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 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 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
Standard Abrasives 32938, PSA A/O Disc, 710322, 3/4 in x NH, 120, 7000121791
3M 14725, Foam and Fabric Spray Adhesive 24, Orange, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179450, 12/Case
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 13718, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 2S Fine, 3 in x 3/4 in x 1/4 in, 7000046025
3M 16115, PPS Cup & Collar, Mini, 7000028417, 2 per carton
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M 97957, Hi-Strength Spray Adhesive 90 CA, Low VOC <25%, Clear, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 19.0 oz), 7000121418, 12/Case
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 08367, Urethane Seam Sealer, Black, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000119968, 12 per case
3M 25496, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2214 Non-Metallic Filled, Cream, 6 fl oz Cartridge, 7000121273, 4/case
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 125U
3M™ 07010, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-25/07010(AAD), 25 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005374, 1 EA/Case
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 36856, Dirt Trap Clear Film 18 in x 100 ft, 7000028295
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 77197, Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™ Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel,TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 8C CRS+, 7100109130, 40/box
Standard Abrasives 708751, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 60, 7010370081 
