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 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 30" 60M/250U
3M 66165, Wind Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600, 50 ml (1.7 fluid ounce), 7100008766, 12/Case
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M 20910, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118872
3M 20227, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 oz Tube, 7000046343, 36/Case
3M 62602, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL22, Purple, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039159, 10/case
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
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
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
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 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
3M 71346, 675L, 1" X 120", 125u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010534823
3M 08374, MSP Sprayable Seam Sealer, Gray, 10.5 FL OZ Cartridge, 7000148239, 6 per case
3M 05182, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7100050403,Box of 4
Dynabrade 51811 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/16" Collet
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
Standard Abrasives 547003, Adapter, 5/8"-11 Male x 3/8"-24 Female, 7010368726 
