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 26005, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S4, 12 mm Female, 1.0 mmThread, 7100135830
3M 06840, Booth Coating, 5 gal, 7000120531
3M 26578, Accuspray ONE Pro Spray Gun Kit for PPS Series 2.0, 7100158715
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
Insize 7341-0S, PIN GAGE HANDLE (with 1pc handle and 6 pairs of collecting bushes),.008-.040", 6928640370854
3M 20230, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046344
3M 07189, Particulate Welding Respirator 8515/07189(AAD), N95, 7000002112, 80 EA/Case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 125U
Dynabrade 51632 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
3M 28817, STIKIT LOW PROFILE DISC PAD, EXTRA FIRM, 5 IN X 3/8 IN X 5/16 IN, 24 EXTERNAL, 7010361145
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 30708, Cloth Belt 577F, 120 YF-weight, 1/4 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010308884, 200 per case
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 86992, Diamond Disc, 3" Roloc, 674W, 120 Mesh, TR, 7100143477, Box of 5
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 51708 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Standard Abrasives 701616, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 50, 7010369977 
