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 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
Standard Abrasives 717639, Aluminum Oxide Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 50, 7100115215
3M 97106, Cartridge Roll 341D, 80 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in, 7010327460
3M 95307, Lead Foil Tape 421, Dark Silver, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 6.3 mil, 7000049079
3M 06839, Booth Coating, 1 Galllon, 7000028421
3M 06564, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4200FC Fast Cure, Black, 295 mL Cartridge, 7000120497, 12/Case
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 08027, Marine Grade Silicone Sealant, White, 304 mL Cartridge, 7000120476, 12/Case
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 17083, Versaflo Hood with Integrated Head Suspension, S-433L-5, Medium/Large, 7000029981, 5 EA/Case
3M 03601, Plastic Emblem and Trim Adhesive, 1 oz, 7100045880, 24 per case
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 08024, Adhesive Sealant 740 UV, Black, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100115542, 12 per case
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
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 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 98514, Premium Matte Cloth (Gaffers) Tape GT2, Black, 48 mm x 50 m, 11 mil, 7010336132
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
Standard Abrasives 715081, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 60, 7100102991 
