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™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
3M 19772, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P80 J-weight, 7000000359
3M 07502, Scotch-Brite Molding Adhesive and Stripe Removal Disc, 07502, 6 in x 3/8 in, 7000045950, 8 discs per bag
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 175u
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 25124, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 1 L Bottle, 7010310189, 1/case
3M 16580, Accuspray ONE Spray Gun System with Standard PPS, 7100099202
3M 26583, Accuspray Refill Pack for PPS Series 2.0, Green, 1.3 mm, 7100152953
Dynabrade 95848 Dynabrade Gear Oil
3M 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095 
