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™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 76622, Roloc Disc 777F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045618
Dynabrade 95848 Dynabrade Gear Oil
3M 53036, 663FC, 1/2" X 90", 20u, Diamond Trizact Belt 7100205970
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belts, 1/2" X 24" 45u
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
Dynabrade 51811 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/16" Collet
3M 62612, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039197, 10/case
3M 05752, Perfect-It Quick Connect Adaptor, 05752, 5/8 in, 7100141852
Standard Abrasives 726072, A/O C2 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2-1/2 in x 1/4 in 120, 7100098781
3M 29836, Sanding Screen, 60 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160820
3M 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095 
