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 25678, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 2S Fine, 6 in x 1/4 in x 3/4 in, 7000120982
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
Dynabrade 10690 Filter/Regulator/Lubricator, FRL40, 1/2" NPTAssy.
3M 26582, Accuspray Refill Pack for PPS Series 2.0, Blue, 1.2 mm, 7100152952
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1" X 64" 125U
Norton 66254432925 Wheel, 3" X 1/2" X 1/4" Bear-Tex, Rapid Blend, Non-Woven 5 Density, A/O, M Grit, 20 Each
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M 08301, Ultrapro Autobody Sealant, 08301, Tan, 5 oz Tube, 7100142901, 6 per case
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 28120, Hookit Clean Sanding Disc 900DZ, 5 in 60 J-weight, Die 500LG, 7010326613
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
3M 14708, Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive 20, Clear, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179437, 12/Case
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 16112, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Midi (13.5 fl oz), 200 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 50 Lids & Liners per kit, 7100020094
Norton 66254414832 - 3" X 1/4" X 1/4" Vortex Rapid Blend Unified Wheel, 5am U2305, 40 Each
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 76790, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TS, 2 in, Die RS200P, 7010300088
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
Insize 4102-181, STEEL GAGE BLOCK SET, 81pcs, grade AS-1, 6928640329906
3M 88901, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118894 
