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 62612, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039197, 10/case
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 175u
3M 81729, Disc Pad Face Plate Ribbed, 9 in Hard Black, 7000148244
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 78424 4-1/2" Dia. x 3/8" Medium DynaBrite Surface Conditioning Disc, 25/pack
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 04028, Scotch-Brite Hand Pad 7448, HP-HP, SiC Ultra Fine, Gray, 6 in x 9 in, 7100089226, 60/case
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
3M 95307, Lead Foil Tape 421, Dark Silver, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 6.3 mil, 7000049079
Standard Abrasives 530292, Zirconia Resin Fiber Disc, 7 in x 7/8 in 36, 7010310585
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
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
Dynabrade 51706 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 62610, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL62, Red, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039196, 10/case
Insize 4209-4, LONG HANDLE TELESCOPING GAGE, 1-1/4 ~ 2-1/8", 6928640311567
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
3M 47201, Polyurethane Sealant 540, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100198009, 12/Case
3M 94717, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 947A, 80+ X-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010294445, 200 per case
3M 25705, Scotch-Brite Roloc Surface Conditioning Disc, SC-DR, A/O Medium, TR, 3/4 in, 7000120983, 200/case
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 05027, Utility Cloth Roll 211K, 150 J-weight, 1-1/2 in x 50 yd, Full-flex, 7100031693
ACS 1/2 in x 18 in Diamond Metal Bond Belt, 60M/250u
3M 97956, Super 77 CA Multipurpose Spray Adhesive, Low VOC <25%, Clear, 24 fl oz Can, 7100014109, 12/Case
3M 27359, Cloth Belt 970DZ, 24 YN-weight, 25 in x 75 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010361224, 2 per case
Dynabrade 53270 7" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Disc Sander
3M 88871, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120238 
