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 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
Dynabrade 51703 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 98235, Pro Strength Duct Tape 1210-A 1.88 in x 10 yd (48.0 mm x 9.14 m), 7000029903
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 39057, Scotch Duct Tape 910-MMD-C, 1.88 in x 10 yd (48 mm x 9,14 m), 7100183288
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 30" 9U
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
Dynabrade 51629 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 95675 1/4" Male Plug with 1/4" NPT Male Thread
3M 62818, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7000121496, 12/Case
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 06564, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4200FC Fast Cure, Black, 295 mL Cartridge, 7000120497, 12/Case
Standard Abrasives 708751, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 60, 7010370081 
