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 26120, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S28, 17.5 mm Female, 19 TPI
Thread, 7100135956
Insize 0130-L110, LIGHT METER (BASIC TYPE), 6974029776564
3M 26006, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S5, 12 mm Male, 1.5 mm Thread, 7100135831
3M 26141, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S44, 3/8 Female, 19 Thread BSP, 7100158892
3M 17083, Versaflo Hood with Integrated Head Suspension, S-433L-5, Medium/Large, 7000029981, 5 EA/Case
3M 07148, Dual Airline Back-Mounted Breathing Tube SA-2500/07148(AAD), 7000002006, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 20U
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 250u
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 62607, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039192, 2/case
3M 55959, Green Corps Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27, 7 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Internal, 36, 7100123075, 10 per case
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
3M 20932, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118914
3M 25125, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 1 mL Pipette, 7010330204, 100/case
3M 70894, 641WY 1/2" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010533228
3M 02960, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1 in x 1 in, 7100009186, Box of 3
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 88905, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 40 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7010294665 
