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 0213-A500, INFRARED THERMOMETER, -58?F~716?F/-50?C~380?C, 6940561934700
3M 01875, Charge-Collection Solar Tape 3011, 2 mm x 1200 m, 7010312686
3M 26120, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S28, 17.5 mm Female, 19 TPI
Thread, 7100135956
3M 97419, Aluminum Foil Tape 3380, Silver, 48 mm x 45 m, 3.25 mil, 7000049613
3M 26016, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S9, 16 mm Male, 1.5 mm Thread, 7100135330
3M 27551, EMI Copper Foil Shielding Tape 1181, 1/2 in x 18 yd (12.70 mm x 16.5m), 7000132182
3M 36518, Green Corps Abrasive File Belt, 80 Grit, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7 mm x 457.2 mm), 7100226321, 20 Belts Per Carton, 5 Cartons Per Case
3M 26022, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S12, 10 mm Male, 1.0 mm Thread, 7100135943
3M 95725, Venture Tape Metal Building Facing Tape 1552CW, White, 72 mm x 45.7 m, 7010313505
3M 85492, Scotch Foil Tape 3311-10A, 2.0 in x 10 yd (50.8 mm x 9,1 m), 7010383663
3M 26130, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S35, 16 mm Female, 1.5 mm
Thread Stretched, 7100135926
3M 33446, Cubitron II File Belt, 80+, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7 mm x 457.2 mm), 7100033186, 10 belts per carton, 5 cartons per case 
