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 65033, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 645DC 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7010365574, Box of 3
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
Standard Abrasives 32985, Aluminum Oxide Overlap Disc, 714721, 60 Grit, 2 in x 8-32 x 2 Ply, 7100116380
3M 93947, Scotch Stucco Tape 3260-A, 1.88 in x 60 yd (48 mm x 54.8 m), Stucco Tape, 7010384961
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 16238, PPS Spray Gun Holder, 4 Gun, 7100158720
3M 80760, Flap Wheel 747D, T83, 2-1/2 in x 1 in x 1/4 in, 80 X-weight, 7000045315, 10 per case
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M 88892, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 15 in x NH, Die 1500A, 7010360718
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 82770, Flap Wheel 741A, 6 in x 1 in x 1 in 50 X-weight, 7010365236, 5 per case
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 50018, Venture Tape Metallized Cloth Duct Tape 1502, Silver, 48 mm x 55 m (1.88 in x 60.1 yd), 7010337385
3M 28120, Hookit Clean Sanding Disc 900DZ, 5 in 60 J-weight, Die 500LG, 7010326613
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 20U
3M 95723, Scotch Automotive Cloth Tape 06980, Olive, 50.8 mm x 18.2 m, 7010312582
Standard Abrasives 708751, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 60, 7010370081 
