TPUTPU is awesome. It’s flexible, durable, and perfect for things like grips, gaskets, and parts that need to bend without snapping.
But if you’ve ever tried gluing TPU… you already know the pain.
Most glues hate flexible materials.
So after a lot of requests, we finally did it—we tested five different glues on TPU to find out which ones actually hold up when things start stretching, twisting, and pulling.
No fancy prep tricks.
No mechanical fasteners.
Just glue vs. TPU.
How We Tested the Glues
To keep things fair and realistic, every glue went through the same exact tests:
-
Printed TPU parts (same model, same settings)
-
24-hour cure time
-
No sanding or surface prep
-
No mechanical connection—glue only
The Tests
-
Snap Test – Can we break it by hand?
-
Twist Test – Can we twist it apart?
-
Pull Test – How many newtons of force before failure?
Failure could mean:
-
The glue bond breaks
-
The TPU tears
-
Or both
The Glues We Tested
-
Gorilla Glue Clear Grip
-
Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic
-
Y’all Can DIY
-
Loctite Super Glue
-
JB Weld Plastic Epoxy
Results by Glue
🟢 Y’all Can DIY
-
Snap Test: Pass
-
Twist Test: Pass
-
Pull Test: ~26 N (TPU failed before glue)
-
Notes: Excellent flexibility, strong bond
This one surprised us. The glue held so well that the TPU itself failed first. That’s exactly what you want when bonding flexible materials.
🟢 Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic
-
Snap Test: Pass
-
Twist Test: Pass
-
Pull Test: ~26 N
-
Notes: Clean bond, flexible, consistent
This glue was a standout. Strong, flexible, and easier to control than some of the others.
🟡 Loctite Super Glue
-
Snap Test: Pass
-
Twist Test: Pass
-
Pull Test: Pass
-
Notes: Strong, but easy to overapply
Loctite super glue continues to win tests—but TPU exposes its weakness. It holds, but bleed-out is easy if you use too much, especially on flexible parts.
🟡 JB Weld Plastic Epoxy
-
Snap Test: Pass
-
Twist Test: Pass
-
Pull Test: Pass
-
Notes: Very strong, messy, less flexible
JB Weld held up extremely well, but epoxy on TPU isn’t always ideal. It bled out, looked messy, and flexibility isn’t its strong suit.
🔴 Gorilla Glue Clear Grip
-
Snap Test: Fail
-
Twist Test: Fail
-
Pull Test: Failed at ~7.4 N
-
Notes: Stayed tacky, rubber-cement feel
This one was a complete failure on TPU. Even after 24 hours, it never fully cured and failed under very light force—about the weight of a 24-oz water bottle.
Cost per Ounce (Because It Matters)
-
Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic: ~$6.35/oz
-
Y’all Can DIY: ~$10.56/oz
Both performed great, but Loctite wins on value.
Final Verdict: Best Glue for TPU
🥇 Best Overall:
Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic
Strong, flexible, clean, affordable. If you had to pick one—this is it.
🥇 Tie for Performance:
Y’all Can DIY
Excellent strength and flexibility, just costs more.
🥈 Strong but A Little Messy:
Loctite Super Glue
Works, but control matters.
🥉 Very Strong, Less Flexible:
JB Weld Plastic
Great strength, not ideal for flexible aesthetics.
❌ Skip It:
Gorilla Glue Clear Grip
Just not made for TPU.
👇 Amazon affiliate links for the glues tested are below
(Using these helps support the channel at no extra cost to you)
🔧 Tools & Materials Used
• Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic - https://amzn.to/3NYQnmW
• Y’all Can DIY - https://amzn.to/3NYQnmW
• Loctite Super Glue - https://amzn.to/4aejlGS
• JB Weld Plastic Epoxy - https://amzn.to/4almO6x
• Gorilla Glue Clear Grip - https://amzn.to/4cdVGsF
• TPU filament - https://amzn.to/4qjmoDK
• Force gauge - https://amzn.to/4qjopQ6
• Force Test Stand - https://amzn.to/4tAnEF
• 3D Printers - https://amzn.to/4tjGaSj
Final Thoughts
TPU is rubbery, flexible, and a little emotionally unavailable—but the right glue can make it behave.
If you want strength and flexibility, stick with Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic or Y’all Can DIY.
And remember—
the right glue matters just as much as the print.