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 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
Dynabrade 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
3M 09092, Dry Layup Adhesive 1.0, 18.93 Liter, Red, 7000044933
Dynabrade 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
3M 25678, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 2S Fine, 6 in x 1/4 in x 3/4 in, 7000120982
Dynabrade 95821 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 4oz Bottle
3M Scotchkote Liquid Epoxy Coating Spray System HSS Mix Nozzle, RightAngle, 7000058900
3M 86398, Scotch-Weld Multi-Material Composite Urethane Adhesive DP6310NS,Green, 400 mL Duo-Pak, 7100109830, 6/case
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3/8" X 24" 75U
3M 88870, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 80 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120239
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 16583, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Green, 1.3 mm, 7010309279
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 29831, Sanding Screen, 180 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160238
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M 25144, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL77, Red, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039224, 2/case
3M 20932, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118914
Dynabrade 64404 36" W x 60" L (914 mm W x 1,524 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Table, 230 V (AC), Side Exhaust
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 77231, Scotch-Brite Roloc Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel, DP-UR, 2S Fine, TR, 2 in x 1/4 in x NH, 7010365721
3M 16312, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Midi (13.5 fl oz), 125 Full Diameter
Micron Filter, 50 Lids & Liners per kit, 7100018936
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
3M 34672, 641WY, 1/2" X 64", 100 Mesh, Diamond Cloth Belts 7100111364
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
Standard Abrasives 725008, Buff and Blend Cross Buff HP, A/O Very Fine, 1 in x 3/8 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7000046829
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belts, 1/2" X 24" 200u
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 52792, Mold Remediation Respirator Kit 68097, Medium, 7000144916, 2 Kits EA/Case
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M 88902, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118895 
