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 05280, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 UV, White, 3 oz Tube, 7000121531, 6/Case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 45U
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 10120, Synthetic Steel Wool Pads, 10120NA, #000 Extra Fine, 7000126149
3M 47199, Polyurethane Sealant 540, Gray, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100198007, 12/Case
3M 16151, PTFE Glass Cloth Tape 5451, Brown, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 5.6 mil, 7000050135
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 97958, Foam Fast Spray Adhesive 74 CA, Low VOC <25%, Orange, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 19.0 oz), 7100014104, 12/Case
Norton 66254489957 Wheel, Vortex-7am, 6" X 1/2" X 1" C2312 Nor VTME7 PH VTC+, 4 Each
Dynabrade 53270 7" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Disc Sander
3M 20903, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118877
Dynabrade 78698 D9-4 Cartridge Roll Mandrel 1/8" Pilot Dia. x 1" Pilot Length, 1/4" Dia. Shank x 4" Shank Length
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 02690, Plastic Bonding Adhesive 2665B, Black, 30 cc syringe, 7100111531, 24/case
3M 87260, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP100, Clear, 200 mL Duo-Pak, 7100075490, 12/case
3M 07466, Scotch-Brite Roloc+ Clean and Strip Disc 7466, 4 in x 1/2 in S XCS, 7000120779, 10/case
Dynabrade 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 87266, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP100 Plus, Clear, 200 mL Duo-Pak, 7100069498, 12/case
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
3M 88869, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 36 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120240 
