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 32518, Cloth Belt 341D, P120 X-weight, 9 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010307962, 20 per case
3M 16219, PPS Liner Dispenser: Large, Standard, or Midi, 7100041780
3M 03016, Glass Cloth Tape 361, White, 3/4 in x 60 yd, 6.4 mil, 7000047441
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
3M 26710, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System UV Kit, Standard (22 fl oz,
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3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 26000, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System Kit, Standard (22 fl oz, 650
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3M 16151, PTFE Glass Cloth Tape 5451, Brown, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 5.6 mil, 7000050135
3M 19770, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P120 J-weight, 7000000358
3M 54336, Particulate Respirator 8293, P100, 7000002055, 20 EA/Case
3M 20932, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118914
3M 06840, Booth Coating, 5 gal, 7000120531
Dynabrade 95821 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 4oz Bottle
Norton 66254489957 Wheel, Vortex-7am, 6" X 1/2" X 1" C2312 Nor VTME7 PH VTC+, 4 Each
3M Electrically Conductive Single-Sided Tape 5113SFT-50, 1080 mm x 120 m, 1 Roll/Case, Untrimmed, 7100313870
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 54285, Particulate Respirator 8271, P95, 7000002047, 80 EA/Case
3M 65055, Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Hand Pad 7440, HP-HP, A/O Medium, 6 in x 9 in, 7100080459, 40/Case
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 26580, Accuspray ONE Spray Gun System with PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System, 7100163226
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 36856, Dirt Trap Clear Film 18 in x 100 ft, 7000028295
3M 62715, Scotch-Weld Stainless Steel High Temperature Pipe Sealant PS67, White, 250 mL Tube, 7100039215, 2/case
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 125U
3M 88905, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 40 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7010294665 
