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 19766, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P240 J-weight, 7000000354
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
3M 97106, Cartridge Roll 341D, 80 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in, 7010327460
3M 71512, Cloth Belt 340D, 50 X-weight, 3 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010294780, 25 per case
3M 49689, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 10 in x NH, Die 1000C, 7010326501
3M 15938 Scotch-Brite Surface Conditioning Low Stretch Belt, SC-BL, A/O Medium, 1-1/2 in x 60 in, 7010300824
3M 20910, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118872
Standard Abrasives 722809, PSA A/O Extra Disc, 5 in x NH, 60, 7010368721
3M 26404, Cloth Belt 341D, 50 X-weight, 2-1/2 in x 60 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010361743, 50 per case
3M 19768, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P180 J-weight, 7000000356
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
3M 33057, Thermally Conductive Epoxy Adhesive TC2810, 50mL DuoPak, 7100170986
3M 50258, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TSM, 3 in, Die RS300VM, 7010325551
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 26568, Cloth Belt 341D, 50 X-weight, 2 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010361745, 50 per case
Standard Abrasives 531205, Quick Change Aluminum Oxide Resin Fiber Disc, 2559247, 60, TN, Brown, 7 in, Die TN700BB, 7100045991, 25/case
3M 84584, Cloth Belt 777F, 50 YF-weight, 3 in x 264 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010309169, 5 per case
3M 45038, Wheel Adapter Kit No.3, 5/8-11 External, 7000028423 
