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 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 62812, Adhesive Sealant 740 UV, White, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100116448, 12 per case
Dynabrade 78291 2" Dia. x 2A M Medium Type R Unitized Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
3M 05783, Hookit Pad D/F, 8 in x 5 bolt hole, 7000119884
3M 01334, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 50 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000118879
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M 20942, Scotch-Weld Urethane Adhesive 3549, Brown, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum, (Pail), 7100041738
3M 26114, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System Kit, Mini (6.8 fl oz, 200
mL), 200u Micron Filter, 7100135935
3M 14593, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Disc, 3" x 1-1/4" x 1/4" A Medium, D5, 7000045941, Box of 10
3M 13172, Scotch-Brite Multi-Finishing Wheel, MU-WL, 2S Fine, 6 in x 1 in x 1 in, 7000136471
3M 05519, Sanding Block, Rubber, 2-3/4 in x 5 in, 7000000587
3M 08024, Adhesive Sealant 740 UV, Black, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100115542, 12 per case
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
Dynabrade 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093 
