glue. Thank you so much for taking the time (and money) to make this video for us! You sir, win the internet! :)

[raptorleper]

Amazing scientific methodology here! A++ on the video!

[michaelphelps]

THANK YOU!  I cannot tell you how many different glues I have tried, all but the winner you mention.  Love how you tested and the results.  I see a trip to the hardware store.  Thanks again.

[ahyakal]

Most of instructions and suggestions about 3d printing not go beyond experienced one. As a mechanical engineer I always seek for experimental data. This video shows exactly as I want to learn. Thanks.

[ianwilliams]

Just solved a headache for me after 3 different type of glue failures. Cheers for taking time to make

[davidtichy]

I wish all wideos showing information were like this one! Straight forward hard facts, thank you.

[CristianGonzalez-mjql]

You are the man Alex. I wish all online reviews were as thorough as this. You should start a web service. Kudos!

[robertedwards]

May you be blessed with a lifetime of good karma for this video.
Nothing but good facts, outline of your process, and the results with conclusion.

[StalePhish]

I've had good luck with JB Weld's Super Weld with a brush on cap. Easy to apply and has worked well for me. Interesting that "super glues" all come in such tiny bottles!

[NorthernShipyards]

I use Weld-On 16 - the thick stuff, you can buy it in tubes from most plastic supply stores. I think it's about $10/tube. Your joints will not break - usually, a different part if the PLA print will fail instead. It forms a chemical bond between the parts, and you only need a smear of it. Move quickly, though - it will air-dry super-quick if you don't join the parts ASAP. Cure time is about 1h.

[jeniyoung]

This video is great. short, concise, and evidence based! THANK YOU!

[JayPorter-wx]

I wish I could thumbs up this video more, straight and to the point with actual data to back it up instead of opinions

[jamzempire]

Thank you! I literally watched this video while standing in front the shelf in Walmart!

[johnyviroglio]

Very, very helpful, I'm putting together a pair of saddlebags I 3D printed. I had to make them each in 4 pieces.
Thank You!

[VW]

I have had very good success with regular old superglue from the 7-11.  That said, I designed in significant gluing surface area.  As far as gluing broken parts, not as good when the contact surfaces were relatively small.  Of course, that is the nature of glued surfaces.  In any case, great video.  I'm a numbers guy.

[johamu]

this deserves multiple likes.  wish more videos like this with tests and results were online.  thanks.

[sublimationman]

Cool, that's the glue I use. With ABS you don't need to create a slurry to glue parts together, just put some acetone on the parts directly then stick together, often the bond will be stronger than the rest of the print.