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.

Dynabrade 56863BKV 6" Robotic Supreme Kit w/Vacuum
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 30709, Cloth Belt 577F, 120 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010363107, 200 per case
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 88869, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 36 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120240
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
3M 30202, Disposable Plastic Wheel Maskers, 12 in - 15 in, 125 per box, 7000125074
Dynabrade 60051 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
3M 88906, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 36 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118898
Standard Abrasives 707505, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 40 Grit, 7010369974
Norton 66623325035 - 2" 120 Grit Fine Grade Aluminum Oxide Vortex Rapid Prep Green TR Non-Woven Surface Preparation Disc, 50 Each
3M 67925, Cloth Belt 777F, P120 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010363457, 200 per case
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
Dynabrade 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
Dynabrade 60052 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 16115, PPS Cup & Collar, Mini, 7000028417, 2 per carton
Standard Abrasives 726072, A/O C2 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2-1/2 in x 1/4 in 120, 7100098781 
