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 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 20927, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118918
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M 16611, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Clear, 1.8 mm, 7000000500 (4 Nozzles/Kit)
3M 26618, Accuspray Atomizing Head Refill Pack for 3M PPS Series 2.0,Clear, 1.8 mm, 7100141416 (4 Nozzles/Kit)
3M 01332, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000118881
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M 20928, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118917
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M 81729, Disc Pad Face Plate Ribbed, 9 in Hard Black, 7000148244
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
Standard Abrasives 726072, A/O C2 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2-1/2 in x 1/4 in 120, 7100098781 
