<p>Elmer's apparently doesn't reveal its glue stick contents.  Elmer's has at least four different glue sticks without giving the difference in composition.  You can find glue sticks that specify use for 3D printers.  They contain PVP.  Many wood glues have PVA. PVA may be labeled also as PVAc, or as &quot;VA/crotonates/vinyl neodecanoate copolymer&quot; (for example in hairsprays).</p>
<p>It looks like you will need to search patents to find contents of glue sticks.  Her are examples.</p>
<p>According to Elmer's patent 6268413, Wood Glue Sticks have PVA, but I haven't seen such a thing:</p>
<p>This Elmer's patent has PVA: High-strength adhesive paste and dispenser
Patent number: 6268413
Abstract: The present invention includes a high strength adhesive and includes a dispenser containing a high strength adhesive. The invention is an adhesive composition comprising: (a) water present in an amount of from about 40 percent to about 70 percent by weight; (b) polyvinyl acetate present in an amount of about 15 percent to about 35 percent by weight; (c) dextrin present in an amount from about 5 percent to about 35 percent by weight; and (d) starch present in an amount from about 0 percent to about 5 percent by weight; the adhesive having at least 30% by weight solids, having a paste-like consistency, and having a bond strength greater than about 2000 p.s.i. as measured by ASTM D-905. The adhesive of the present invention has a very workable consistency that is very much like room-temperature butter or shortening used in cooking.</p>
<p>Elmer's patent with PVP: HIGH-STRENGTH GLUE STICK FORMULATION, Publication number: 20110301260, includes water; a defoamer; a bactericide; an oil; polyvinylpyrrolidone; a plurality of polyurethane dispersions; dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether; sodium stearate; casein; sodium hydroxide; and at least one adhesion promoter.</p>
<p>Another Elmer's patent has PVP: Adhesive applicator crayon
Patent number: 6066689
Abstract: Adhesive compositions exhibiting fast cure time in solid form, e.g. in the form of an applicator crayon or glue stick. The adhesive exhibiting polymer of the composition is based on a mixture of critical amounts of high molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer, with a lower molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer, with water, an organic solvent, and a salt of a long-claim fatty acid, e.g. sodium stearate. Color indicators and other optional ingredients, e.g. mildewcide, can be included.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-11T13:59:26.523Z
2021-01-13T09:39:07.697Z
2021-01-13T09:39:07.697Z
Perry Webb
<p>Not all glue sticks work! The working ingredient of a glue stick is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinylpyrrolidone" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Polyvinylpyrrolidone</a>; a more elaborate answer is found <a href="https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/a/11183/">here</a> on question: <a href="https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/11182/why-does-hairspray-work-as-an-adhesive-for-abs/">&quot;Why does hairspray work as an adhesive for ABS?&quot;</a>.</p>
<p>There are very good alternatives to glue sticks and hair spray nowadays. Specific adhesion sprays exist for several years now (e.g. Dimafix, 3DLAC, Magigoo for PA, Plasticz, PrintaFix, Dr.Mat, etc.; my personal experience is with the first 2 mentioned, both work for nylon: Dimafix has more tack at higher temperatures &gt; 80 °C, up to 80 °C 3DLAC works perfect).</p>
<p>E.g. Dimafix has a higher temperature application range than e.g. 3DLAC. From the <a href="http://www.dima3d.com/en/home/dimafix/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">manufacturer</a> can be seen that:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/ZBZny.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ZBZny.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a>
<em>Source: <a href="http://www.dima3d.com/en/home/dimafix/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">http://www.dima3d.com/en/home/dimafix/</a></em></p>
<p>This image shows that the spray has its maximum tack/adhesion at about 120 °C and holds this adhesion level at least up to about 145 °C according to the image.</p>
<p>However, not all glues get stronger with temperature! PVA (also called PVAc) glues soften very quickly, making them good only at low temperature. See &quot;<a href="https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/influence-of-temperature-on-the-strength-of-bonded-joints/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Influence of temperature on the strength of bonded joints</a>&quot; which discloses this graph for PVAc Rhenocoll 3W, 4B Plus:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/KB1lM.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/KB1lM.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-13T09:43:12.753Z
I think I tested the glue stick at too high temperature (120°C), but anyway yesterday I tried also a hairspray with PVA at 60°C bed temp. and it didn't work for thin areas of a printed part with 3 mm brim. I may try again with 10 mm brim! and with wood glue. But I ordered Dimafix as well. I should have recorded a video...
FarO
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-13T13:28:31.837Z
@FarO A department of the company I work for uses Dimafix for all their prints (I print other materials at lower bed temps, so it has never been my favorite, 3DLAC has better adhesion in the 60-70 °C range according to my experience). Note that also specifically engineered sprays exist for PA (nylon), you could also try Magigoo for PA. I have no affiliation whatsoever! Just sharing my experiences.
0scar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-11T12:30:22.530Z
2021-01-13T13:29:46.683Z
2021-01-13T13:29:46.683Z
0scar
<p>Not all Glues are PVA based. There is one glue manufacturer call CGMaxed that makes an alcohol based PVB glue. Sold on Ebay exclusively for 22 dollars per 6 oz. I use it every day when my supports fail to stick or having levelling issues.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2023-10-20T17:18:20.313Z
2023-10-20T17:18:20.313Z
Quinn Karter
<p>I'm struggling with bed adhesion for nylon on a glass bed (122 °C measured) in an enclosed chamber (45 °C near the front, likely more on top of the print bed). I used a glue stick to enhance adhesion, but after around 20 minutes the print comes off the bed.</p>
<p>I tried a <a href="https://www.123-3d.nl/123inkt-lijmstift-medium-21-grams-i1326-t7445.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">no-brand glue stick</a> and a <a href="https://www.123-3d.nl/Pritt-stick-medium-22-gram-i1329-t7445.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Pritt glue stick</a>.</p>
<p>Now I wonder whether they are suitable for the purpose, because nylon should really be printable in these conditions. Maybe the glue cannot hold those 100+ °C temperatures.</p>
<p>How to find out whether a glue stick is PVA-based and suitable for nylon (or polycarbonate, ABS) printing?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-11T09:47:18.310Z
For reference about nylon adhesion, see https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,175173
FarO
<adhesion>
Are all glue sticks PVA-based? How to find out?
FarO
# Are all glue sticks PVA-based? How to find out?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2021-01-11)

