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 00705, Interam Stainless Steel Foil Tape T-65, 4 in x 100 ft, 7100024280
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 87449 Silver Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27 Quick Change, 9 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Center Hub Thread, 7010409732, 20 per case
3M 21463, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, White, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7010325698
3M 76624, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045620
3M 42824, Electrically Conductive Single-Sided Tape 5113SFT-50, Grey, 105 mm x 10 m, 8 Rolls/Case, 7100315005
3M 35124, Grippy Sanding Cloth Trial Kit, 7100230957
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 30" 75U
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
Dynabrade 51811 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/16" Collet
Dynabrade 91166 1/2" W x 13" L 80 Grit A/O DynaCut Belt, 50/pack
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
Dynabrade 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
Dynabrade 53270 7" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Disc Sander
3M 54358, Particulate Respirator 8247, R95, with Nuisance Level, Organic Vapor Relief, 7000002060, 120 EA/Case
3M 25125, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 1 mL Pipette, 7010330204, 100/case
3M 20905, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118876
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 17094, Versaflo Hood Assembly with Inner Shroud & Premium Head Suspension S-657, 7000002348, 1 EA/Case
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M 35083, EMI Copper Foil Shielding Tape 1181, 1/4 in x 18 yd (6,35 mm x 16,5 m), 7000132168
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 22405, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045102
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
Dynabrade 59339 Vacuum Cuff, 1", w/Groove
3M 23897, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7010307894, 200 per case
3M 95307, Lead Foil Tape 421, Dark Silver, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 6.3 mil, 7000049079
Standard Abrasives 701616, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 50, 7010369977 
