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 27464, Cloth Belt 340D, 50 X-weight, 4 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000119041, 25 per case
3M 30137, Heavy Duty Canvas Wheel Masker, 20 inch, 7100145359, 4 per pack
3M 65086, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 6" x 1" x 1" 645DC, 7010329878
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Dynabrade 51753 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 20930, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118916
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
Dynabrade 51630 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 49056, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 560, White, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000000945, 12/case
3M 28817, STIKIT LOW PROFILE DISC PAD, EXTRA FIRM, 5 IN X 3/8 IN X 5/16 IN, 24 EXTERNAL, 7010361145
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 15060, Roloc + Button 7, 3/8 in Red, 7000045945
Dynabrade 51750 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 55037, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 60+ YF-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010308910, 20 per case
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belts, 1/2" X 24" 45u
Dynabrade 51706 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 51705 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Standard Abrasives 547003, Adapter, 5/8"-11 Male x 3/8"-24 Female, 7010368726 
