Ever finish a 3D print, only to see your carefully crafted pieces peel apart? It’s a frustrating moment, especially after hours of printing! Getting your 3D prints to stick together properly is super important, but figuring out which glue works best can feel like a puzzle.
There are so many glues out there, and it’s tough to know which one is strong enough, safe to use, and won’t mess up your awesome creations. You want a glue that holds tight, dries clear, and doesn’t leave a sticky mess. Picking the wrong one can lead to wobbly models or prints that just don’t last.
In this post, we’ll break down the world of 3D printing glues. You’ll learn what makes a good glue for your projects and discover the top choices that will make your models strong and impressive. Get ready to say goodbye to peeling prints and hello to perfectly assembled 3D masterpieces!
Our Top 5 Glue For 3D Printing Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Glue For 3D Printing Detailed Reviews
1. Y’allCanDiy Super Glue for Plastic 20g (0.7 oz) – Cyanoacrylate Based Heavy Duty CA Glue for Legos
Rating: 9.1/10
Got a broken plastic toy, a loose Lego piece, or a cracked PVC pipe? The Y’allCanDiy Super Glue for Plastic 20g (0.7 oz) is here to save the day! This heavy-duty cyanoacrylate glue is designed to tackle all sorts of plastic repairs, from tiny miniatures to larger DIY projects. It’s a powerful tool for anyone who loves to build, fix, or create.
What We Like:
- It’s the ultimate solution for fixing many different types of plastic, like PVC, ABS, and acrylic.
- The glue creates super strong bonds that will hold up to regular use.
- It dries really fast, often in just seconds, so you can finish your projects quickly.
- You don’t need clamps or heavy weights to hold pieces together while it dries.
- The precision applicator tip lets you put the glue exactly where you need it for neat results.
- It’s great for fixing Legos, miniatures, 3D printed items, toys, and other plastic creations.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s strong, it’s best to test it on a small, hidden area first if you’re unsure about the plastic type.
- Like most super glues, it can stick to skin quickly, so be careful during application.
This Y’allCanDiy Super Glue is a reliable choice for many plastic repair needs. It makes fixing broken items and completing projects much easier and faster.
2. Creality 3D Printer Glue Sticks for Hot Bed Warping Reducing 3D Printer Bed Adhesive PVP Solid 3D Print Glue Stick 3D Gloop for PLA/ABS/PETG/PC/PA/TPU(Pack of 4)
Rating: 9.2/10
Say goodbye to frustrating 3D print failures with Creality’s 3D Printer Glue Sticks. This pack of four is designed to help your prints stick firmly to the print bed, preventing that annoying warping that ruins your creations. They are made by Creality, a brand you can trust for good quality. These glue sticks are also safe to use because they don’t have harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, making your printing space healthier. They work really well with many different types of 3D printing materials, so you can use them for most of your projects.
What We Like:
- Creality makes them, so you know they’re reliable and work well every time.
- They are made from safe PVP material, which means no formaldehyde, making your printing environment better.
- They create a smooth, thin layer that helps your prints stick strong, even at high temperatures, and makes them easy to remove after they cool down.
- Cleaning up is super easy – just use water, and there’s no sticky mess left behind.
- They stick to many different 3D printing materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, and more, and work on various printer beds.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they work well, some users might find the application takes a little practice to get the perfect thin layer.
- The pack comes with four, which is a good amount, but if you print a lot, you might need to buy more sooner than expected.
These Creality glue sticks are a simple yet effective solution for better 3D prints. They help ensure your projects stick well and are easy to clean up afterwards.
3. 3D Printer Super Glue Gel – XXL 50g / 1.76oz Industrial Strength – Bonds PLA
Rating: 8.8/10
Say goodbye to flimsy 3D prints and hello to KRAFTPROTZ Industrial Strength Super Glue Gel! This XXL-sized 50g bottle is packed with power to fix and build your 3D creations. It’s designed specifically for all your favorite 3D printing materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and even Nylon. This gel is extra strong, waterproof, and can handle heat, making your prints tough and reliable. Plus, the special anti-clog tip means no more frustration with dried-out glue.
