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 51708 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 34550, Cubitron II Net Sheet Roll, 80+, 80 mm x 10 m, 7100283781, 6 Rolls/Case
3M 66261, Wind Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600, 50 ml (1.7 fluid ounce), 7000049496, 12/Case
3M 66625, Cloth Belt 341D, 36 X-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118861, 20 per case
Dynabrade 97179 Hose Cuff- 1" to 3/4" Thread, Conductive
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 14708, Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive 20, Clear, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179437, 12/Case
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M 08367, Urethane Seam Sealer, Black, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000119968, 12 per case
Dynabrade 51633 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 30u
3M 463-000-TRI-4, Pro Grade Precision Comfort & Performance Large Sanding Tool, 3.7 in x 7 in, 7010416697
3M 18451, Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Hand Pad 7440B, HP-HP, A/O Medium, 6 in x 9 in, 7000000715, 40 ea/Case
3M 62616, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL90, Green, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039236, 10/case
3M 65086, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 6" x 1" x 1" 645DC, 7010329878
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 20U
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
Standard Abrasives 701616, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 50, 7010369977 
