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 51705 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 62611, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL62, Red, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039195, 2/case
3M 47201, Polyurethane Sealant 540, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100198009, 12/Case
3M 49937, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TSM, 2 in, Die RS200PM, 7000119016
Dynabrade 14010 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool Versatility Kit
3M 13718, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 2S Fine, 3 in x 3/4 in x 1/4 in, 7000046025
3M 76622, Roloc Disc 777F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045618
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 22399, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000028184
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 76623, Roloc Disc 777F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045619
3M 62606, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039193, 10/case
3M 65033, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 645DC 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7010365574, Box of 3
3M 62613, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039231, 10/case
3M 66634, Cloth Belt 341D, 80 X-weight, 6 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118866, 20 per case
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M 62617, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL90, Green, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039235, 2/case
3M 16614, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Green, 1.3 mm, 7100086806 (4 Nozzles/Kit)
3M 05048, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141432, 200 per case
3M 01133, Hookit Red Finishing Film Abrasive Disc 260L, 6 in, Dust Free, P1500, 7010290267, 25 discs per carton
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 47195, Polyurethane Construction Sealant 525, Gray, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100198003, 12/Case
Standard Abrasives 724277, Buff and Blend Circle Buff GP, A/O Very Fine, 2 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7010368699
3M 20931, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118915
Dynabrade 51702 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Dynabrade 51629 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3/8" X 24" 75U
3M 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095 
