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 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M 20913, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 36 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118919
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/4" X 24" 75U
Standard Abrasives 78527, Ceramic Pro Type 29 Flap Disc, 645139, 7 in x 5/8-11 40 Y-weight, 7010301277
Insize 4209-3, LONG HANDLE TELESCOPING GAGE, 3/4 ~ 1-1/4", 6928640311550
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 53036, 663FC, 1/2" X 90", 20u, Diamond Trizact Belt 7100205970
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
Dynabrade 51731 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M 36849, Dirt Trap Protection Material, White, 4 in x 300 ft, 7100133779
Dynabrade 95843 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Gallon
3M 55722, Stikit Film Disc 375L, 6 x NH P1000 w/Skipslit Liner, 7100075240, 250 per case
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 16159, PTFE Glass Cloth Tape 5453, Brown, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 8.2 mil, 7000050132
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 74u
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 20230, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046344
3M 41100, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 60+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010511304, 200 per case 
