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 91494, 8210 Particulate Respirator Display, 8210PB1-QP, 7010313631, 20 eaches/pack, 9packs/tray, 3 trays/display
3M 85309, Aluminum Foil Tape 425, Silver, 3/4 in x 60 yd, 4.6 mil, 7100053743
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
3M 16579, Accuspray ONE Replacement Spray Gun, 7100096183
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 60u
Dynabrade 95848 Dynabrade Gear Oil
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
Dynabrade 96101 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR 24 Per Box
3M 09413, Scotch-Brite Contour Surface Paint and Varnish Remover 9413NA, 7000052005
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
Dynabrade 51756 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 16314, PPS Lid & Liner Kit, Mini (6 fl oz), 125 Micron Full
Diameter Filter, 50 Lids & Liners per kit, 7000045487
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
3M 08981, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP105, Clear, 48.5 mL Duo-Pak, 7100148733, 12/case
3M 92297, Drywall Quick Clip Pole Sander DRPS-0010, 3-5/16 in x 9-1/4 in, 7010332448
Dynabrade 51862 .4 hp Trim Router (Complete), 30,000 RPM, 1/4 Collet
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
Dynabrade 51731 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 50730, PPS UV Standard Lid & Liner Kit, Standard (22 fl oz, 650
mL), 125 Micron Filters, 7100067511
Dynabrade 11254 Contact Arm Ass'y, 4-3/4" Dia. x 1/2" W
3M 20230, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046344
3M™ 07010, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-25/07010(AAD), 25 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005374, 1 EA/Case
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 35830, Hookit Dust Extraction Flexible Radius Sanding Block, 133 mm x 66 mm, 7100256625
Dynabrade 51706 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095 
