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™ 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 21028, Floor Surfacing Discs, 12 Grit, 16 in x 2 in, 7010314898
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 36516, Green Corps Abrasive File Belt, 40 grit, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7 mm x 457.2 mm), 7100225352, 20 Belts Per Carton, 5 Cartons Per Case
Dynabrade 55500 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 1/8" Collet
3M 05612, Polyurethane Glass Adhesive Sealant 590, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7000121536, 12/Case
Dynabrade 53249 9" Dia. Type 27 Vertical Depressed Center Wheel Grinder, 3 HP, 6,000 RPM, 5/8"-11 Spindle
3M 20908, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118874
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 05043, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141435, 200 per case 
