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 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 66630, Cloth Belt 341D, 50 X-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118864, 20 per case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 125U
Dynabrade 95848 Dynabrade Gear Oil
Dynabrade 51630 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 10690 Filter/Regulator/Lubricator, FRL40, 1/2" NPTAssy.
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M™ 37018, Supplied Air Respirator Vortex Cooling Assembly V-100/37018(AAD), 70070799013, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 01185 Vane Set (4pk)
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
ACS 1/2 in x 18 in Diamond Metal Bond Belt, 60M/250u
Dynabrade 53282 9" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Grinder, 2.8 HP, 6,500 RPM, 5/8"-11 Spindle
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 82238, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 420, Off-White, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum(Pail), 7100001145
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
3M 85492, Scotch Foil Tape 3311, Silver, 2 in x 10 yd, 3.6 mil, 2MMX1200M, 7010334860
3M 69602, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 11 in, Sine-lok, Full-flex, 7010295223, 500 per case
3M 49586, High Strength Large Hole Repair LHR-12-PC-12, 12 Oz, 7100205813
Insize QMS-A450-U, LARGE SIZE QUICK MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS,
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 94914, Scotch-Brite EXL PRO Deburring Wheel, 12 in x 2 in x 5 in 9S FIN, 7100023493
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
Dynabrade 54021 1/4"-28 Male 1/4"-20 Male, 1-3/16" Length
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
3M 05206, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, White, 1 oz Tube, 7010325697, 12/Case
Dynabrade 57113 Rotor/Vane Set
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
3M 34675, 641WY, 1" X 30", 400 Mesh, Diamond Cloth Belts, 7100111369
3M 16580, Accuspray ONE Spray Gun System with Standard PPS, 7100099202
3M 26597, Cloth Belt 341D, P320 X-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010294511, 200 per case 
