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 05612, Polyurethane Glass Adhesive Sealant 590, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7000121536, 12/Case
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
3M 62816, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, White, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7000046609, 12/Case
3M 50258, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TSM, 3 in, Die RS300VM, 7010325551
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
Dynabrade 51703 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 30" 60M/250U
3M 29833, Sanding Screen, 120 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160843
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 07189, Particulate Welding Respirator 8515/07189(AAD), N95, 7000002112, 80 EA/Case
Norton 66254432925 Wheel, 3" X 1/2" X 1/4" Bear-Tex, Rapid Blend, Non-Woven 5 Density, A/O, M Grit, 20 Each
3M 26312, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System Kit, Midi (13.5 oz, 400 mL),
125 Micron Filter, 7100169346
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
ACS 1/2 in x 18 in Diamond Metal Bond Belt, 120M/125u
Dynabrade 51740 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet, with Mount Stem
Dynabrade 51629 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 41593, Polystyrene Foam Insulation Spray Adhesive 78, Clear, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 17.9 oz), 7000046590, 12/Case
3M 03647, Scotch-Brite Edger Disc Pad, 7 in x .875 in, 7000133920
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 30u
3M 70894, 641WY 1/2" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010533228
Dynabrade 51862 .4 hp Trim Router (Complete), 30,000 RPM, 1/4 Collet
Insize 4209-5, LONG HANDLE TELESCOPING GAGE, 2-1/8 ~ 3-1/2", 6928640311574
3M 05885, Rigid Parts Repair, 05885, Blue, 200 mL Cartridge, 7100020862
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M 49689, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 10 in x NH, Die 1000C, 7010326501
3M 17298, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 784F, 60+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010532459, 200 per case 
