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 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
Standard Abrasives 722809, PSA A/O Extra Disc, 5 in x NH, 60, 7010368721
3M 65055, Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Hand Pad 7440, HP-HP, A/O Medium, 6 in x 9 in, 7100080459, 40/Case
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 30702, Cloth Belt 577F, 50 YF-weight, 2 in x 132 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010363104, 50 per case
3M 22399, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000028184
3M 05048, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141432, 200 per case
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 85372, Cloth Belt 777F, 80 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7000118397, 200 per case 
