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.

ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 30u
3M 66617, Cloth Belt 341D, 50 X-weight, 3 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000118857, 25 per case
3M 97419, Aluminum Foil Tape 3380, Silver, 48 mm x 45 m, 3.25 mil, 7000049613
3M 26583, Accuspray Refill Pack for PPS Series 2.0, Green, 1.3 mm, 7100152953
3M 06512, Scotch Steel Gray Masking Paper, 06512, 12 in x 1000 ft, 3 per case, 7010327747
3M 19768, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P180 J-weight, 7000000356
Dynabrade 64404 36" W x 60" L (914 mm W x 1,524 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Table, 230 V (AC), Side Exhaust
ACS Visor, Shade 5 Carrier Frame for M Series Helmets (M-307 & M-407)
3M 66634, Cloth Belt 341D, 80 X-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118866, 20 per case
Dynabrade 51705 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Dynabrade 51811 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/16" Collet
3M 49937, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TSM, 2 in, Die RS200PM, 7000119016
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 27551, EMI Copper Foil Shielding Tape 1181, 1/2 in x 18 yd (12.70 mm x 16.5m), 7000132182
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 62791, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550FC Fast Cure, White, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000000932, 12/Case
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
Standard Abrasives 78518, Ceramic Pro Type 27 Flap Disc, 645121, 7 in x 7/8 40 Y-weight, 7010331463
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
3M 80516, Disc Pad Face Plate Ribbed 80516, 7 in Medium Gray, 7000120515
Dynabrade 53249 9" Dia. Type 27 Vertical Depressed Center Wheel Grinder, 3 HP, 6,000 RPM, 5/8"-11 Spindle
3M 88903, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118896 
