Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted · Cover seam lines after joining PLA parts

Or split the model in such a way that the seam lines sit in a natural indentation or other dimensional change of the model. Or create an indentation or decoration to hide it. So it becomes a "feature" rather than a defect. This may of course not always be possible.

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Cover seam lines after joining PLA parts

    Or split the model in such a way that the seam lines sit in a natural indentation or other dimensional change of the model. Or create an indentation or decoration to hide it. So it becomes a "feature" rather than a defect. This may of course not always be possible.

    Have you guys tried jb weld plastic repair putty? Or plastruck weld?

    Thanks!

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Cover seam lines after joining PLA parts

    Have you guys tried jb weld plastic repair putty? Or plastruck weld?

     

    No I haven't. I only use cyanoacrylate glue, which works very well. If I have to pull parts off again, I often tear the PLA apart, not the glue.

    I did try "rotational friction welding": put a piece of filament in a Dremel tool, and then at high speed rotate that along the seam line, so they are melted together. This gives a very strong bond, it's all molten plastic. But it is also terribly ugly, and requires huge amounts of post-processing.

    If I would be printing art and statues, I would try two-component glue and add fine sand as a filler, to pour into the model to give it additional strength and weight.

    Instead of making an indentation at the seam lines, you could also try a protrusion (on both parts): after glueing you can then cut off or sand off that protrusion, until it is flat with the surroundings. This might be easier than trying to fill up gaps, and might result in a smoother seam line in some cases? Might be worth trying?

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Posted · Cover seam lines after joining PLA parts

    Thanks for the suggestions. I am actually planning on doing lost pla process and wanted to cover the seam lines of the component I joined.

    I'll try the CA glue. The friction welding worked but post processing is a pain.

    Thanks!

  • Link to post
    Share on other sites

    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now
    • Our picks

      • Help Us Improve Cura – Join the Ultimaker Research Program
        🚀 Help Shape the Future of Cura and Digital Factory – Join Our Power User Research Program!
        We’re looking for active users of Cura and Digital Factory — across professional and educational use cases — to help us improve the next generation of our tools.
        Our Power User Research Program kicks off with a quick 15-minute interview to learn about your setup and workflows. If selected, you’ll be invited into a small group of users who get early access to features and help us shape the future of 3D printing software.

        🧪 What to Expect:
        A short 15-minute kickoff interview to help us get to know you If selected, bi-monthly research sessions (15–30 minutes) where we’ll test features, review workflows, or gather feedback Occasional invites to try out early prototypes or vote on upcoming improvements
        🎁 What You’ll Get:
         
        Selected participants receive a free 1-year Studio or Classroom license Early access to new features and tools A direct voice in what we build next
        👉 Interested? Please fill out this quick form
        Your feedback helps us make Cura Cloud more powerful, more intuitive, and more aligned with how you actually print and manage your workflow.
        Thanks for being part of the community,

        — The Ultimaker Software Team
        • 0 replies
      • Cura 5.10 stable released!
        The full stable release of Cura 5.10 has arrived, and it brings support for the new Ultimaker S8, as well as new materials and profiles for previously supported UltiMaker printers. Additionally, you can now control your models in Cura using a 3D SpaceMouse and more!
          • Like
        • 18 replies
    ×
    ×
    • Create New...