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 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 75950, 663FC, 2" X 120", 20u, Diamond Trizact Belt 7100210740
3M 36864, Dirt Trap Material Floor Dispenser, 56 in, 7000119908
Insize 7341-2S, PIN GAGE HANDLE (with 1pc handle and 8 pairs of collecting bushes), .075-.131", 6928640360695
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M 76625, Roloc Disc 777F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045621
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
Standard Abrasives 78511, Ceramic Pro Type 27 Flap Disc, 645104, 4-1/2 in x 5/8-11 80 Y-weight, 7010331461
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
Standard Abrasives 32929, PSA A/O Disc, 709607, 1/2 in x NH, 120, 7100037906
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 45U
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 20u
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
3M 00550, DynatronAuto Seam Sealer Caulk, 550, Grey, 12 oz, 7000125068, 12 per case
Dynabrade 95745 1/4" NPT Speed Regulator
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 19766, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P240 J-weight, 7000000354
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 08367, Urethane Seam Sealer, Black, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000119968, 12 per case
3M 10118, Synthetic Steel Wool Pads, 10118NA, #0 Fine, 7000126148
3M 20360, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216, Gray, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046360
3M 20365, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216, Gray, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046361
3M 05049, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141431, 200 per case
3M 20912, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 40 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118920
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
3M 20905, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118876
3M 16579, Accuspray ONE Replacement Spray Gun, 7100096183
3M 88901, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118894 
