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 17189, Scotch-Brite Roloc EXL Unitized Wheel TR, 3 in x NH 6S FIN, 7000045978
3M 9145, Disc Pad Holder, 4-1/2 in x 1/8 in x 3/8 in 5/8-11 Internal, 7000046035
3M 03728, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 7A Medium, 3 in x 1/4 in x 1/4 in, 7000045847
3M 65084, Scotch Brite Roloc Deburr & Finish PRO Unitized Wheel, DP-UR, 6C Medium+, TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 7100081366
3M 01032, Scotch-Brite Clean and Strip Unitized Wheel, CS-UW, 7S Extra Coarse, 6 in x 1 in x 5/8 in, 7000120867
3M 13763, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 8A Coarse, 3 in x 1/4 in x 1/4 in, 7000028450
3M 85320, Aluminum Foil Tape 431, Silver, 2 in x 60 yd, 3.1 mil, 7100038989
3M 15813, Venture Tape UL181A-P Aluminum Foil Tape 1581A, Silver, 72 mm x 55 m, 2 mil, 7100043929
3M 00705, Interam Stainless Steel Foil Tape T-65, 4 in x 100 ft, 7100024280
3M 95724, Venture Tape Metal Building Facing Tape 1551CW, White, 72 mm x 45.7 m, 7100043789
3M 37082, Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 7502/37082(AAD) Medium, 7000002162, 10 EA/Case
3M 07024, Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6100/07024(AAD) Small, 7000001932, 24 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 710335, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 1/4 in x 1 in x 1/8 in 60, 7100080015
Norton 66254433510 - 2" X 1/4" Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Vortex Rapid Blend Blue Non-Woven Unified Wheel, 60 Each
3M 16573, Accuspray Air Flow Control Valve, 7000042715 
