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 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 76624, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045620
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 541150, Quick Change TS P.A.R.T. #10 Disc Mandrel, 5/8 in TA4 (PILOT), 7000121722
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
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
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
3M 69436, Cloth Belt 577F, 120 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000119456, 200 per case
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 175u
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
3M 01563, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 5A Fine, 3 in x 1/4 in x 1/4 in, 7100001111
Standard Abrasives 265006, Buff and Blend Cross Buff HS, A/O Medium, 3/4 in x 3/8 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7010330373
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 26585, Accuspray Atomizing Head Refill Pack for 3M PPS Series 2.0,Clear, 1.8 mm, 7100152955
3M 06213, Stikit Film Disc Roll 360L, 5 in x NH P220, 7010308875, 125 discs per roll
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 19768, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P180 J-weight, 7000000356
3M 23354, Home Dust Mask, 8661P4-C, 7100159379, 4 Each/Pack
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
3M 66630, Cloth Belt 341D, 50 X-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118864, 20 per case
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
3M 85855, Cartridge Roll 747D, 80 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 3/16 in, 7010292565 