What We Like:
- This gel is made just for 3D printing. It works great on PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, ASA, Nylon, and even special composite filaments.
- It fills in gaps nicely and stays put. Your prints won’t warp, and the glue won’t leave weird marks or change color.
- The bonds it makes are super strong and last a long time.
- It can handle heat, water, oil, shaking, and even sunlight. It stays good from very cold (-40°C) to quite hot (110°C).
- This is perfect for fixing RC car parts, robot pieces, and other things that need to be strong.
- You get a huge 50g bottle, which is up to 5 times more than usual! This is great for busy workshops or making lots of prints.
- It saves you money, time, and less waste because you don’t have to buy glue as often.
- The special metal tip stops the glue from drying out and clogging.
- You can use every last drop of glue easily and cleanly.
- It’s always ready to go, even if you haven’t used it in weeks. No crusty bits, no cutting, and no mess!
- This glue works on many different materials. It can stick wood-like PLA, bendy TPU, carbon fiber prints, and even parts with metal or glass.
- It’s the best fix for all your 3D print needs, whether you’re a hobbyist, a pro, or an engineer.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the gel is thick, very fine details might require a bit more care to avoid excess application.
- The strong bond might make it difficult to reposition parts once they are joined, so planning is key.
This KRAFTPROTZ Super Glue Gel is a game-changer for anyone serious about 3D printing, offering unmatched strength and reliability for all your projects.
4. 3D Printer Liquid Super Glue – XXL 50g / 1.76oz Ultra Thin – Bonds PLA
Rating: 9.3/10
The KRAFTPROTZ Precision Adhesive is a game-changer for anyone who 3D prints. This super thin liquid glue is designed to get into all the tiny spaces on your prints. It works with many different types of plastic like PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and Nylon. This means you can fix almost anything you print. The glue is also waterproof and can handle hot and cold temperatures. It’s a big bottle, so you won’t run out quickly.
What We Like:
- The ultra-thin formula flows easily into small cracks, making repairs look seamless.
- It works on a wide variety of common 3D printing materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, ASA, and Nylon.
- The XXL 50g size means you get a lot of glue for your money, perfect for frequent users.
- It’s waterproof and heat resistant, holding up in tough conditions from -40°C to +110°C.
- The anti-clog precision tip ensures easy and accurate application every time.
- It bonds well with different material combinations, like wood-filled PLA or carbon fiber PETG.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it bonds many materials, it’s always good to test on a small, hidden area first for new or unusual filament types.
- The ultra-thin nature, while good for precision, might require careful handling to avoid drips on larger, flat surfaces.
This KRAFTPROTZ glue is a reliable tool for fixing and building with 3D prints. It offers strong bonds and versatile performance for all your projects.
5. Magigoo – MO2016 All-in-One 3D Printer Adhesive Glue – ABS
Rating: 8.8/10
The Magigoo MO2016 All-in-One 3D Printer Adhesive Glue is your go-to solution for flawless 3D prints. This 50mL bottle packs a punch, ensuring your creations stick tight to various surfaces. It works with many popular filaments, making it a versatile addition to any 3D printing toolkit. Get ready for smoother prints and less hassle!
What We Like:
- This glue works with lots of different filaments like ABS, PLA, PETG, HIPS, and TPU.
- It sticks to many build surfaces, including Glass, Flex Plate, PEI, Buildtak, and Kapton.
- Applying the glue is super easy – just shake, press, and apply.
- It helps prevent prints from warping and keeps them stable.
- One bottle can last for over 100 prints, so it’s very long-lasting.
- The glue is odorless and safe to use, even around kids.
- Prints release easily when they cool down.
- Clean-up is simple with just water.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s easy to use, a small amount of practice might be needed for perfect application on different surfaces.
This Magigoo adhesive glue is a fantastic tool for anyone serious about 3D printing. It simplifies the printing process and helps you achieve professional-looking results with ease.
Choosing the Right Glue for Your 3D Prints: A Buyer’s Guide
3D printing lets you create amazing things. Sometimes, your printed parts need a little extra help. They might need to stick together, or they might need to stay put on your print bed. That’s where glue comes in! But not all glues are the same. This guide will help you pick the best glue for your 3D printing projects.
