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 26054, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S18, 3/8 Female, 18 Thread NPS,
4 per case
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 88892, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 15 in x NH, Die 1500A, 7010360718
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M 80510, Roloc Disc 777F, P120 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045622
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 05777, Hookit Soft Interface Pad, 6 x 1/2 x 3/4 inch, 7000028239
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 51750 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 02960, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1 in x 1 in, 7100009186, Box of 3
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 87449 Silver Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27 Quick Change, 9 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Center Hub Thread, 7010409732, 20 per case
Dynabrade 93348 Carbide Burr, 1/8" Dia., SM-42 D/C Burr, 14 Degree Cone, 7/16" Flute L, 1/8" Shank
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 76623, Roloc Disc 777F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045619
3M 47181, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550FC Fast Cure, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100197989, 12/Case
3M 06504, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, Black, 295 mL Cartridge, 7000042727, 12/Case
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
3M 01032, Scotch-Brite Clean and Strip Unitized Wheel, CS-UW, 7S Extra Coarse, 6 in x 1 in x 5/8 in, 7000120867 