I'm struggling with bed adhesion for nylon on a glass bed (122 °C measured) in an enclosed chamber (45 °C near the front, likely more on top of the print bed). I used a glue stick to enhance adhesion, but after around 20 minutes the print comes off the bed.

I tried a [no-brand glue stick](https://www.123-3d.nl/123inkt-lijmstift-medium-21-grams-i1326-t7445.html) and a [Pritt glue stick](https://www.123-3d.nl/Pritt-stick-medium-22-gram-i1329-t7445.html).

Now I wonder whether they are suitable for the purpose, because nylon should really be printable in these conditions. Maybe the glue cannot hold those 100+ °C temperatures.

How to find out whether a glue stick is PVA-based and suitable for nylon (or polycarbonate, ABS) printing?

**Tags:** adhesion

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: For reference about nylon adhesion, see https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,175173  

---

## 3 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2021-01-11. Score: 1 | Accepted answer

Elmer's apparently doesn't reveal its glue stick contents. Elmer's has at least four different glue sticks without giving the difference in composition. You can find glue sticks that specify use for 3D printers. They contain PVP. Many wood glues have PVA. PVA may be labeled also as PVAc, or as "VA/crotonates/vinyl neodecanoate copolymer" (for example in hairsprays).

It looks like you will need to search patents to find contents of glue sticks. Her are examples.

