Where super strength meets layer lines: testing Gorilla Glue on 3D prints
So, you’ve printed an amazing design, but it’s too big for your build volume. Or it might be a complex assembly that requires multiple parts. Now comes the crucial step: gluing these components together securely and seamlessly. Glue choice is no small matter—a weak joint can ruin all your hard work. Gorilla Glue is known for its family toughness, ensuring a strong bond. But does its reputation hold up on the diverse and sometimes tricky surfaces of 3D printed parts? At GreatLight, we use advanced SLM technology to process complex metal prototypes every day, and we understand the critical role material interactions play in assembly. We put Gorilla Glue’s flagship product through rigorous testing against common consumables to find out.
Why Consider Gorilla Glue?
Its ubiquitous presence and incredible power of marketing claims have made Gorilla Glue a common choice. We focus on two main products for 3D printing applications:
- Gorilla Original (Polyurethane Glue – PUR): Known for foaming and expanding as it cures (activated by moisture), filling gaps and forming a very strong, waterproof bond. Strength comes from physical bonding and mechanical interlocking.
- Gorilla Super Glue Gel (Cyanoacrylate – CA): Higher viscosity CA glue designed not to run. Provides incredibly fast bonding on closely fitting parts through a chemical reaction that creates an adhesive force.
Testing Ground: Materials Matter
We used a calibrated FDM printer to print standardized test coupons (butt joint, lap joint, T-joint) using different filaments to accurately represent common printing scenarios:
- PLA (polylactic acid): The most popular starting filament. Sensitivity? Ease.
- ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene): Known for steam smoothing and better chemical resistance. Sensitivity? low.
- PETG (polyethylene terephthalate): Popular for its durability and impact resistance. Sensitivity? Medium to high.
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane – Flexible): It is a serious challenge for hard glue. Sensitivity? High.
Methodology: Beyond Stickiness
Strength testing involves controlled destructive force measurement (tensile/shear). We also assessed:
- Curing time: Set and full cure times are based on manufacturer specifications and observation.
- Easy to use: Application consistency, clamping needs, cleanliness.
- Surface quality: Visible seam lines, foam residue/orange peel effect (PUR).
- Post-processing friendliness: Easily sand bond lines.
The result: filament sensitivity shines
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Gorilla original version (PUR):
- People’s Liberation Army: A strong bond, a messy process. Very strong bonding strength is achieved, arguably exceeding that of some epoxy resins. However: Requires careful surface preparation. Sand mating surfaces (~120 grit) basic. Apply very sparingly – foam expands aggressively and penetrates visible surfaces, damaging the finish (visible orange peel). Clamping times longer than 2 hours are non-negotiable. Sanding cured foam can be tricky. Spraying water will speed curing but will increase foaming. recommend: For use on hidden structural joints that require high strength and gap filling to withstand messy cleanup. Not suitable for complex parts or visible surfaces.
- ABS: Good performance. Bonds well to polished ABS. The bubbles have been suppressed. Relative to the inherent strength of ABS, its adhesive force is stronger than that of PLA. Clamping is still critical. Sanded cured foam is smoother than PLA. recommend: A viable option for structured ABS bonds with provisioning features.
- Polyethylene glycol: Poor/inconsistent results. The bonding is unreliable. PETG often exhibits surface separation before the glue fails ("Adhesion failure"). Sensitive to humidity? Potential chemical incompatibility? Proceed with caution and test the scrap thoroughly first. recommend: Generally not recommended. Explore specialty PETG adhesives or CA.
- Thermoplastic polyurethane: Poor adaptability. Flexible substrates cause cured PUR foam to easily break under bending. Bond is peeled off. PUR is too hard and not suitable for TPU movements. recommend: avoid. Use a flexible adhesive such as a silicone sealant designed for flexibility.
- Gorilla Super Glue (California):
- People’s Liberation Army: Excellent and fast. The People’s Liberation Army is the clear winner. Bonds instantly and securely to a clean, flat surface. Minimal clamping required (if surface fit
