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 16609, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Red, 2.0 mm, 7000045543 (4 Nozzles/Kit) (6 Kits/Case)
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 87828, Scotch-Weld Acrylic Adhesive DP805, Pale Yellow, 200 mL Duo-Pak, 7010367390, 12/case
3M 26583, Accuspray Refill Pack for PPS Series 2.0, Green, 1.3 mm, 7100152953
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
3M 26710, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System UV Kit, Standard (22 fl oz,
650 mL), 200 Micron Filter, 7100128902
3M 21210, Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 16.75 oz), 7000000931, 12/Case
Dynabrade 53270 7" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Disc Sander
3M 14270, Disc Pad Face Plate, 4-1/2 in Hard Black, 7000144144
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 73547, Mix & Dispense Equipment - Application Tools, TS-1275-4-1000 Red Scraper, 7100207928
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 27571, Adhesion Promoter 4298, Sponge Applicator Packet, 2.5 cc, 7000002020
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
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 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
3M 36876, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 4 in x 300 ft perroll, 7100169348, 6 Rolls Per Pack
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
3M 36879, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 28 in x 300 ft, 7100169496
3M 26006, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S5, 12 mm Male, 1.5 mm Thread, 7100135831
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 20u
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 62604, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 1 mL Pipette, 7100064043, 100/case
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Standard Abrasives 547003, Adapter, 5/8"-11 Male x 3/8"-24 Female, 7010368726 
