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.

Dynabrade 40610 Electric Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
Dynabrade 95843 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Gallon
Dynabrade 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
3M 25705, Scotch-Brite Roloc Surface Conditioning Disc, SC-DR, A/O Medium, TR, 3/4 in, 7000120983, 200/case
3M 88906, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 36 X-weight, 12 in x NH, Die 1200B, 7000118898
Standard Abrasives 32953, PSA A/O Disc, 711880, 2 in x NH, 60, 7010310798
3M 25125, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 1 mL Pipette, 7010330204, 100/case
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 125U
3M 20931, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118915
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M 86398, Scotch-Weld Multi-Material Composite Urethane Adhesive DP6310NS,Green, 400 mL Duo-Pak, 7100109830, 6/case
3M 17298, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 784F, 60+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010532459, 200 per case 
