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 26132, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S37, 5/8 Male, 11 UNC Modified, 7100135949
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 75951, 663FC 1" X 30", 20u Diamond Trizact Belts, 7100210975
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 07414, Hand Sanding Metal Finishing Pad 7414NA, 4.375 in x 11 in, Maroon Medium, 7010315820
3M 65033, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 645DC 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7010365574, Box of 3
3M 20907, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118875
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 94960 1/4" Composite-Style Coupler, 1/4" Female
Dynabrade 95745 1/4" NPT Speed Regulator
Dynabrade 95848 Dynabrade Gear Oil
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 87449 Silver Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27 Quick Change, 9 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Center Hub Thread, 7010409732, 20 per case
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
Dynabrade 11254 Contact Arm Ass'y, 4-3/4" Dia. x 1/2" W
3M 67925, Cloth Belt 777F, P120 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010363457, 200 per case
3M 97421, Aluminum Foil Tape 3380, Silver, 72 mm x 45 m, 3.25 mil, 7010375681
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
3M 36882, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 56 in x 300 ft, 7100169350
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 69604, Cloth Belt 777F, P120 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010328597, 200 per case 
