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.

Dynabrade 51810 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 05048, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141432, 200 per case
3M 05740, Hookit Hand Block, 2-3/4 in x 5 in, 7000045715
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 30u
3M 14593, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Disc, 3" x 1-1/4" x 1/4" A Medium, D5, 7000045941, Box of 10
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
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
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
Dynabrade 93917 3" Dia. x 3/8" CH 40/50 Grit Continuous Rim Diamond Cut-Off Wheel
3M 96673, Glass Cloth Tape 398FR, White, 3 in x 36 yd, 7 mil, 7000001301
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Norton 66254489957 Wheel, Vortex-7am, 6" X 1/2" X 1" C2312 Nor VTME7 PH VTC+, 4 Each
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 52169 Handle Assembly
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M™ 07010, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-25/07010(AAD), 25 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005374, 1 EA/Case
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
Dynabrade 51706 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
Standard Abrasives 547003, Adapter, 5/8"-11 Male x 3/8"-24 Female, 7010368726 
