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 77512, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010307736, 200 per case
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 87449 Silver Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27 Quick Change, 9 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Center Hub Thread, 7010409732, 20 per case
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 15913, Scotch-Brite Roloc Disc High Strength, TR, 2 in X NH A Medium, 7000000710
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
Dynabrade 51632 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Standard Abrasives 32985, Aluminum Oxide Overlap Disc, 714721, 60 Grit, 2 in x 8-32 x 2 Ply, 7100116380
3M 05579, Cloth Belt 577F, 80 YF-weight, 2 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010308379, 50 per case
3M 20908, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118874
3M 65033, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 645DC 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7010365574, Box of 3
3M 08367, Urethane Seam Sealer, Black, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000119968, 12 per case
Dynabrade 94993 1/4" Male Composite-Style Coupler with 1/4" Female Plug Assembly
Dynabrade 55500 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 1/8" Collet
3M 36881, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 48 in x 300 ft, 7100169351
3M 88901, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118894 
