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 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
3M 20425, Hookit Clean Sanding Low Profile Finishing Disc Pad, 6 in x 11/16 in x 5/16-24 External 53 Holes, 7000118613
3M™ 07010, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-25/07010(AAD), 25 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005374, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
Insize 0213-A500, INFRARED THERMOMETER, -58?F~716?F/-50?C~380?C, 6940561934700
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 80516, Disc Pad Face Plate Ribbed 80516, 7 in Medium Gray, 7000120515
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belts, 1/2" X 24" 45u
3M 76624, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045620
3M 65033, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 645DC 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7010365574, Box of 3
Standard Abrasives 890194, S/C Unitized Wheel, 632, 12 in x 1/4 in x 1-1/4 in, 7010367081
3M 51034, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TSM, 2 in, Die RS200PM, 7000119020
3M 27359, Cloth Belt 970DZ, 24 YN-weight, 25 in x 75 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010361224, 2 per case
3M 14593, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Disc, 3" x 1-1/4" x 1/4" A Medium, D5, 7000045941, Box of 10
3M 53915, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N (Nuclear), Red, 72 mm x 54.8 m, 12.1 mil, 7010334653
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 14316, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 UV, Black, 295 mL Cartridge, 7010367955, 12/Case
3M 49941, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TSM, 3 in, Die RS300VM, 7000148151
3M 94733, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 947A, 60+ X-weight, 3-1/2 in x 15-1/2 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7100093314, 50 per case
3M 29859, Sanding Screen, 100 grit, 12 in x 18 in, 7100160861
3M 08024, Adhesive Sealant 740 UV, Black, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100115542, 12 per case
3M 20908, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118874
3M 05452, Stikit Double Roll Dispenser, 7100161529
Dynabrade 45209 Sleeve for 48201, 25,000 RPM
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 873273, S/C Unitized Wheel, 732, 6 in x 1/4 in x 1/2 in, 7010301203
3M 01332, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000118881
3M 62818, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7000121496, 12/Case
3M 88906, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 36 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118898 
