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 51623 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
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
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 08370, MSP Seam Sealer, Gray, 310 mL Flexpack, 7000119838, 6 per case
Standard Abrasives 724277, Buff and Blend Circle Buff GP, A/O Very Fine, 2 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7010368699
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
Dynabrade 51811 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/16" Collet
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belts, 1/2" X 24" 45u
Dynabrade 51731 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 51702 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 65033, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 645DC 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7010365574, Box of 3
3M 26024, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System Kit, Large (28 fl oz, 850mL), 200 Micron Filter, 7100134650
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 45038, Wheel Adapter Kit No.3, 5/8-11 External, 7000028423 
