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 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 9u
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 81729, Disc Pad Face Plate Ribbed, 9 in Hard Black, 7000148244
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
Dynabrade 18570 Vane Set (4pk)
3M 06535, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200FC Fast Cure, PN06535, White, 1 oz Tube, 7010367674, 12/Case
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M 20279, Disc Pad Holder 947TH, 7 in x 1 in x 5/8-11 Internal Black T Hook, 7000118602
Dynabrade 55242 Vane Set (4pk)
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 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Dynabrade 14230 Rubber Drive Wheel
3M 09292, Rubber Sanding Block, 7000126886
3M 05206, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, White, 1 oz Tube, 7010325697, 12/Case
3M 06564, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4200FC Fast Cure, Black, 295 mL Cartridge, 7000120497, 12/Case
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder 
