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.

ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1" X 64" 125U
3M 19766, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P240 J-weight, 7000000354
3M 88869, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 36 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120240
Dynabrade 95676 1/4" Female Coupler with 1/4" Male Plug Assembly
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™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/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 51034, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TSM, 2 in, Die RS200PM, 7000119020
3M 03016, Glass Cloth Tape 361, White, 3/4 in x 60 yd, 6.4 mil, 7000047441
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 95675 1/4" Male Plug with 1/4" NPT Male Thread
Dynabrade 11254 Contact Arm Ass'y, 4-3/4" Dia. x 1/2" W
Standard Abrasives 713218, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in 60, 7100102807
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 95746 3/8" NPT Speed Regulator
3M 30202, Disposable Plastic Wheel Maskers, 12 in - 15 in, 125 per box, 7000125074
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 49936, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TSM, 2 in, Die RS200PM, 7000119014
Dynabrade 95848 Dynabrade Gear Oil
Standard Abrasives 707505, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 40 Grit, 7010369974 
