Help! CA Glue Questions

[Harry Joelsson]

I'm printing the Eclipson Model A from standard PLA. Someone explain to me what CA glue is. I see on Amazon that you can get it in thin, medium, and thick; which do I want? What brand is best? Do I need accelerator or activator? What's the difference?

 

[Mr NCT]

I like to have medium and thin on hand though medium is the best all round since it will fill some gaps. I like to get the same brand accelerator / activator / kicker (it makes the CA set faster) but that's just me.

Glad to see the 3D printer isn't sitting idle

 

[Mr Man]

CA glue is basically super glue, from what I’ve heard, thick is best for 3d printed rc planes. Hope this helps!

 

[Foamforce]

I used to struggle with super glue. Sometimes it would set instantly before I had a chance to get the parts together. Other times it wouldn’t set at all.

Things I learned were to use a thin amount, and hold the parts tightly together at first. Get a very thin layer on both sides before you put them together. If you don’t have accelerant, breathe on the glued surface before you put it together. The moisture in your breath accelerates it somewhat. Accelerant does discolor 3D printed items, but the stuff is magic. Hit the joint with it and it’s done NOW. I use basic Gorilla Glue brand medium CA, it works great.

PS, super glue and CA glue are two names for the same thing. Super glue is just the more generic name.

 

[Mr Man]

It’s like DTFB vs dollar foamboard.

 

[Merv]

...Someone explain to me what CA glue is...

CA is shorthand for Cyanoacrylate. It cures very fast, almost instantly (2 to 8 seconds). Heat & moisture can effect the cure time. For me CA works better is the summer and is difficult in the winter. That is when I use an accelerator, in the winter when the CA is very slow to cure (2-3 minutes).

Some people, including myself, are allergic to CA. I can make 2 or 3 glue joints without any issues. But if I do more, a few hours later, I will be suffering a very uncomfortable stuffy head.

CA and baking soda is a great combination to reinforce a area. If you have a small gap or want a fillet. Put some baking soda in the area, shape it how you want and hit it with some CA. It will instantly turn rock hard.

Also beware standard CA's eat foam. Be sure to get a foam safe CA if you intend to glue foam.

 

[Bricks]

The only thing I do not like about CA is it is very brittle, if it did have a little give it would be the best glue made.

 

[Piotrsko]

In the trade there are "modifiers", but those are expensive 5gallon things