Open Bond Time Allows for Fit Adjustment and Positioning
3M™ Hot Melt Adhesive 3738 features a 50 second open time that allows for positioning and adjustment on wood, polypropylene, corrugated boxes and lightweight substrates. Its nearly instant bonding property reduces production time for POP assembly, joining, attaching, securing, repairing, potting, panel bonding, wire tacking, bundling, sealing, encapsulating, rigidizing, foam bonding, and packaging. For use with a 3M™ Hot Melt Applicator.
Recommended Applications
- Cabinetry
- Woodworking
- Sound damping
- Furniture manufacturing
- Upholstery
- POP displays
- General industrial
Understanding Hot Melt Adhesives
Hot melt adhesives, also known as glue sticks, are liquefied thermoplastic adhesives available in both low and high-temperature versions. Low temperature hot melt adhesives are applied at 250ºF/121ºC temperatures, which makes them ideal for bonding electronics, plastics, cloth and other heat sensitive materials. High temperature hot melt adhesives are applied at 380ºF/193ºC and produce a stronger bond than the low temperature hot melts.
Melted adhesive is extruded through a nozzle using a 3M Hot Melt Applicator by either pneumatic pressure, a mechanical trigger mechanism, or with pressure applied directly on the stick. Different nozzles can be used to apply thin, wide strips or narrow, thicker beads. Hot melt adhesive generally sets quickly, ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the adhesive formulation.
Bringing Better Ideas to the Surface through Science and Innovation
In our 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division, we apply the science of adhesion to deliver innovative solutions that improve the design and manufacturing processes of companies around the world. In the end, our technologies help customers like you deliver competitive products to the market faster and more efficiently.

3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 27464, Cloth Belt 340D, 50 X-weight, 4 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000119041, 25 per case
3M 77197, Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™ Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel,TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 8C CRS+, 7100109130, 40/box
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
Standard Abrasives 32985, Aluminum Oxide Overlap Disc, 714721, 60 Grit, 2 in x 8-32 x 2 Ply, 7100116380
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 20360, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216, Gray, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046360
3M 05182, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7100050403,Box of 4
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
3M 41100, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 60+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010511304, 200 per case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3/8" X 24" 75U
3M 88902, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118895 
