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.

Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
3M 07414, Hand Sanding Metal Finishing Pad 7414NA, 4.375 in x 11 in, Maroon Medium, 7010315820
3M 06535, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200FC Fast Cure, PN06535, White, 1 oz Tube, 7010367674, 12/Case
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
Standard Abrasives 726070, A/O C2 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2-1/2 in x 1/4 in 60, 7100098797
3M 17228, Heavy Duty Duct Tape DT11, Black, 48 mm x 54.8 m, 11 mil, 7100158377
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 16611, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Clear, 1.8 mm, 7000000500 (4 Nozzles/Kit)
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 30688, Cloth Belt 577F, 120 YF-weight, 3/4 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000119460, 200 per case
3M 36517, Green Corps Abrasive File Belt, 60 Grit, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7mm x 457.2 mm), 7100226310, 20 Belts Per Carton, 5 Cartons Per Case
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 08301, Ultrapro Autobody Sealant, 08301, Tan, 5 oz Tube, 7100142901, 6 per case
3M 62663, Scotch-Weld General Purpose Retaining Compound RT09, Green, 250 mL Bottle, 7010367430, 2/case
3M 30025, Pressure Sensitive Spray Adhesive 72, Blue, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 17.3 oz), 7000046588, 12/Case
Standard Abrasives 726072, A/O C2 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2-1/2 in x 1/4 in 120, 7100098781 
