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 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 20230, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046344
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
3M 09413, Scotch-Brite Contour Surface Paint and Varnish Remover 9413NA, 7000052005
3M 94717, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 947A, 80+ X-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010294445, 200 per case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 250U
3M 71346, 675L, 1" X 120", 125u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010534823
3M 16199, PPS Disposable Lids, Standard and Large, 125 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 25 lids per case, 7000119821
3M 27490, 641WY, 3" X 30", 1200 Mesh, Diamond Cloth Belts, 7010508907
3M 57173, Temflex Cotton Friction Tape 1755, 3/4 in x 60 ft, Black, 7000058870
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 16159, PTFE Glass Cloth Tape 5453, Brown, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 8.2 mil, 7000050132
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
Standard Abrasives 863110, A/O Unitized Wheel, 631, 2 in x 1/4 in x 1/4 in, 7000144629
Dynabrade 95848 Dynabrade Gear Oil
Dynabrade 82462 5" Dia. x 400 Grit A/O PSA Filmbac DynaCut Disc, 100/Box
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 00110, Adhesive Transfer Tape Extended Liner 920XL, Translucent, 1/2 in x 500 yd, 1 mil, 7100259600
3M 87147, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 5 x NH, 36 YF-weightt, 7010308524
Dynabrade 95843 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Gallon
Dynabrade 95821 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 4oz Bottle
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 20907, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118875
3M 20903, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118877
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 67925, Cloth Belt 777F, P120 YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010363457, 200 per case 
