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.

Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3/8" X 24" 75U
Norton 66261014897 2" x 1/4" Bear-Tex NEX Rapid Blend AO Medium Grit TR (Type III) Non-Woven Wheel, 60 Each
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 20365, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216, Gray, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046361
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 95725, Venture Tape Metal Building Facing Tape 1552CW, White, 72 mm x 45.7 m, 7010313505
3M 08302, Ultrapro Autobody Sealant, Clear, 5 oz Tube, 7000120449, 6 per case
3M 20909, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118873
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M 50216, Temflex Cotton Friction Tape 1755, 3/4 in x 82-1/2 ft, Black, 7010297809
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 71181, Wetordry Paper Roll 734, 9 in x 1476 ft x 3 in P280 ASO, 7000045792
Standard Abrasives 701616, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 50, 7010369977 
