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 20931, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118915
3M 23897, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7010307894, 200 per case
3M 71346, 675L, 1" X 120", 125u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010534823
3M 10116, Synthetic Steel Wool Pads, 10116NA, #2 Medium, 2 in x 4 in, 7000047708
Insize 4102-181, STEEL GAGE BLOCK SET, 81pcs, grade AS-1, 6928640329906
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 59339 Vacuum Cuff, 1", w/Groove
3M 69602, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 11 in, Sine-lok, Full-flex, 7010295223, 500 per case
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M Scotchkote Liquid Epoxy Coating Spray System HSS Mix Nozzle, RightAngle, 7000058900
3M 10120, Synthetic Steel Wool Pads, 10120NA, #000 Extra Fine, 7000126149
Standard Abrasives 891133, A/O Unitized Wheel, 911, 3 in x 1/8 in x 1/4 in, 7010368297
Standard Abrasives 890194, S/C Unitized Wheel, 632, 12 in x 1/4 in x 1-1/4 in, 7010367081
3M 10118, Synthetic Steel Wool Pads, 10118NA, #0 Fine, 7000126148
Standard Abrasives 541150, Quick Change TS P.A.R.T. #10 Disc Mandrel, 5/8 in TA4 (PILOT), 7000121722
3M 80510, Roloc Disc 777F, P120 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045622
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 10115, Synthetic Steel Wool Pads, #3 Coarse, 7000051986
3M 06536, Scotch Steel Gray Masking Paper, 06536, 36 in x 1000 ft, 1 per case, 7000045443
3M 35790, 675L, 1" X 120", 74u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010509196 
