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 64350 26" W x 36" L (660 mm W x 914 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Station, 230 V (AC)
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 51629 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 81283, Scotch-Weld High Strength Retaining Compound RT38, Green, 50 mL Bottle, 7010310185, 10/case
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 20928, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118917
3M 08019, Marine Grade Silicone Sealant, Clear, 3 oz Tube, 7000120480, 6/Case
Dynabrade 96101 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR 24 Per Box
3M 42824, Electrically Conductive Single-Sided Tape 5113SFT-50, Grey, 105 mm x 10 m, 8 Rolls/Case, 7100315005
Dynabrade 53270 7" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Disc Sander
3M Super Abrasives Roloc Disc, 2" Type-R, Medium AO High Strength, Box of 50
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 9U
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 08107, Universal Adhesive Clear, 47.3 mL Cartridge, 7010294717, 6 per case
Dynabrade 97566 1/4" Safety Coupler, Female
Dynabrade 94991 1/4" Female Composite-Style Coupler with 1/4" Female Plug Assembly
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 16159, PTFE Glass Cloth Tape 5453, Brown, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 8.2 mil, 7000050132
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 51033, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TSM, 3 in, Die RS300VM, 7000148150
3M 05048, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141432, 200 per case 
