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 00550, DynatronAuto Seam Sealer Caulk, 550, Grey, 12 oz, 7000125068, 12 per case
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 20u
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
3M 96315, Super 77 Classic Spray Adhesive, Clear, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 16.5 oz), 7000028592, 12/Case
Dynabrade 51708 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Dynabrade 51750 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 62815, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, White, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100139501, 12/Case
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Standard Abrasives 840031, Quick Change Surface Conditioning FE Disc, A/O Coarse, TSM, Brown, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000046845, 50/case
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
ACS Flap Disc, Type 29 (Curved) Full Diamond 4-1/2 X 5/8-11 60M, 333.FD4.5-60/T29
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M Super Abrasives Roloc Disc, 2" Type-R, Medium AO High Strength, Box of 50
3M 62606, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039193, 10/case
Dynabrade 51630 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 88871, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120238 
