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 05182, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7100050403,Box of 4
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
Dynabrade 40610 Electric Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 125U
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
Standard Abrasives 43253, Zirconia GP Type 27 Flap Disc, 645936, 4-1/2 in x 5/8-11 120, 7010367765
3M 20230, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046344
3M 25138, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL43, Blue, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039219, 10/case
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 19706, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 2S Fine, 6 in x 1/4 in x 1 in, SPR 17773A, 7010366223
3M 62610, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL62, Red, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039196, 10/case
3M 08973, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Potting Compound DP270, Clear, 48.5 mL Duo-Pak, 7100148730, 12/case
Standard Abrasives 840031, Quick Change Surface Conditioning FE Disc, A/O Coarse, TSM, Brown, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000046845, 50/case
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/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 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
3M 57894, 642WY 1/4" X 24", 50000 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7100230570
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 41100, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 60+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010511304, 200 per case 
