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.

Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1" X 49" 125U
Dynabrade 51750 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 90875 2" Dia. Super Fine NWN DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
Dynabrade 59339 Vacuum Cuff, 1", w/Groove
3M 50728, Hookit Purple+ Curved Adapter Set Multi Hole, 70 mm x 127 mm, 7000032209
Dynabrade 51629 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 20913, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 36 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118919
3M 09092, Dry Layup Adhesive 1.0, 18.93 Liter, Red, 7000044933
ACS Diamond Grinding Disc, 4-1/2" Dia. X 5/8"-11 Center Hub Thread, Type 29, 36 Grit
3M 54413, Microfinishing PSA Film Disc 366L, 60 Mic 3MIL, Type D, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7010290087, 500 per case
3M 16000, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Standard (22 fl oz), 200 Micron Filter,
50 Lids & Liners per kit, 7010029840
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M™ 07010, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-25/07010(AAD), 25 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005374, 1 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 716916, Cartridge RoII Mandrel, 6997818, 1/8 in x 3/4 in x 1/4 in x 6 in CM-XL, 7010368732
3M 01581, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1/4 in x 1/2 in, 7010364174
3M 88901, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118894 
