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 05783, Hookit Pad D/F, 8 in x 5 bolt hole, 7000119884
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
ACS 2" Diamond Roloc Disc, 100 Mesh, W/ Plastic Button
Dynabrade 51731 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 62615, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL90, Green, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039234, 10/case
3M 36877, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 6 in x 300 ft per Roll, 7100169347, 4 Rolls Per Pack
Dynabrade 64350 26" W x 36" L (660 mm W x 914 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Station, 230 V (AC)
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
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 36518, Green Corps Abrasive File Belt, 80 Grit, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7 mm x 457.2 mm), 7100226321, 20 Belts Per Carton, 5 Cartons Per Case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 250U
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 46470, Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter 60928, P100, 7000002009, 60 EA/Case
Norton 66261009194 - 3" Coarse Grade Rapid Prep, Speed-Lok, Non-Woven Surface Preparation Disc, 25 Each
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 16112, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Midi (13.5 fl oz), 200 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 50 Lids & Liners per kit, 7100020094
3M 14725, Foam and Fabric Spray Adhesive 24, Orange, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179450, 12/Case
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 26017, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S10, 1/4 Female, R-Angle 19
Thread BSP for Side Cup Mount, 7100135927
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M 20230, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046344
Insize 4209-2, LONG HANDLE TELESCOPING GAGE, 1/2 ~ 3/4", 6928640311543
3M 55053, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 80+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000119518, 200 per case 
