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™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 30" 45U
3M 98242, Marine Adhesive Sealant 3000 UV, Black, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100111111, 12/Case
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
Dynabrade 40610 Electric Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 16578, Accuspray ONE Spray Gun Kit, 7100096182
3M 88904, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 50 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118897 
