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 26122, PPS Series 2.0 Cup, Midi (13.5 fl oz, 400 mL), 7100135960, 2 per carton
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
Dynabrade 78293 3" Dia. x 2S Fine, Type R Unitized Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
3M™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M 47181, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550FC Fast Cure, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100197989, 12/Case
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
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
Insize 7332, SPINDLE LIFT KNOB, 6928640312649
3M 08364, Urethane Seam Sealer, Beige, 310 mL Foil Pack, 7100049259, 6 per case
Dynabrade 22092 2-3/4" x 17" Hand Sanding Block
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
3M 53034, 663FC, 3/4" X 90", 20u, Diamond Trizact Belt 7100205969
3M 62820, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, Gray, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7000046611, 12/Case
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 19677, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 1 Gallon Drum, 7000000793, 4/Case
3M 62612, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039197, 10/case
3M 26005, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S4, 12 mm Female, 1.0 mmThread, 7100135830
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
Dynabrade 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 36849, Dirt Trap Protection Material, White, 4 in x 300 ft, 7100133779
3M 30202, Disposable Plastic Wheel Maskers, 12 in - 15 in, 125 per box, 7000125074 
