Adhesives for 3D printed plastics

When working with 3D printed parts, choosing the right adhesive is crucial for achieving strong and reliable bonds. Here are some common types of adhesives that are suitable for use with 3D printed parts:

• Hot glue is useful for joining parts impermanently. This is great for prototyping.

• For PLA or ABS:

  • Adhesives:
    • Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate): Wear gloves!
    • Two-part epoxy: For a stronger bond.
    • Welding with Acetone (ABS only): Although not exactly a glue, it works by dissolving the plastics allowing them to merge. If used properly, the seal is basically invisible and the bond is very strong.
    • E6000: Creates a very strong bond and can be used to bond plastics to metal or wood.
    • Silicone glues (Loctite, Permatex)
  • Tips: Sanding and scoring the surface improves adhesion.

• PETG:

  • Adhesives:
    • Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate): Wear gloves!
    • Two-part epoxy: For a stronger bond.
    • Plastic Bonder (e.g., JB Weld Plastic Bonder)
  • Tips: PETG has a smooth, non-porous surface, so roughing it up helps.

• Nylon

  • Adhesives:
    • Two-Part Epoxy (e.g., JB Weld)
    • Hot Glue (for temporary bonds)
    • Plastic Bonder Adhesives
  • Tips: Nylon resists adhesives; heat-welding or mechanical fasteners are often better.

• Markforged Onyx (Nylon + carbon fiber):

  • Loctite 401 for bonding to other Onyx parts
  • Scotch-Weld DP100 for bonding Onyx to metal, glass, stone, various plastics
  • Scotch-Weld DP100Plus for bonding Onyx to metal, ceramics, glass, many plastics

• TPU:

  • Adhesives:
    • Contact Cement (e.g., Barge Cement)
    • Polyurethane glues (Gorilla Glue)
    • Rubber Cement
  • Tips: Avoid super glue if high flexibility is needed.

• Polycarbonate (PC)

  • Adhesives:
    • Two-Part Epoxy
    • Super Glue (Gel-type)
  • Tips: Roughen the surface for better adhesion.

• Resin prints:

  • Adhesives:
    • Cyanoacrylate glues (super glues)
    • UV Resin (Cure with UV light for seamless joints)
    • Acrylic cement
  • Tips: Using uncured resin and curing it under UV light creates an invisible bond.

• Polypropylene:

  • Sand the surface to improve bond strength
  • Cyanoacrylate
  • Two-part Epoxy

• Structural Adhesives: Some manufacturers offer structural adhesives specifically formulated for bonding 3D printed parts. These adhesives are designed to provide high strength and durability, often suitable for load-bearing or structural applications. They may come in various forms, such as two-part epoxy, cyanoacrylate, or hybrid formulations.

• Specialty Adhesives: Depending on the specific requirements of your project, you may also find specialty adhesives tailored for certain materials or applications. For example, there are adhesives designed specifically for bonding nylon, polycarbonate, or other engineering-grade filaments commonly used in 3D printing.

• Like with wood and other materials, designing proper geometric joints will offer greater strength than glue alone. See this video on Joint examples for splitting up your part for printing. Combining the right kind of joint with an adhesive appropriate for the applicaiton is ideal