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 07414, Hand Sanding Metal Finishing Pad 7414NA, 4.375 in x 11 in, Maroon Medium, 7010315820
Standard Abrasives 78530, Ceramic Pro Type 29 Flap Disc, 645145, 7 in x 7/8 40 Y-weight, 7010369548, 10 per case
Norton 66623335427, 2" Dia Vortex Rapid Prep Quick-Change Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, Medium Grade, 50 Each
3M 19769, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P150 J-weight, 7000000357
3M 26689, High Power Spray Gun Cleaner, 15 oz (426 g), 7100148476
3M 45017, Diamond Grade DG3 Reflective Digital Sheeting 4091UDS,Yellow, 30 in x 50 yd, 1 Roll/Case, 7100282697
3M 22405, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045102
Standard Abrasives 78510, Ceramic Pro Type 27 Flap Disc, 645104, 4-1/2 in x 5/8-11 60 Y-weight, 7010369539, 10 per case
3M 22970, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External 3/8-24 Internal, 7000046093
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 85561, Heavy Duty Duct Tape 3939, Silver, 24 mm x 54.8 m, 9.0 mil, 7000048814
3M 53031, 663FC, 1" X 90", 20u, Diamond Trizact Belts, 7100205968
Standard Abrasive 78548, Ceramic Pro Type 29 High Density Flap Disc, 645183, 4 1/2 in x 7/8 40 Y-weight, 7010292440
3M 26132, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S37, 5/8 Male, 11 UNC Modified, 7100135949
3M 17227, Heavy Duty Duct Tape DT11, Silver, 48 mm x 54.8 m, 11 mil, 7100158346
3M 45038, Wheel Adapter Kit No.3, 5/8-11 External, 7000028423
3M 16115, PPS Cup & Collar, Mini, 7000028417, 2 per carton
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 05027, Cloth Belt 384F, 240+ XF-weight, 1/2 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, 7100141448, 200 per case
3M 06524, Scotch Steel Gray Masking Paper, 06524, 24 in x 1000 ft, 1 per case, 7000045442
3M 06506, Scotch Steel Gray Masking Paper, 06506, 6 in x 1000 ft, 6 per case, 7000045440
3M 05033, Cloth Belt 384F, 60+ XF-weight, 1/2 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141442, 200 per case
3M 26139, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S43, 1/4 Male, 19 Thread BSP, 7100135337
Standard Abrasives 811524, Type 27 Unitized Wheel, 524, 4-1/2 in x 1/2 in x 7/8 in, 7000047000
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 30025, Pressure Sensitive Spray Adhesive 72, Blue, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 17.3 oz), 7000046588, 12/Case
Standard Abrasives 42564, A/O Flap Wheel 611403, 1 in x 1 in x 1/4 in 40, 7010310476, 10 per case
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
Dynabrade 95843 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Gallon
3M 20930, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118916
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
3M 76624, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045620 
