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 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 06221, Stikit Film Disc Roll 360L, P600, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7000144140, 125 discs per roll
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 25139, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL43, Blue, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039222, 10/case
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
Dynabrade 92115 1/2" W x 12" L 220 Grit A/O DynaCut Belt, 50/pack
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
Dynabrade 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
3M 43060, Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+, N95, 7100232219, 240 ea/Case
Standard Abrasives 713296, Aluminum Oxide Handy Roll, P320 J-weight, 2 in x 50 yd, 7100034517
3M 26017, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S10, 1/4 Female, R-Angle 19
Thread BSP for Side Cup Mount, 7100135927
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
3M 03647, Scotch-Brite Edger Disc Pad, 7 in x .875 in, 7000133920
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 75U
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 23897, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7010307894, 200 per case
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 54336, Particulate Respirator 8293, P100, 7000002055, 20 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 707505, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 40 Grit, 7010369974 
