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 08017, Marine Grade Silicone Sealant, White, 3 oz Tube, 7000120479, 6/Case
3M 33439, Cubitron II File Belt, 33439, 60+, 10 mm x 330 mm (3/8 in x 13 in), 7100033194, 10 belts per carton, 5 cartons per case
3M 62812, Adhesive Sealant 740 UV, White, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100116448, 12 per case
3M 66617, Cloth Belt 341D, 50 X-weight, 3 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000118857, 25 per case
3M 35124, Grippy Sanding Cloth Trial Kit, 7100230957
Standard Abrasives 713066, PSA A/O Disc, 8 in x NH, 60, 7010370082
3M 76751, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TS, 3 in, Die RS300V, 7010363900
3M 66619, Cloth Belt 341D, 50 X-weight, 4 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010360692, 25 per case
3M 20910, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118872
Standard Abrasives 701616, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 50, 7010369977
Standard Abrasives 541150, Quick Change TS P.A.R.T. #10 Disc Mandrel, 5/8 in TA4 (PILOT), 7000121722
Standard Abrasives 547003, Adapter, 5/8"-11 Male x 3/8"-24 Female, 7010368726
Standard Abrasives 717639, Aluminum Oxide Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 50, 7100115215
3M 88892, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 15 in x NH, Die 1500A, 7010360718
3M 19770, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P120 J-weight, 7000000358
3M 28214, Cubitron II Roloc Disc 984F, 60+ YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7010361116
3M 22970, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External 3/8-24 Internal, 7000046093 
