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 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
3M 95412, Lead Foil Tape 420, Dark Silver, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 6.8 mil, 7000029006
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 97956, Super 77 CA Multipurpose Spray Adhesive, Low VOC <25%, Clear, 24 fl oz Can, 7100014109, 12/Case
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 23897, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7010307894, 200 per case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3/8" X 24" 75U
Dynabrade 64404 36" W x 60" L (914 mm W x 1,524 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Table, 230 V (AC), Side Exhaust
3M 08026, Sealant 730 UV, Clear, 305 mL Cartridge, 7100003045, 12/Case
3M 76790, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TS, 2 in, Die RS200P, 7010300088
3M 14708, Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive 20, Clear, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179437, 12/Case
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 13878, Wetordry Paper Disc 431Q, 600 C-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7010299182
3M 77197, Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™ Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel,TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 8C CRS+, 7100109130, 40/box
3M 66635, Cloth Belt 341D, P100 X-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118867, 20 per case
3M 62818, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7000121496, 12/Case
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 14895, Cloth Belt 777F, 80 YF-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010299926, 200 per case
3M 03647, Scotch-Brite Edger Disc Pad, 7 in x .875 in, 7000133920
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Dynabrade 91536 5" Dynacut Extreme Orange Premium Film Disc, 80 Grit, Hook & Loop, Vacuum Holes, 50/Box
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M 95436, Selfwound PVC Tape 1506R, White , 1 in x 36 yd, 6 mil, 36 rolls percase, 7100043868
3M 88902, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118895 