According to Elmer's patent 6268413, Wood Glue Sticks have PVA, but I haven't seen such a thing:

This Elmer's patent has PVA: High-strength adhesive paste and dispenser
Patent number: 6268413
Abstract: The present invention includes a high strength adhesive and includes a dispenser containing a high strength adhesive. The invention is an adhesive composition comprising: (a) water present in an amount of from about 40 percent to about 70 percent by weight; (b) polyvinyl acetate present in an amount of about 15 percent to about 35 percent by weight; (c) dextrin present in an amount from about 5 percent to about 35 percent by weight; and (d) starch present in an amount from about 0 percent to about 5 percent by weight; the adhesive having at least 30% by weight solids, having a paste-like consistency, and having a bond strength greater than about 2000 p.s.i. as measured by ASTM D-905. The adhesive of the present invention has a very workable consistency that is very much like room-temperature butter or shortening used in cooking.

Elmer's patent with PVP: HIGH-STRENGTH GLUE STICK FORMULATION, Publication number: 20110301260, includes water; a defoamer; a bactericide; an oil; polyvinylpyrrolidone; a plurality of polyurethane dispersions; dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether; sodium stearate; casein; sodium hydroxide; and at least one adhesion promoter.

Another Elmer's patent has PVP: Adhesive applicator crayon
Patent number: 6066689
Abstract: Adhesive compositions exhibiting fast cure time in solid form, e.g. in the form of an applicator crayon or glue stick. The adhesive exhibiting polymer of the composition is based on a mixture of critical amounts of high molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer, with a lower molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer, with water, an organic solvent, and a salt of a long-claim fatty acid, e.g. sodium stearate. Color indicators and other optional ingredients, e.g. mildewcide, can be included.


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### Answer by username_2 on 2021-01-11. Score: 2

Not all glue sticks work! The working ingredient of a glue stick is [Polyvinylpyrrolidone](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinylpyrrolidone); a more elaborate answer is found [here](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/a/11183/) on question: ["Why does hairspray work as an adhesive for ABS?"](https://3dprinting.stackexchange.com/questions/11182/why-does-hairspray-work-as-an-adhesive-for-abs/).

There are very good alternatives to glue sticks and hair spray nowadays. Specific adhesion sprays exist for several years now (e.g. Dimafix, 3DLAC, Magigoo for PA, Plasticz, PrintaFix, Dr.Mat, etc.; my personal experience is with the first 2 mentioned, both work for nylon: Dimafix has more tack at higher temperatures > 80 °C, up to 80 °C 3DLAC works perfect).

E.g. Dimafix has a higher temperature application range than e.g. 3DLAC. From the [manufacturer](http://www.dima3d.com/en/home/dimafix/) can be seen that:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/ZBZny.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/ZBZny.png)
*Source: <http://www.dima3d.com/en/home/dimafix/>*

This image shows that the spray has its maximum tack/adhesion at about 120 °C and holds this adhesion level at least up to about 145 °C according to the image.

However, not all glues get stronger with temperature! PVA (also called PVAc) glues soften very quickly, making them good only at low temperature. See "[Influence of temperature on the strength of bonded joints](https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/influence-of-temperature-on-the-strength-of-bonded-joints/)" which discloses this graph for PVAc Rhenocoll 3W, 4B Plus:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/KB1lM.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/KB1lM.png)

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: I think I tested the glue stick at too high temperature (120°C), but anyway yesterday I tried also a hairspray with PVA at 60°C bed temp. and it didn't work for thin areas of a printed part with 3 mm brim. I may try again with 10 mm brim! and with wood glue. But I ordered Dimafix as well. I should have recorded a video...  
> **username_2**: @username_0 A department of the company I work for uses Dimafix for all their prints (I print other materials at lower bed temps, so it has never been my favorite, 3DLAC has better adhesion in the 60-70 °C range according to my experience). Note that also specifically engineered sprays exist for PA (nylon), you could also try Magigoo for PA. I have no affiliation whatsoever! Just sharing my experiences.  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2023-10-20. Score: 0

Not all Glues are PVA based. There is one glue manufacturer call CGMaxed that makes an alcohol based PVB glue. Sold on Ebay exclusively for 22 dollars per 6 oz. I use it every day when my supports fail to stick or having levelling issues.


---

