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 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 45U
3M 45557, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 784F, 60+ YF-weight, 2 in x 72 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010299100, 50 per case
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 88869, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 36 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120240
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
Standard Abrasives 713638, Cartridge RoII Mandrel, 3/32 in x 3/4 in x 1/8 in x 1 in x 2-3/4 in CM-2B, 7010294964
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M™ 07010, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-25/07010(AAD), 25 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005374, 1 EA/Case
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 66165, Wind Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600, 50 ml (1.7 fluid ounce), 7100008766, 12/Case
3M 76790, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TS, 2 in, Die RS200P, 7010300088
3M 50216, Temflex Cotton Friction Tape 1755, 3/4 in x 82-1/2 ft, Black, 7010297809
Standard Abrasives 707505, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 40 Grit, 7010369974
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
3M 17098, Hood Assembly with Sealed Seams Inner Shroud and Premium Head Suspension S-857, 7000002350, 1 EA/Case
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
3M 85314, Aluminum Foil Tape 425, Silver, 19 mm x 55 m, 4.6 mil, 7100053636
Standard Abrasives 701616, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 50, 7010369977
3M 88904, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 50 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118897
3M 55053, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 80+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000119518, 200 per case
3M 88906, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 36 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118898 
