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 26583, Accuspray Refill Pack for PPS Series 2.0, Green, 1.3 mm, 7100152953
3M 33443, Cubitron II File Belt, 36+, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7 mm x 457.2 mm), 7100033184, 10 belts per carton, 5 cartons per case
3M 82506, Steel Mesh Faceshield Screen W96M 82506-00000, Molded 10 EA/Case, 7000127168
3M 27468, EMI Copper Foil Shielding Tape 1181, 1 in x 18 yd (25,40 mm x 16,5 m), 7000132169
3M 06536, Scotch Steel Gray Masking Paper, 06536, 36 in x 1000 ft, 1 per case, 7000045443
3M 22399, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000028184
3M 06840, Booth Coating, 5 gal, 7000120531
3M 76429, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 4 in, Die R400BB, 7000148152
3M 76750, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TS, 2 in, Die RS200P, 7010299188
3M 33440, Cubitron II File Belt, 33440, 80+, 10 mm x 330 mm (3/8 in x 13 in), 7100033195, 10 belts per carton, 5 cartons per case
3M 20886, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7000148148
3M 87429, Final Finishing Pads 10199NA4PK, 3 3/4 in x 6 in x 5/8 in, Replaces 0000 Steel Wool, 7100096075, 4 pads per pack
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 05783, Hookit Pad D/F, 8 in x 5 bolt hole, 7000119884
3M 10119, Synthetic Steel Wool Pad 10119NA, 0000 Super Fine, 7000126181
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 10115, Synthetic Steel Wool Pads, #3 Coarse, 7000051986
3M 22970, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External 3/8-24 Internal, 7000046093
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 175u
Standard Abrasives 701149, PSA A/O Disc, 1 in x NH, 240, 7010370103 
