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 20360, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216, Gray, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046360
Dynabrade 61420 Raptor Vac Electric Portable Vacuum System
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1" X 72" 125U
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
3M 05027, Cloth Belt 384F, 240+ XF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, 7100141448, 200 per case
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 26120, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S28, 17.5 mm Female, 19 TPI
Thread, 7100135956
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
3M 19770, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P120 J-weight, 7000000358
3M 88870, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 80 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120239
3M 49941, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TSM, 3 in, Die RS300VM, 7000148151
3M 92571, Temflex Vinyl Electrical Tape 165, Green, 3/4 in x 60 ft (19 mm x 18 m), 6 mil, 7100169430
Standard Abrasives 712230, Cartridge Roll Mandrel, 1/8 in x 2 in x 1/4 in x 1-1/4 in x 4 in CM-11, 7000121797
3M 55053, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 80+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000119518, 200 per case 
