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 36881, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 48 in x 300 ft, 7100169351
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 98272 1/2" NPT Female Plug
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 20942, Scotch-Weld Urethane Adhesive 3549, Brown, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum, (Pail), 7100041738
3M 08025, Adhesive Sealant 740 UV, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100057385, 12/Case
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
Standard Abrasives 713218, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in 60, 7100102807
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 81729, Disc Pad Face Plate Ribbed, 9 in Hard Black, 7000148244
Dynabrade 51811 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/16" Collet
3M 20360, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216, Gray, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046360
Dynabrade 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
3M 62611, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL62, Red, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039195, 2/case
3M 47181, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550FC Fast Cure, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100197989, 12/Case
3M 15913, Scotch-Brite Roloc Disc High Strength, TR, 2 in X NH A Medium, 7000000710
Dynabrade 51810 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 30289, Trizact Hookit Finishing Foam Sheet, 5000, 2-3/4 in x 5-1/2 in, 7000120135, 15 Sheets/Carton
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 62818, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7000121496, 12/Case
3M 30708, Cloth Belt 577F, 120 YF-weight, 1/4 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010308884, 200 per case
Dynabrade 78101 2" Dia. x 80 Grit A/Z DynaCut Locking-Type Disc, 2 Ply Cloth, 25/pack
Standard Abrasives 713066, PSA A/O Disc, 8 in x NH, 60, 7010370082
Dynabrade 31920 - 1-1/4" (32 mm) Static Conductive Hose, Black
3M 14316, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 UV, Black, 295 mL Cartridge, 7010367955, 12/Case
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 13325, Disc Pad Face Plate, 4-1/2 in Medium Gray, 7000120513
3M 26137, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S41, Trapezoidal Thread - QCC, 7100135947
Standard Abrasives 547003, Adapter, 5/8"-11 Male x 3/8"-24 Female, 7010368726 
