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 10119, Synthetic Steel Wool Pad 10119NA, 0000 Super Fine, 7000126181
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M 76900, Cloth Belt 340D, 50 X-weight, 37 in x 60 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010361975, 3 per case
3M™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M 03738, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 7A Medium, 3 in x 3/4 in x 3/8 in, 7010364917
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 16151, PTFE Glass Cloth Tape 5451, Brown, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 5.6 mil, 7000050135
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
Dynabrade 91167 1/2" W x 13" L 120 Grit A/O DynaCut Belt, 50/pack
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
Standard Abrasives 32985, Aluminum Oxide Overlap Disc, 714721, 60 Grit, 2 in x 8-32 x 2 Ply, 7100116380
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 62819, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, Gray, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100097767, 12/Case
3M 88902, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118895 
