Will Gorilla Glue Work for 3D Printed Parts?

Whether you meant to print your 3D printed parts in pieces or something went wrong along the way, using adhesives like Gorilla Glue to stick them back together is a viable option. However, not all glues will work on all 3D printing filaments. So, will Gorilla Glue work on your 3D prints? 

Gorilla Glue will work incredibly well for creating a solid bond between 3D printed items made from PLA, PETG, and ABS, while other Gorilla Glue products can join nylon, TPU, TPE, and HIPS. Gorilla Glue will join interlocking parts seamlessly within seconds.

This article will discuss whether Gorilla Glue works on all 3D printer filaments, what the best Gorilla Glue products are for gluing 3D parts, how to use Gorilla Glue to join 3D printed parts, and if Gorilla Glue will damage plastic parts.

Does Gorilla Glue Work on All 3D Printer Filaments?

If you are creating complex objects with your 3D printer, it is unavoidable that you will have to attach some of the parts. Gluing everything together might seem like a daunting task the first time you have to do it, but your 3D printed parts will stick together perfectly with the proper adhesives.

Gorilla Glue does not work on all 3D printer filaments. However, there are many Gorilla Glue products, and if one doesn’t work for your filament, there’s undoubtedly another glue that will. 

Using Gorilla Glue is one of the easiest ways to stick two 3D printed parts together. The bond will be strong and almost invisible to the eye.

Gorilla Glue offers various adhesive formulas, and you can find glues that will provide a good bond on filaments such as:

• PLA
• ABS
• PETG
• Nylon
• TPU
• TPE
• HIPS

So, there’s a Gorilla Glue for you, no matter what your favorite filament is. 

What’s the Best Gorilla Glue Product for Joining 3D Printed Parts?

The best Gorilla Glue product for joining 3D printed parts is Gorilla Superglue. However, different filaments need different adhesives. Not all Gorilla Glue adhesives will work equally well on every filament.

So, let’s go over the best Gorilla Glue adhesives (all available on Amazon.com) for each filament listed above: 

How to Use Gorilla Glue to Join 3D Printed Parts

Different adhesives have to be applied and treated in various ways to achieve an optimal stick. Make sure to always use the correct amount of adhesive and that your parts are ready to be joined, as once they are stuck, it is difficult or, in some instances, impossible to take apart.

So, let’s go through the steps to get a permanent bond between your 3D printed parts with Gorilla Glue: 

1. Clean your 3D printed parts and ensure that they are dust-free and dry before you attempt to bond them. 
2. Sand down the surfaces you want to bond together until they are flat and a bit rough. 
3. Apply your Gorilla Glue to each part, then press them together. 
4. Wipe away any excess glue immediately.
5. Clamp the parts together or hold them tightly for fast-drying glues. For drying times, check your Gorilla Glue’s label. 
6. If you have applied too much glue, sand the area with a bit of sandpaper to give the joint a smooth, seamless finish. 

Does Gorilla Glue Damage 3D Printed Parts?

Some Gorilla Glue may damage 3D printed parts if you do not follow the instructions or apply too much adhesive. So, when joining parts, make sure to use the correct product and only apply the glue in thin layers. Be sure to wipe away excess glue before it dries. 

Gorilla superglue is not recommended for elastic materials as it hardens when cured and can cause the flexible parts to break. So, always stick with a Gorilla contact glue or PVC for these soft plastic filaments.

In addition, Gorilla hot glue may melt some materials, so you shouldn’t apply too much when you use them. Only use small dots so that you don’t end up melting off the wall of your 3D print. 

What Chemicals Dissolve Gorilla Glue?

If you’ve applied too much adhesive or didn’t line things up correctly when you stuck them together, you can still remove Gorilla Glue and try again. 

Chemicals such as acetone and isopropyl alcohol dissolve Gorilla Glue. Still, use these chemicals sparingly since they may also dissolve your 3D print. 

Use acetone sparingly by pouring some on a cloth or cotton wool and blotting the glued area. Be careful when using acetone to remove super glue from plastic parts, as acetone can damage the plastic parts. Acetone can take 5 to 10 minutes to dissolve super glue fully.

Final Thoughts

Gorilla Glue is a great option to join 3D printed parts. You will need to use different adhesives like Gorilla super glue, PVC, hot glue, or contact adhesive for various 3D filament materials.

You can’t apply all Gorilla Glue adhesives the same way, so always make sure to read the instructions and use your chosen adhesive correctly to achieve optimal results. 

Certain adhesives can damage 3D printing materials if used incorrectly, but overall, there are many options, and Gorilla Glue will join your printed parts with a solid and reliable bond.