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 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 250u
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
3M 10112, Heavy Duty Stripping Pads, 3 3/4 in x 6 in x 7/16 in, 7010290303
3M 76623, Roloc Disc 777F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045619
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
3M 13325, Disc Pad Face Plate, 4-1/2 in Medium Gray, 7000120513
3M 29832, Sanding Screen, 150 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160831
3M 45120, Cartridge RoII Mandrel, 3/32 in x 3/4 in x 1/4 in, 7010328349
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
3M Scotchkote Liquid Epoxy Coating Spray System HSS Mix Nozzle,Straight, 7000031879
Dynabrade 60051 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M 92577, Temflex Vinyl Electrical Tape 165, Yellow, 3/4 in x 60 ft (19 mm x 18 m), 6 mil, 7100169490
3M 22971, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.25 Internal, 7000046094 
