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 96101 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR 24 Per Box
Insize SFT-S210R-U, SALT SPRAY TESTER, 6974029771514
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M 82596, Hot Melt Adhesive 3762 AE, Tan, 0.45 in x 12 in, 7100023019, 11 LBS/Case
3M 82239, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 420, Off-White, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7100001144
Dynabrade 11253 Contact Arm Assy
3M 28217, Cubitron II Roloc Disc 984F, 60+ YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7010326790
3M 19674, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 5 oz Tube, 7000000792, 36/Case
Dynabrade 64350 26" W x 36" L (660 mm W x 914 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Station, 230 V (AC)
Dynabrade 53270 7" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Disc Sander
3M 77512, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010307736, 200 per case
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
Dynabrade 51623 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 79127 3/4" W x 18" L 120 Grit DynaCut Premium Ceramic Belt, 50/pack
3M 51033, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TSM, 3 in, Die RS300VM, 7000148150
Dynabrade 53249 9" Dia. Type 27 Vertical Depressed Center Wheel Grinder, 3 HP, 6,000 RPM, 5/8"-11 Spindle
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 20931, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118915 
