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 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 22405, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045102
Dynabrade 51702 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/4" X 24" 75U
3M 31583, Hi-Strength Postforming 94 CA Fragrance Free Cylinder Spray Adhesive, Red, Large Cylinder (Net Wt 26.2 lb), 7010329925
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 43060, Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+, N95, 7100232219, 240 ea/Case
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
3M 05777, Hookit Soft Interface Pad, 6 x 1/2 x 3/4 inch, 7000028239
3M 26597, Cloth Belt 341D, P320 X-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010294511, 200 per case
3M 49054, Polyurethane Sealant 540, White, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000000941, 12/Case
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 36881, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 48 in x 300 ft, 7100169351
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 88869, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 36 YF-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000120240 
