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 13372, Scotch-Brite Star, 3 in A CRS LS, 7000120967
Standard Abrasives 713297, Aluminum Oxide Handy Roll, P120 J-weight, 2 in x 50 yd, 7100031623
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
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 70894, 641WY 1/2" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010533228
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 36880, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 36 in x 300 ft, 7100169352
Dynabrade 40610 Electric Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 125u
3M 62815, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, White, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100139501, 12/Case
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M 77197, Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™ Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel,TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 8C CRS+, 7100109130, 40/box
Standard Abrasives 701149, PSA A/O Disc, 1 in x NH, 240, 7010370103
3M 62607, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039192, 2/case
3M 29832, Sanding Screen, 150 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160831
3M 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095 
