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 16301, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Standard (22 fl oz), 125 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 50 Lids & Liners per kit, 7010029842
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 77512, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010307736, 200 per case
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
3M 08024, Adhesive Sealant 740 UV, Black, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100115542, 12 per case
3M 16348, PPS Liners, Mini (6 fl oz, 200 mL), 7100067924
Insize ISV-K1810, VIDEOSCOPE, lens diameter .071", cable length 40", 6940561973402
3M 95307, Lead Foil Tape 421, Dark Silver, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 6.3 mil, 7000049079
3M 05027, Cloth Belt 384F, 240+ XF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, 7100141448, 200 per case 
