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 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 26132, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S37, 5/8 Male, 11 UNC Modified, 7100135949
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
Standard Abrasives 712149, Aluminum Oxide Handy Roll, P100 J-weight, 1-1/2 in x 50 yd, 7010295370
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
Standard Abrasives 700743, Cartridge RoII Mandrel, 1/8 in x 3/4 in x 1/8 in x 1 in x 2-3/4 in CM-4, 7010368728
3M 22333, Cloth Belt 577F, 120 YF-weight, 3/4 in x 20-1/2 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7000119441, 200 per case
3M 30704, Cloth Belt 577F, 120 YF-weight, 2 in x 60 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010292532, 50 per case
3M 26124, PPS Series 2.0 Type H/O Pressure Cup, Large/Standard (28 floz/22 fl oz, 828m/650 mL), 2/Case
Norton 66623325035 - 2" 120 Grit Fine Grade Aluminum Oxide Vortex Rapid Prep Green TR Non-Woven Surface Preparation Disc, 50 Each
Standard Abrasives 710190, Cartridge Roll Mandrel, 2560020, 1/8 in x 1 in x 1/4 in x 1-1/4 in x 2-3/4 in CM-9, 7000121790
3M 94717, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 947A, 80+ X-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010294445, 200 per case
Standard Abrasives 713297, Aluminum Oxide Handy Roll, P120 J-weight, 2 in x 50 yd, 7100031623
Dynabrade 95843 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Gallon
Norton 66261017522 - 3" Medium Grade Rapid Prep TR (Type III) Non-Woven Surface Preparation Disc, 25 Each
3M 05442, Stikit Soft Hand Block, 2-3/4 x 5 in, 7000045435
3M 26022, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S12, 10 mm Male, 1.0 mm Thread, 7100135943
Standard Abrasives 713276, Aluminum Oxide Handy Roll, P180 J-weight, 2 in x 50 yd, 7100037246
3M 01548, Green Corps Stikit Production Disc, 6 in, 36 grit, 7010328261, 100 discs per carton
Standard Abrasives 701149, PSA A/O Disc, 1 in x NH, 240, 7010370103 
