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 05752, Perfect-It Quick Connect Adaptor, 05752, 5/8 in, 7100141852
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 77197, Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™ Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel,TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 8C CRS+, 7100109130, 40/box
3M 47199, Polyurethane Sealant 540, Gray, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100198007, 12/Case
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 76624, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045620
3M 28214, Cubitron II Roloc Disc 984F, 60+ YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7010361116
3M 14895, Cloth Belt 777F, 80 YF-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010299926, 200 per case
3M 32518, Cloth Belt 341D, P120 X-weight, 9 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010307962, 20 per case
Dynabrade 55500 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 1/8" Collet
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 60052 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Norton 66623325038 - 3" 120 Grit Fine Grade Aluminum Oxide Vortex Rapid Prep, TR (Type III) Non-Woven Surface Preparation Disc, 25 Each
Dynabrade 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
Dynabrade 51750 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 5/8" X 120" 125U 
