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 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
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 16115, PPS Cup & Collar, Mini, 7000028417, 2 per carton
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Dynabrade 60052 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
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 36853, Dirt Trap Protection Material, White, 56 in x 300 ft, 7000119889
3M 05049, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141431, 200 per case
3M 19677, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 1 Gallon Drum, 7000000793, 4/Case
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 16583, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Green, 1.3 mm, 7010309279
Standard Abrasives 713066, PSA A/O Disc, 8 in x NH, 60, 7010370082
3M Scotchkote Liquid Epoxy Coating Spray System HSS Mix Nozzle, RightAngle, 7000058900
3M 04018, Unitized Wheel Mandrel 936, 2-1/16 in x 1/4 in x 3/4 in Plastic, 7000046309
3M 87449 Silver Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27 Quick Change, 9 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Center Hub Thread, 7010409732, 20 per case
3M 88871, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120238 
