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 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
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 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 08307, Self-Leveling Seam Sealer, 200 mL Cartridge, 7000148242, 6 per case
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
Norton 66261127733 - 2" X 50 Yard 60 Grit Metalite™ Aluminum Oxide Cloth Roll, 1 Each
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 50216, Temflex Cotton Friction Tape 1755, 3/4 in x 82-1/2 ft, Black, 7010297809
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 14750, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 2S Fine, 3 in x 1/4 in x 3/8 in, 7000000699
3M 26005, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S4, 12 mm Female, 1.0 mmThread, 7100135830
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 30" 60M/250U
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
Dynabrade 64404 36" W x 60" L (914 mm W x 1,524 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Table, 230 V (AC), Side Exhaust
3M 25125, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 1 mL Pipette, 7010330204, 100/case
3M 97956, Super 77 CA Multipurpose Spray Adhesive, Low VOC <25%, Clear, 24 fl oz Can, 7100014109, 12/Case
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
3M 02960, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1 in x 1 in, 7100009186, Box of 3
3M 16112, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Midi (13.5 fl oz), 200 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 50 Lids & Liners per kit, 7100020094
3M 97977, Hi-Strength Spray Adhesive 94 ET, Low VOC <20%, Clear, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 19.8 oz), 7000121417, 12/Case
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 62607, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039192, 2/case
3M 55053, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 80+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000119518, 200 per case 
