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™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 53270 7" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Disc Sander
3M 76623, Roloc Disc 777F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045619
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 5/8" X 120" 125U
Dynabrade 94960 1/4" Composite-Style Coupler, 1/4" Female
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M™ 37018, Supplied Air Respirator Vortex Cooling Assembly V-100/37018(AAD), 70070799013, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
Norton 66254432925 Wheel, 3" X 1/2" X 1/4" Bear-Tex, Rapid Blend, Non-Woven 5 Density, A/O, M Grit, 20 Each
3M 41597, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 560, Black, 310 mL Cartridge, 7100005901, 12/Case
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
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™ 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 85855, Cartridge Roll 747D, 80 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 3/16 in, 7010292565
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
3M 76625, Roloc Disc 777F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045621
3M 47181, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550FC Fast Cure, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100197989, 12/Case
3M 97106, Cartridge Roll 341D, 80 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in, 7010327460
3M 85372, Cloth Belt 777F, 80 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7000118397, 200 per case
Dynabrade 94991 1/4" Female Composite-Style Coupler with 1/4" Female Plug Assembly
3M 17298, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 784F, 60+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010532459, 200 per case 
