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
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
Dynabrade 51632 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 60203 - 20,000 lb. Jack with No Pad
3M 28830, 675L, 1/2" X 72", 74u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belt 7010508919
Insize ISY-700-90015, STAND FOR SLICE PARTS, 6940561980745
3M 00550, DynatronAuto Seam Sealer Caulk, 550, Grey, 12 oz, 7000125068, 12 per case
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
ACS Visor, Shade 5 Carrier Frame for M Series Helmets (M-307 & M-407)
3M 26597, Cloth Belt 341D, P320 X-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010294511, 200 per case 
