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™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 15913, Scotch-Brite Roloc Disc High Strength, TR, 2 in X NH A Medium, 7000000710
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 28817, STIKIT LOW PROFILE DISC PAD, EXTRA FIRM, 5 IN X 3/8 IN X 5/16 IN, 24 EXTERNAL, 7010361145
3M 03601, Plastic Emblem and Trim Adhesive, 1 oz, 7100045880, 24 per case
3M 20907, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118875
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 20942, Scotch-Weld Urethane Adhesive 3549, Brown, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum, (Pail), 7100041738
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
Insize 4209-3, LONG HANDLE TELESCOPING GAGE, 3/4 ~ 1-1/4", 6928640311550
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belts, 1/2" X 24" 200u
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
Dynabrade 51708 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1" X 49" 125U
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
Dynabrade 10690 Filter/Regulator/Lubricator, FRL40, 1/2" NPTAssy.
Dynabrade 55500 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 1/8" Collet
3M 22970, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External 3/8-24 Internal, 7000046093
3M 26583, Accuspray Refill Pack for PPS Series 2.0, Green, 1.3 mm, 7100152953
3M 45038, Wheel Adapter Kit No.3, 5/8-11 External, 7000028423
3M 14270, Disc Pad Face Plate, 4-1/2 in Hard Black, 7000144144
3M 99632, Scotch-Weld Pressure Fit/High Temperature Retaining Compound RT48, Green, 50 mL Bottle, 7010367443, 10/case
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/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 20930, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118916
3M 20272, Neoprene Contact Adhesive 10, Light Yellow, 1 Quart Can, 7100011456, 12/case
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M 85372, Cloth Belt 777F, 80 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7000118397, 200 per case 
