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 92210 1/8" W x 12" L 320 Grit A/O DynaCut Belt, 50/pack
Insize 1179-1000, DIGITAL RTJ RING GROOVE CALIPER, inside diameter of RTJ ring groove .6-40"/15-1000mm, outside diameter of RTJ ring groove 1.2-40"/30-1000mm, 6928640394409
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 06580, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 UV, White, 295 mL Cartridge, 7000046623, 12/Case
3M 33446, Cubitron II File Belt, 80+, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7 mm x 457.2 mm), 7100033186, 10 belts per carton, 5 cartons per case
3M 87103, Cloth Belt 341D, 24 X-weight, 9 in x 20 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010326200, 20 per case
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
Standard Abrasives 32953, PSA A/O Disc, 711880, 2 in x NH, 60, 7010310798
Dynabrade 95821 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 4oz Bottle
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
3M 35790, 675L, 1" X 120", 74u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010509196
3M 82618, Rubber and Vinyl Spray Adhesive 80, Yellow, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 19 oz), 7000028604, 6/Case
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 66634, Cloth Belt 341D, 80 X-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118866, 20 per case
3M 82238, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 420, Off-White, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum(Pail), 7100001145
3M 16199, PPS Disposable Lids, Standard and Large, 125 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 25 lids per case, 7000119821
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 74u
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 125U
3M 01552, Green Corps Stikit Disc 255U, 8 in, 24E, 7010298813, 20 discs per carton
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 16325, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Large (28 fl oz), 125 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 25 Lids & Liners per kit, 7100003284
3M 06840, Booth Coating, 5 gal, 7000120531
3M 88903, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118896 
