What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?
 
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gregnier
(@gregnier)
Eminent Member
What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?

I not only need to "bond" two pieces of PLA together, but I need a substance that will attack and dissolve PLA surfaces so they can be attached to each other. In other words, as if they were melted together.

 

Posted : 10/03/2020 6:08 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?

3D Gloop has a PLA formula that will work. Nasty stuff, so use it with care.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 10/03/2020 7:23 am
gregnier liked
Stefan
(@stefan-2)
New Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?

I have had very good results with "Schwanheimer Industriekleber". The "usual" thin liquid Nr 100 is fine for exact fits with no gaps (hardens in absence of oxygen under pressure), while the more viscuous gel Nr. 300 does well with gaps. They also offer a "Special Filler" powder, which is to be wet with their Nr 100 glue and quickly hardens to some very hard solid material, bonding "everything to everything".

I guess it's some cyanacrylate.

Posted : 10/03/2020 8:51 am
gregnier liked
LuClass
(@luclass)
Reputable Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?

This is my Favorite for PLA.

Look in your Country ......

LG Thomas
(Wood) CTC i3-Clone, (Yellow) i3-Steel DIY, (Green) Original Prusa i3MK3(s)+MMU2.0, (Red)DICE, (Blue) Anycubic Chiron, (Grey) Qidi X-Max, (Orange) PrusaXL 5T

Posted : 10/03/2020 9:40 am
Bodo
 Bodo
(@bodo)
Estimable Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?
Posted by: @gerard-r2

I not only need to "bond" two pieces of PLA together, but I need a substance that will attack and dissolve PLA surfaces so they can be attached to each other. In other words, as if they were melted together.

 

If you're looking for a substance that is to PLA (and PETG btw) like Acetone is to ABS, you might want to look at Dichloromethane - but caution: this isn't as available and also classified as health hazard. It does melt ABS and acrylics too, so it can be used to melt printed parts with PMMA or PC as well. Normally, this is not sold to consumers. I got mine from abroad.

Posted : 10/03/2020 10:47 am
Matteo Cristini
(@matteo-cristini)
Reputable Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?
Posted by: @gerard-r2

I not only need to "bond" two pieces of PLA together, but I need a substance that will attack and dissolve PLA surfaces so they can be attached to each other. In other words, as if they were melted together.

Check out this video: link

Apparently you can bond two PLA parts by brushing some acetone on both pieces. I haven't tried it myself though.

Posted : 10/03/2020 11:21 am
Matteo Cristini
(@matteo-cristini)
Reputable Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?

Apparently you can bond two PLA parts by brushing some acetone on both pieces. I haven't tried it myself though.

Judging from the comments though, it might weld only some particular PLAs - might be worth a try anyways

Posted : 10/03/2020 11:33 am
Mary Tillios
(@mary-tillios)
Eminent Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?

Options are too sophisticated with hazardous substances. You can try the glue, but the result will be normal. It’s better not to play with carcinogens, you never know what this will lead to.

Posted : 10/03/2020 12:31 pm
j1m1sh
(@j1m1sh)
Active Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?

I've had good luck with SCIGRIP 16 10315 Acrylic Cement.

https://www.amazon.com/SCIGRIP-10315-Acrylic-Cement-Low-VOC/dp/B003HNFLMY

Jim

Posted : 10/03/2020 1:29 pm
TMiller51 liked
Birdman2010
(@birdman2010-2)
Active Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?
Posted by: @j1m1sh

I've had good luck with SCIGRIP 16 10315 Acrylic Cement.

https://www.amazon.com/SCIGRIP-10315-Acrylic-Cement-Low-VOC/dp/B003HNFLMY

Jim

I like this stuff as well!  It "melts" the PLA and bonds it.  Works very well.

 

Posted : 26/03/2020 4:36 pm
vintagepc
(@vintagepc)
Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?
Posted by: @rickjbird
Posted by: @j1m1sh

I've had good luck with SCIGRIP 16 10315 Acrylic Cement.

https://www.amazon.com/SCIGRIP-10315-Acrylic-Cement-Low-VOC/dp/B003HNFLMY

Jim

I like this stuff as well!  It "melts" the PLA and bonds it.  Works very well.

 

Most acrylic cements contain dichloromethane, which will also melt and bond PLA. 

 

Posted : 26/03/2020 6:50 pm
Steve
(@steve-3)
Estimable Member
RE: What chemical can be used to "glue" PLA?

I use two part epoxy with a few threaded rod pins to give extra surface area. Have not heard of any failures in any of my clock designs and they have 6-8 pounds of force trying to pull the object apart. I use 6-32 threaded rod at least 1" deep into each part being joined.

Steve

Posted : 26/03/2020 8:22 pm
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