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 65033, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 645DC 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7010365574, Box of 3
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M 01425, Stikit Gold Disc Roll, 5 in, P150, 7010291071, 175 discs per roll
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 81729, Disc Pad Face Plate Ribbed, 9 in Hard Black, 7000148244
3M 08017, Marine Grade Silicone Sealant, White, 3 oz Tube, 7000120479, 6/Case
3M 05182, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7100050403,Box of 4
3M 20365, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216, Gray, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046361
3M 76733, Cloth Belt 777F, 80 YF-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118454, 20 per case
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 09413, Scotch-Brite Contour Surface Paint and Varnish Remover 9413NA, 7000052005
3M 16325, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Large (28 fl oz), 125 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 25 Lids & Liners per kit, 7100003284
3M Scotchkote Liquid Epoxy Coating Spray System HSS Mix Nozzle,Straight, 7000031879
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 76623, Roloc Disc 777F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045619
3M 55053, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 80+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000119518, 200 per case 
