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.

Standard Abrasives 890194, S/C Unitized Wheel, 632, 12 in x 1/4 in x 1-1/4 in, 7010367081
3M 28120, Hookit Clean Sanding Disc 900DZ, 5 in 60 J-weight, Die 500LG, 7010326613
3M 69457, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010299175, 200 per case
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
3M 27359, Cloth Belt 970DZ, 24 YN-weight, 25 in x 75 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010361224, 2 per case
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 57173, Temflex Cotton Friction Tape 1755, 3/4 in x 60 ft, Black, 7000058870
3M 30708, Cloth Belt 577F, 120 YF-weight, 1/4 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010308884, 200 per case
3M 28817, STIKIT LOW PROFILE DISC PAD, EXTRA FIRM, 5 IN X 3/8 IN X 5/16 IN, 24 EXTERNAL, 7010361145
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 60u
Standard Abrasives 713066, PSA A/O Disc, 8 in x NH, 60, 7010370082
Dynabrade 95821 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 4oz Bottle
Standard Abrasives 32953, PSA A/O Disc, 711880, 2 in x NH, 60, 7010310798
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 13935, Hookit Film Disc 360L, P1000, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7000144141, 500 per case
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 76790, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TS, 2 in, Die RS200P, 7010300088
3M 13767, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 8A Coarse, 3 in x 1/2 in x 1/4 in, 7010365791
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 30202, Disposable Plastic Wheel Maskers, 12 in - 15 in, 125 per box, 7000125074 
