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 14559, Roloc Disc 361F, P150 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000119021
3M 04018, Unitized Wheel Mandrel 936, 2-1/16 in x 1/4 in x 3/4 in Plastic, 7000046309
3M 22405, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045102
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 72" 125U
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 29835, Sanding Screen, 80 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160844
3M 21463, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, White, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7010325698
3M 05027, Utility Cloth Roll 211K, 150 J-weight, 1-1/2 in x 50 yd, Full-flex, 7100031693
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 88892, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 15 in x NH, Die 1500A, 7010360718
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 28830, 675L, 1/2" X 72", 74u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belt 7010508919
3M 06512, Scotch Steel Gray Masking Paper, 06512, 12 in x 1000 ft, 3 per case, 7010327747
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 76679, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118459, 20 per case
Dynabrade 93331 Carbide Burr, 3/8" Dia., SA-3 D/C Burr, Cylinder, 3/4" Flute L, 1/4" Shank
3M 88870, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 80 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120239 
