Joining PLA or PETG parts.
I have a nice looking Ukulele I printed with the body in two parts. I will sand the mating surfaces flat.
The creator did a great job on the neck - It is a tongue in groove arrangement, and needs no glue. Strings will keep it secure.
What is a good method of joining the hollow sections? Something stronger than superglue, like epoxy?
Same technique for both PLA and PETG? I expect to be doing more things too big for my print plate...
Thanks!
RE: Joining PLA or PETG parts.
One issue with super glue is the material thickness. On printer parts, the common super thin wicking nature of superglue means a drop on the top of a part will end up at the bottom of the part and glue your fingers before you realize what's happening. So I use a gap filling gelled variety, and it stays where it's placed, and then squirt hardener on to set the glue. The two part cAcrylics tend to hold better and are more resilient. Plus, they can be applied to both surfaces to be joined, one side glue, the other side hardener, and the bond is nearly instant (works well for parts that can't be clamped). Glues come in several consistencies from thin, medium, thick, gelled. And I've found the hardener from brand X will work with most other CA glues.
RE: Joining PLA or PETG parts.
"two part Acrylics" - that is a new one on me. I will look for it. The application method sounds ideal.
Something like:
Only problem I have is finding an affordable supplier...
Do you have a recommendation for a specific supplier for the two part acrylic adhesive you use?
Thanks!
RE: Joining PLA or PETG parts.
I used Zap-A-Gap for miniatures for years. It seems to work well for PLA and gives some time to adjust the fit.
I recently picked up some 3D Gloop in PLA and PETG flavors that has worked nicely in quick tests.
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
RE: Joining PLA or PETG parts.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C32MKLK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0166FFCHS <-- e.g., the 'accelerator' included in this works with the glue above
And of course even Gorilla Glue works - the foaming kind does an amazing job for poor fitting parts.
RE: Joining PLA or PETG parts.
Thank you both!