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 57894, 642WY 1/4" X 24", 50000 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7100230570
3M 10120, Synthetic Steel Wool Pads, 10120NA, #000 Extra Fine, 7000126149
Insize 4102-136, STEEL GAGE BLOCK SET, 36pcs, grade AS-1, 6928640329876
Standard Abrasives 850034, Unitized Wheel Steel Screw Mandrel, 7/8 in x 1/4 in Shank, 7000121879
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 20930, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118916
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 20u
3M 66629, Cloth Belt 341D, 40 X-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118863, 20 per case
3M 00705, Interam Stainless Steel Foil Tape T-65, 4 in x 100 ft, 7100024280
3M 36880, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 36 in x 300 ft, 7100169352
3M 08994, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP100, Clear, 48.5 mL Duo-Pak, 7100148763, 12/case
3M 30709, Cloth Belt 577F, 120 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010363107, 200 per case 
