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 25783, Scotch-Weld PUR Applicator Housing/Shroud Assembly Kit, 7000028623
3M 20911, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 50 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118871
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/4" X 24" 75U
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
Standard Abrasives 547003, Adapter, 5/8"-11 Male x 3/8"-24 Female, 7010368726
Dynabrade 51706 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M 22399, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000028184
3M 87449 Silver Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27 Quick Change, 9 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Center Hub Thread, 7010409732, 20 per case
Dynabrade 51700 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
Standard Abrasives 713066, PSA A/O Disc, 8 in x NH, 60, 7010370082
Dynabrade 51812 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 16112, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Midi (13.5 fl oz), 200 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 50 Lids & Liners per kit, 7100020094
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 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
Insize 4190-11H16, CERAMIC STANDARD BALLS, 11/16", 6940561969832
3M 62606, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039193, 10/case
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
Dynabrade 95821 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 4oz Bottle
3M 22971, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.25 Internal, 7000046094 
