How to pla weld 3D prints | Merging 3D printed parts the proper way! | PLA weld tutorial

What’s up everyone I hope you enjoyed today’s video!
If you did give it a big thumbs up!
Got a question or comment?
Drop me one in the comments section!
Check out part 2 of this video as explain how to blend in those seams and give you a background on fillers & which to use
Link here : • PLA welding pt 2 | how...
Don’t forget to like & subscribe, lots more comment is on the way!
Be on the look out for this next Vader build, part 1 should be up in a few days!
Until than, DW out!

[@PopPopAdv]

I bent the (removable) tip of my cheapo soldering iron so that it has about a 20-30degree curve. This way I can move it back and forth along the filament so it both pushes melted plastic down into any gap as well as helps blend/smooth the parts. Think of the motion that MIG welders back and forth (or in a circle). This in addition to the glue it helps tack things in place until I can well the full part as well as helps the glue set up.

[@davidhooie4692]

Great instruction! You mentioned, "Plastic Metal" can you show/explain what that is maybe in another video?

[@Darkwingdad]

Yes sir, I will likely do it in the Vader build part 1, if not I’ll whip together a pla welding tips & finishing tricks video. I’ll try to have it up in a week. Thank you for watching!

[@JamesThompson-xl4yu]

Why not use super glue to tack the model together, then weld it like you show here? The product Weld-on will chemically melt the surfaces together. I may give your method a try and see how it does. TY for the video.

[@Darkwingdad]

This is an old video, my new one i use a similar method but I use pla gloop.

[@Darkwingdad]

@@JamesThompson-xl4yu new video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmHHcnymmLBsgKssi=b6iG81ZPpBo7LKcJ Better editing too lol

[@tjones3825]

Love the new intro DW! Another gem.

[@Darkwingdad]

Yea I had to tone it down, thanks man! How you been?

[@tjones3825]

@@Darkwingdad not too bad. I've just got done printing a dark souls black Knight sword. Thing is 6 foot tall!! Any suggestions on how to do the post production work. I dunno if I should put it together then sand prime and paint or do it before I put it all together

[@Darkwingdad]

@@tjones3825 yea put it together than sand. I’m doing part 2 of pla welding. Merging & finishing, it’ll be up Thursday it’ll definitely help!

[@tjones3825]

@@Darkwingdad What color rustolem spray would you recomend to given a shiny chrome like metal finish for the blade?

[@Darkwingdad]

@@tjones3825 you want a darker or lighter color?

[@TheAsvarduilProject]

I'm working on 3D printed musical instruments on a M3D Micro (yes, I am apparently crazy.) This is actually very helpful!

[@Darkwingdad]

Damn, nice. Guitar?

[@TheAsvarduilProject]

Naah. Starting with a piccolo. I played flute and oboe back in school. There are guitar designs on thingiverse that I could build too, and probably will. Also electric violins are flicking awesome!!!

[@Darkwingdad]

@@TheAsvarduilProject that’s awesome man, no limits to 3D printing!

[@carlosjosejimenezbermudez9255]

At this point even a used first generation Ender 3 is MILES ahead of an M3D Micro. Any reason why you're using that one still? I owned one in the past and I felt the most scammed I could have ever felt.

[@sharkythe1st1]

Could I do PLA welding on the outside of the helmet if there are seams or gaps and then sand over it?

[@Darkwingdad]

Yes check out my latest welding tutorial it’s more in-depth!

[@sharkythe1st1]

@@Darkwingdad Cool, thank you!

[@Darkwingdad]

@@sharkythe1st1 anytime!

[@Animusicuk]

Amazing as usual bro

[@Darkwingdad]

Thanks my dude!

[@DarthFlan]

Hey Bro.. Brilliant! Ive done PLA welding with PLA Gloop to adhere the pieces, then followed by using the soldering iron. But I love the Idea of creating a trench, then putting the filament down in it, then melting it down in there! Love the new intro too... Nice and short, to the point! Cant wait for more vids...

[@Darkwingdad]

Hope it helps! Haha yea that old intro was a soap opera in itself lol thanks for watching

[@TC-dk6do]

Thx for the video. What temp is the iron?

[@Darkwingdad]

Great question sorry I didn’t add it to the video. For pla I like to use it around 325-365 Pla+ 365-385 Petg 385-400 Thank you for watching!

[@TC-dk6do]

Hey thank you bud . I'm gonna give it a try this weekend.

[@Darkwingdad]

@@TC-dk6do let me know how you make out!

[@antizero100]

I know this was a year ago - and I'm not sure if you've addressed it already - but looks like your infill is coming through. I have mine set at 10% overlap on cura, nothing shows through and prints seem to retain the strength and rigidity.

[@Darkwingdad]

Yea it’s been adjusted I run 7-8%

[@antizero100]

2:54

[@bobbyhenshall7464]

Aren't the flumes dangerous? I mean youre melting plastic, would it not be wise to wear a respirator? The way the smoke isn't blowing away well shows you have poor ventilation too! Be cautious my man.

[@Darkwingdad]

Pla is made from corn, it’s not toxic at all. If you’re welding petg or abs than yes. Good point though, thank you for mentioning that! I don’t weld petg or pla but I’m sure there’s other who have.

[@bobbyhenshall7464]

@@Darkwingdad So i also spoke to another youtuber who gave me some pretty interesting info anout the information you gave me. He said and I quote, "Old PLA sure but now that every company in the world makes some mixture of PLA with literally zero regulation (especially a slurry of overseas companies) who knows. And PLA+ is another beast entirely. Your printer doesn’t give off smoke but this does. I’m melting the plastic at a much higher temp then the 200~C it says, more than double. So I’m sure it isn’t good. Any type of smoke at all (especially from plastic) isn’t safe. Better safe than sorry. I’ve been dumb with Plastic welding before and I don’t think it’s worth it. That’s why I wanted to mention it in this video too. Respirators are cheap AF and your health isn’t ya know?" Be safe brother!

[@hanelyp1]

If you're getting much fumes you're getting the plastic too hot.