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 21463, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, White, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7010325698
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 36882, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 56 in x 300 ft, 7100169350
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M 28214, Cubitron II Roloc Disc 984F, 60+ YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7010361116
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M 31583, Hi-Strength Postforming 94 CA Fragrance Free Cylinder Spray Adhesive, Red, Large Cylinder (Net Wt 26.2 lb), 7010329925
3M 47199, Polyurethane Sealant 540, Gray, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100198007, 12/Case
3M Super Abrasives Roloc Disc, 2" Type-R, Medium AO High Strength, Box of 50
3M 05479, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 981F, 1/2 x 24 in, 36+, YF-weight, Fabri-lok, 7100163424, 200 per case
3M 88904, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 50 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118897 
