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 71878, Flexible Diamond Hand File 6210J, Yellow 18, N40, NO 1, 7000082156, 10 per case
3M 77197, Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™ Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel,TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 8C CRS+, 7100109130, 40/box
3M 16066, PPS Mix Ratio Inserts, Mini (6 fl oz), 7000120511
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
Dynabrade 69522 Housing for 69500, 5,000 RPM
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 92768, Heavy Duty Stripping Tool 10110NA-PT, 3 Coarse, One, Open Stock, 3.375 in. x 5 in. Handle and Pad, 7010292604
Norton 66261014793 - 3" Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Bear-Tex Speed-Lok High Strength Maroon TR Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, 80 Each
3M 26710, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System UV Kit, Standard (22 fl oz,
650 mL), 200 Micron Filter, 7100128902
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