Adhesives, what are they and what do they do? Do I really need it?

Text: Martin Björk Published: March 22, 2024

This time we will discuss MagiGoo and their range of fastening materials.

To simplify, MagiGoo does not contain any magic at all (although it seems so sometimes). MagiGoo is a real product with an established scientifically formulated solution that solves first layer adhesion issues, which is a very common problem for various FDM plastics.

The MagiGoo range is rigorously tested and formulated by the in-house R&D team at MagiGoo in Malta. They carefully evaluate the chemistry of the formula but also develop it alongside real-life 3D printing tests to assess adhesive performance and usability.

Okay, sounds good, but how does it work?
MagiGoo adhesives are easy to use and only require you to apply them by spreading a very thin layer on your building board. The glue then creates a thin “barrier” between the building surface and the model being printed. This serves a dual purpose, firstly it makes the model stick to the building surface much better than if you use nothing at all. Secondly, and just as importantly, it makes releasing the finished print from the build plate MUCH easier.

You just let the build plate cool for a few minutes and during that time, in some cases, you may even hear a “snap” as the print releases from the plate. But in most cases you will have to give it a helping hand. The reason for this is that thermoplastics (or filaments as we call it) usually have a completely different chemical composition compared to the building plate material. As a result, there is a big difference in surface energy which in turn leads to poor adhesion. This is especially true when it comes to technical materials.

MagiGoo comes in a container with a built-in applicator that makes it very easy to apply to the build plate. This method of applying the adhesive is great, just not because it's easy, but unlike the type of fastening material that is sprayed on, it doesn't land all over the delicate parts of the 3D printer. MagiGoo is also water-based which makes it very easy to remove, just use plain water.

So, does it work on all kinds of build surfaces?

The short answer is yes, it does, but (there's always a but) it works best on really flat surfaces like plain glass, borosilicate glass and ceramic glass. Other popular build surfaces that are more common on newer models of printers are PEI, BuildTak and similar materials will get all the benefits of using a fastening material like MagiGoo, but for some engineering materials there is a slight reduction in adhesion compared to glass, but still a lot more adhesion compared to if you use the same build plate without MagiGoo.

At 3D Prima you will find the right MagiGoo for every situation:

• MagiGoo Originalworks best with PLA, ABS, PETG, HIPS, etc.
• MagiGoo PA works with various nylon materials, Nylon, Nylon-CF, Nylon-GF
• MagiGoo PC compatible with materials like polycarbonate, PC, PC-ABS
• MagiGoo PP only works with polypropylene (PP)
• MagiGoo Flex is designed for the flexible materials TPE, TPC and TPU
• MagiGoo HT for high temperature materials such as PEEK, PEKK, PVDF and Ultem
• MagiGoo Metal is used for BASF Ultrafuse 316L

MagiGoo has been around for a long time now and their product has proven its worth. MagiGoo, along with PrimaFix are clearly some of the best products available and make your printing experience so much more enjoyable 😊