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 47182, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550FC Fast Cure, Gray, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100197990, 12/Case
Standard Abrasives 707505, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 40 Grit, 7010369974
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 125U
Insize 4209-1, LONG HANDLE TELESCOPING GAGE, 5/16 ~ 1/2", 6928640311536
3M 69604, Cloth Belt 777F, P120 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010328597, 200 per 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 36516, Green Corps Abrasive File Belt, 40 grit, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7 mm x 457.2 mm), 7100225352, 20 Belts Per Carton, 5 Cartons Per Case
Standard Abrasives 840037, Quick Change Surface Conditioning GP Disc, A/O Coarse, TSM, Brown, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000121646, 50/case
Standard Abrasives 840038, Quick Change Surface Conditioning GP Disc, A/O Medium, TSM, Maroon, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000121647, 50/case
3M Scotchkote Liquid Epoxy Coating Spray System HSS Mix Nozzle,Straight, 7000031879
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 41531, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 420, Black, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000000827
3M 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 175u
3M 26557, Cloth Belt 341D, P180 X-weight, 2 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010307963, 50 per case
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832 
