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™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 95843 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Gallon
3M 05280, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 UV, White, 3 oz Tube, 7000121531, 6/Case
3M 15913, Scotch-Brite Roloc Disc High Strength, TR, 2 in X NH A Medium, 7000000710
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Dynabrade 78294 3" Dia. x 2A M Medium Type R Unitized Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
3M 77197, Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™ Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel,TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 8C CRS+, 7100109130, 40/box
3M 14345, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 UV, Black, 3 oz Tube, 7010367954, 6/Case
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
Dynabrade 64404 36" W x 60" L (914 mm W x 1,524 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Table, 230 V (AC), Side Exhaust
3M 19677, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 1 Gallon Drum, 7000000793, 4/Case
Dynabrade 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belts, 1/2" X 24" 200u
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
3M 14593, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Disc, 3" x 1-1/4" x 1/4" A Medium, D5, 7000045941, Box of 10
Norton 66254497067 - 2" X 1/4" 100 - 150 Grit Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Vortex Rapid Blend Blue TR Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, 25 Each
Dynabrade 95821 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 4oz Bottle
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
Dynabrade 96101 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR 24 Per Box
Standard Abrasives 541151, Quick Change TS P.A.R.T. #21 Disc Mandrel, 5/8 in TA4 (PILOT), 7000121723 
