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.

Standard Abrasives 32985, Aluminum Oxide Overlap Disc, 714721, 60 Grit, 2 in x 8-32 x 2 Ply, 7100116380
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 5/8" X 120" 125U
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 19677, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 1 Gallon Drum, 7000000793, 4/Case
3M 62604, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 1 mL Pipette, 7100064043, 100/case
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 16976, Scotch-Brite Light Cleansing Hand Pad 7445, HP-HP, Nepheline Syenite Super Fine, White, 6 in x 9 in, 7000000727, 60/Case
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 64404 36" W x 60" L (914 mm W x 1,524 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Table, 230 V (AC), Side Exhaust
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
NORTON 66623313931 - 3" Dia. Blaze Rapid Blend Quick-Change TS (TYPE II) Non-Woven Disc, 25 Each
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
Dynabrade 95746 3/8" NPT Speed Regulator
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 26618, Accuspray Atomizing Head Refill Pack for 3M PPS Series 2.0,Clear, 1.8 mm, 7100141416 (4 Nozzles/Kit)
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 16115, PPS Cup & Collar, Mini, 7000028417, 2 per carton
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
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
Dynabrade 10690 Filter/Regulator/Lubricator, FRL40, 1/2" NPTAssy.
Dynabrade 51811 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/16" Collet
3M 26120, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S28, 17.5 mm Female, 19 TPI
Thread, 7100135956
3M 17394, VFlex Particulate Respirator 9105S, N95, Small, 7000030028, 400 EA/Case
3M 08749, High Bond Rearview Mirror Adhesive, 0.02 fl oz, 7010364470, 12 per case
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 05048, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141432, 200 per case 
