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.

Insize 2345-E1, DIAL DEPTH GAGE WITH 60? BASE, 0-1", , 6928640378959
Norton 66261014921 - 2" X 1/8" 50 - 80 Grit Coarse Grade Aluminum Oxide Bear-Tex Speed-Lok Rapid Blend Gray TR Non-Woven Unified Wheel, 60 Each
Dynabrade 78292 2" Dia. x 6A M Medium Type R Unitized Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
3M 13753, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 8A Medium, 1 in x 1 in x 3/16 in, 7000148249
Dynabrade 90875 2" Dia. Super Fine NWN DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
Dynabrade 78127 3" Dia. Medium NWN VT DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
Dynabrade 90873 2" Dia. Medium NWN DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
Norton 66261014793 - 3" Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Bear-Tex Speed-Lok High Strength Maroon TR Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, 80 Each
Norton 66261096557 - 3" X 1/2" Blaze Rapid Strip Ceramic Alumina Extra Coarse Grade Non- Woven Abrasive Disc With Quick Change TR III Attachment, 25 Each
Norton 66254414832 - 3" X 1/4" X 1/4" Vortex Rapid Blend Unified Wheel, 5am U2305, 40 Each
3M 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095 