What to Look for in 3D Printing Glue
When you’re shopping for glue, think about these important things:
- Strength: How well does the glue hold things together? You want a glue that makes a strong bond.
- Speed: How fast does the glue dry? Some glues dry in seconds, others take longer.
- Flexibility: Does the glue stay stiff or can it bend a little? Some prints need a flexible bond.
- Ease of Use: Is the glue easy to apply? Does it make a mess?
- Material Compatibility: Does the glue work with the plastic your 3D printer uses?
- Durability: Will the bond last a long time? Will it break if you drop the print?
Important Materials to Consider
The type of plastic your 3D print is made from matters a lot. Different plastics need different glues.
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): This is a very common and easy-to-print plastic. Super glue (cyanoacrylate) works well for PLA. You can also use specialized 3D printing glues made for plastics.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS can be trickier. Acetone is often used to “weld” ABS parts together. You can buy acetone or use an ABS cement that contains acetone.
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): PETG is another popular plastic. Super glue works for PETG, but make sure it’s designed for plastics. Some people also have success with epoxy.
- Resin Prints: If you use a resin 3D printer, you’ll often need a super glue or a UV-curing glue. These glues work well on the smooth surfaces of resin prints.
Factors That Affect Glue Quality
Some things can make your glue work better or worse.
- Surface Preparation: Make sure the surfaces you want to glue are clean and dry. Dust, oil, or old glue can stop the new glue from sticking well. Lightly sanding the surfaces can also help.
- Amount of Glue: Don’t use too much glue. A thin, even layer is usually best. Too much glue can make a mess and weaken the bond.
- Clamping/Holding: After you apply the glue, you need to hold the pieces together while it dries. Use clamps or tape to keep them still.
- Temperature and Humidity: Some glues work best in certain temperatures. Very cold or very hot, or very humid conditions can affect how well the glue dries and sticks.
User Experience and Use Cases
People use glue for 3D printing in many ways.
- Joining Parts: Sometimes, a print is too big for your printer. You can print it in pieces and glue them together.
- Repairing Prints: If a part breaks, glue can often fix it.
- Adding Accessories: You might want to glue small details or attachments onto your main print.
- Securing Prints to the Bed: For some prints, especially those that might warp, a thin layer of glue stick on the print bed can help the first layer stick better. This is a temporary fix, not for joining parts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 3D Printing Glue
Q: What is the most common type of glue for 3D printing?
A: Super glue, also called cyanoacrylate, is very common. It works on many types of plastic and dries fast.
Q: Can I use regular craft glue for 3D prints?
A: Regular craft glue might work for light repairs or attaching paper to prints, but it’s usually not strong enough for joining plastic 3D printed parts.
Q: What is the best glue for PLA?
A: Super glue is a great choice for PLA. Some special 3D printing glues also work very well.
Q: How do I glue ABS prints together?
A: Acetone is often used for ABS. You can use pure acetone or an ABS cement. Be careful, as acetone can melt plastic quickly!
Q: What is “welding” a 3D print?
A: Welding means using a solvent, like acetone for ABS, to melt the edges of two parts so they fuse together as they cool. This creates a very strong bond.
Q: How can I make sure my glue bond is strong?
A: Clean the surfaces well before gluing. Apply a thin, even layer of glue. Hold the parts firmly together until the glue is completely dry.
Q: Is there a glue that is flexible after drying?
A: Yes, some glues are designed to be flexible. These are good for parts that might bend or move.
Q: Can I use glue to keep my print stuck to the print bed?
A: Yes, a thin layer of glue stick (like Elmer’s) on the print bed can help the first layer of PLA stick better. This is a common trick.
Q: What should I do if I get glue on my skin?
A: If you get super glue on your skin, try soaking the area in warm, soapy water. You can also gently rub with an oily substance like olive oil or petroleum jelly.
Q: Are there glues that smell bad?
A: Some glues, especially those with strong solvents like acetone, can have strong fumes. It’s always a good idea to use these glues in a well-ventilated area.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.