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.

Standard Abrasives 840038, Quick Change Surface Conditioning GP Disc, A/O Medium, TSM, Maroon, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000121647, 50/case
3M 20930, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118916
3M 20932, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118914
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 03647, Scotch-Brite Edger Disc Pad, 7 in x .875 in, 7000133920
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 45038, Wheel Adapter Kit No.3, 5/8-11 External, 7000028423
3M 65033, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 645DC 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7010365574, Box of 3
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 22405, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045102
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 03738, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 7A Medium, 3 in x 3/4 in x 3/8 in, 7010364917
3M 26024, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System Kit, Large (28 fl oz, 850mL), 200 Micron Filter, 7100134650
Dynabrade 55500 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 1/8" Collet
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
Dynabrade 93335 Carbide Burr, 3/8" Dia., SE-3 D/C Burr, Oval, 5/8" Flute L, 1/4" Shank
Dynabrade 51810 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 86431, Scotch-Weld Multi-Material Composite Urethane Adhesive DP6330NS,Green, 48.5 mL Duo-Pak, 7100109828, 12/Case
3M 05206, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, White, 1 oz Tube, 7010325697, 12/Case
Dynabrade 51633 .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
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 02960, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1 in x 1 in, 7100009186, Box of 3
3M 22970, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External 3/8-24 Internal, 7000046093 
