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™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 840037, Quick Change Surface Conditioning GP Disc, A/O Coarse, TSM, Brown, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000121646, 50/case
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 27468, EMI Copper Foil Shielding Tape 1181, 1 in x 18 yd (25,40 mm x 16,5 m), 7000132169
3M 26578, Accuspray ONE Pro Spray Gun Kit for PPS Series 2.0, 7100158715
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 9U
Standard Abrasives 713276, Aluminum Oxide Handy Roll, P180 J-weight, 2 in x 50 yd, 7100037246
3M 46470, Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter 60928, P100, 7000002009, 60 EA/Case
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
Standard Abrasives 547003, Adapter, 5/8"-11 Male x 3/8"-24 Female, 7010368726
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 66634, Cloth Belt 341D, 80 X-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118866, 20 per case
3M 22405, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045102
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 13767, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 8A Coarse, 3 in x 1/2 in x 1/4 in, 7010365791
3M 71883, Flexible Diamond Hand File 6210J, No 2, White, 18, N20, 7000082161, 10 Per Case
Insize 7341-1S, PIN GAGE HANDLE (with 1pc handle and 7 pairs of collecting bushes), .040-.075", 6928640360688
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Standard Abrasives 840031, Quick Change Surface Conditioning FE Disc, A/O Coarse, TSM, Brown, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000046845, 50/case
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belts, 1/2" X 24" 200u
3M 41593, Polystyrene Foam Insulation Spray Adhesive 78, Clear, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 17.9 oz), 7000046590, 12/Case
Dynabrade 93650 5" Dia. x 3/4" CH 40/50 Grit Side Spoked Diamond Cut-Off Wheel
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 88904, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 50 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118897 
