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.

Dynabrade 95848 Dynabrade Gear Oil
3M 45038, Wheel Adapter Kit No.3, 5/8-11 External, 7000028423
3M 01334, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 50 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000118879
3M 10455, Cloth Sheet 481W, 220, 9 in x 11 in, 7010294811
3M 06518, Scotch Steel Gray Masking Paper, 06518, 18 in x 1000 ft, 2 per case, 7000045441
3M 02405, Utility Cloth Sheet 211K, 9 in x 11 in 220 J-weight, 7010299775
3M 19773, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P60 X-weight, 7000000360
3M 86992, Diamond Disc, 3" Roloc, 674W, 120 Mesh, TR, 7100143477, Box of 5
3M Super Abrasives Roloc Disc, 2" Type-R, Medium AO High Strength, Box of 50
3M 26132, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S37, 5/8 Male, 11 UNC Modified, 7100135949
Norton 66261014936 3" DIA X 1/8" Thick, Bear-Tex NEX Rapid Blend Quick-Change Type III Non-Woven Unified Wheel, 40 Each
3M 15041, Scotch Electrical Shielding Tape 24, 1 in x 15 ft (25 mm x 4,6 m), 7000031348
3M 06506, Scotch Steel Gray Masking Paper, 06506, 6 in x 1000 ft, 6 per case, 7000045440
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M 22405, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045102
3M 01875, Charge-Collection Solar Tape 3011, 2 mm x 1200 m, 7010312686
Dynabrade 64350 26" W x 36" L (660 mm W x 914 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Station, 230 V (AC)
Norton 66261014897 2" x 1/4" Bear-Tex NEX Rapid Blend AO Medium Grit TR (Type III) Non-Woven Wheel, 60 Each
3M 35790, 675L, 1" X 120", 74u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010509196 
