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 51753 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 62605, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039190, 10/case
Dynabrade 59339 Vacuum Cuff, 1", w/Groove
3M 71883, Flexible Diamond Hand File 6210J, No 2, White, 18, N20, 7000082161, 10 Per Case
3M 05536, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 981F, 4 x 132 in, 60+, YF-weight, Film-lok, 7100163076, 25 per case
3M 05048, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141432, 200 per case
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
Dynabrade 60051 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 94960 1/4" Composite-Style Coupler, 1/4" Female
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3" X 90" 75U
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
Dynabrade 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
ACS Diamond Grinding Disc, 4-1/2" Dia. X 5/8"-11 Center Hub Thread, Type 29, 36 Grit
3M 20910, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118872
3M 22970, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External 3/8-24 Internal, 7000046093 
