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 20905, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118876
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 74u
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Air Turbine Tools 310RSV - 1/4" Router Hand Tool Series, 25,000RPM, 33420
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Dynabrade 51708 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 80835, Flexible Diamond Hand File 6210J, No 2, Yellow, 18, N40, 7000082160, 10 Per Case
Standard Abrasives 37446, PSA A/O Disc, 700595, 1-1/2 in x NH, 60, 7010331822
3M 62661, Scotch-Weld General Purpose Retaining Compound RT09, Green, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039228, 10/case
3M Scotchkote Liquid Epoxy Coating Spray System HSS Mix Nozzle, RightAngle, 7000058900
NORTON 66623313925 - 2" Dia. Blaze Rapid Blend Quick-Change TS (TYPE II) Non-Woven Disc, 25 Each
3M 05442, Stikit Soft Hand Block, 2-3/4 x 5 in, 7000045435
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
NORTON 66254497068 - 3" Dia. Rapid Blend Vortex Disc, TR (TYPE III), Quick-Change Non-Woven, Medium, 25 Each
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 93341 Carbide Burr, 1/8" Dia., SC-42 D/C Burr, Cylinder-Radiused End, 9/16" Flute L, 1/8" Shank
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 09099, Scotch-Brite Paint and Rust Stripper Large Area 9099NA, 7010375230
3M 49938, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TSM, 2 in, Die RS200PM, 7000119019
Standard Abrasives 840037, Quick Change Surface Conditioning GP Disc, A/O Coarse, TSM, Brown, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000121646, 50/case
Dynabrade 93380 Carbide Burr 8-Piece Burr Kit, 6mm Shank
Dynabrade 94980 1/4" Composite-Style Coupler, 1/4" Male
3M 01331, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000118882
3M 62817, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, Black, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100139449, 12/Case
Dynabrade 51753 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 64350 26" W x 36" L (660 mm W x 914 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Station, 230 V (AC)
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 53036, 663FC, 1/2" X 90", 20u, Diamond Trizact Belt 7100205970
3M 22971, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.25 Internal, 7000046094 
