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 09099, Scotch-Brite Paint and Rust Stripper Large Area 9099NA, 7010375230
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 45335, Impact Stripping Tape 528, Tan, 2 in x 20 yd, 82 mil, 6 rolls per case, 7100084365
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 19674, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 5 oz Tube, 7000000792, 36/Case
3M 13714, Cloth Belt 963G, 80 YN-weight, 2 in x 48 in, Film-lok, L-flex, 7000118462, 50 per case
3M 62795, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550FC Fast Cure, Black, 310 mL Cartridge, 7100001803, 12/Case
Dynabrade 51702 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 00550, DynatronAuto Seam Sealer Caulk, 550, Grey, 12 oz, 7000125068, 12 per case
3M™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M 29835, Sanding Screen, 80 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160844
3M 16151, PTFE Glass Cloth Tape 5451, Brown, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 5.6 mil, 7000050135
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 19677, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 1 Gallon Drum, 7000000793, 4/Case
3M 20905, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118876
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 36879, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 28 in x 300 ft, 7100169496
Standard Abrasives 547003, Adapter, 5/8"-11 Male x 3/8"-24 Female, 7010368726 
