Gluing PETG: A Complete Guide

Gluing

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is an excellent FDM material for light engineering applications, boasting toughness, impact resistance, and optical clarity (such as PET bottles). Perhaps most importantly, it can survive temperatures that would turn most PLA into a soft, squishy mush.

Gluing 3D printed parts together is something you will enjoy when you start learning 3D printing. Maybe your printer’s build plate wasn’t big enough to print the model in one piece, or your print failed partially, and you’re trying to fix it.

Whatever your reason for wanting to bond 3D printed parts, there are many things to consider before you start—for example, choosing the suitable glue for your filament and type of project. Gluing PLA, ABS, and PETG filaments favor different adhesions. 

This guide will walk you through the basics of gluing PETG, a handy trick you’ll learn when dealing with more significant and complex prints. Depending on your application, different adhesives may be suitable for various mechanical and aesthetic results. We, therefore, aim to cover a wide range of options so that you are prepared for every situation. 

What is 3D Printing

3D printing is a complex process that involves the manipulation of digital files to create physical objects. The basic steps of the process are as follows: first, the digital model of the object is created using specialized 3D character creator software; then, this digital file is converted into a format that can be read by the 3D printer; and finally, the object is printed out layer by layer through a series of precise movements guided by computer software. Throughout these stages, there are many variables that must be considered and controlled in order to yield high-quality prints. For example, the materials used in 3D printing must be carefully calibrated for optimal results, while also taking into account factors such as temperature and speed. However, despite this complexity, 3D printing has come to play an increasingly important role in many fields, from manufacturing to healthcare. Whether it’s creating new tools or custom prosthetics for patients, 3D printing has proven to be an essential technology for driving innovation and improving our lives. Currently you can even get the best 3D printer under 500 that can be able to help you create professional designs.

Why should you use Gluing PETG?

This article will analyze and discuss why you should use a gluing PETG and why it is essential. Along with that, we will also cover an overview of gluing PETG. The main reasons for gluing PETG are similar to any plastic: you can split your models for printing and repair broken parts! This can produce more robust and cleaner prints when working with complex models.

At its most basic, splitting and gluing a model allows you to optimize the print orientation of each piece. This means you can minimize overhangs and steep slopes and achieve cleaner results with less time and material. This also means you can print different parts in various colors, provided only one extruder is available. Mechanically, you can orient the print layers and individually tune print settings to maximize strength.

Knowing how to glue also allows you to deal with prints that are too large for your printer, significantly improving the versatility of your equipment. Many human-scale cosplay models take this approach, bypassing the need for printing services or large and expensive equipment.

Let’s now look into the glues that gel with PETG and their workings.

Glues that work on PETG

  • Polyurethane
  • Cyanoacrylate
  • Silicon Adhesives
  • Epoxy

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a universal adhesive that can stick to almost anything. Plus, this glue is often waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting your print wet.

Another great feature of polyurethane is the average drying time. This gives you enough time to align and fix the parts until the glue dries appropriately. This feature makes the whole gluing process so convenient and stress-free. Gorilla Original Glue and Franklin Polyurethane Glue are the two best brands of polyurethane glue. The only downside to polyurethane adhesives is the added thickness, which can become a problem sometimes.

Cyanoacrylate

Cyanoacrylate is also a suitable adhesive for PETG prints. This glue is also known as CA glue or superglue. Superglue has a short setting/drying time. It can be set up in seconds using a dedicated accelerator. It is also very versatile, although not the strongest fixative on the market.

This adhesive is available in gel and liquid forms. The liquid form is ideal for precise applications and leaves almost no seams. However, you should align both pieces quickly and correctly, as this glue sets too fast. The gel form is better when it comes to filling cracks. Gorilla Super Glue is the most popular glue on the market.

Unfortunately, superglue is not as durable as polyurethane adherents. It is also very brittle, so it can easily break on impact, but it is satisfactory for most aesthetic applications.

Silicon Adhesive

Silicone adhesives can create solid joints and are easy to use. Many brands of silicone adhesives take about a few hours to cure. The main disadvantage of silicone adhesives, similar to polyurethane, is that you must apply a thick layer to the parts for proper connection. They can also stick to almost any object.

Epoxy

Technically, epoxy is not a type of glue, although it is an excellent way to bond plastics and works well with PETG. The versatility and durability of epoxy are usually more than adequate for many applications. However, working with epoxy is somewhat tricky.

When you buy epoxy, it usually comes with another separate container called a hardener. Then you mix the epoxy with the hardener in a specific ratio. After mixing, you can apply it to the desired surfaces. Another use of epoxy is that you can use it to fill cracks or any holes.

The curing time of different epoxy products may vary. Some epoxies cure in five minutes; others need more time. Some epoxies can also be fixed immediately using UV light. To know your epoxy’s exact ratio and conditions, you must read the manuals. It’s good to know that acetone doesn’t work on PETG, so any acetone-based solvent or glue-like plumbing cement is useless against PETG.

How to use these glues properly?

Glues work at high-quality while the surfaces are smooth and flat. So it might be first-class if you cleaned the surfaces from dirt and oil before using your glue; using sandpapers to smooth the surfaces is likewise recommended.

Ensure the components are constant in their proper positions if the curing technique is gradual. Many glue sorts are flammable, so it’s better to use them exterior or in an excellent ventilated room. You must study the guide and safety instructions of every product earlier than the usage of it.  Bonding with epoxy is one of a kind. Having a flat surface is unnecessary; however, oil can still lower the adhesion.

Post-process care

Bonding printed parts can change their functionality or beauty. By using the proper adhesives, you can maintain their capability. You can also reduce the glue’s beauty effect by doing post-processing.

Applying epoxy resin to the PETG parts can cover the whole body of the print with a thin layer. In this way, the Resin will remove the roughness of the surface. To do this, you can use a brush and cover the object with a skinny layer of epoxy. Another excellent method is to use sandpaper to smooth and finish the PETG printed parts.

Conclusion

There you have it! We hope you have bonded well with this guide. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further clarification. Keep reading our blog for more valuable updates.

Also Read: How To Change Gb Whatsapp Home Screen Wallpaper.

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