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.

ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3/4" X 18" 250U
3M 92575, Temflex Vinyl Electrical Tape 165, Red, 3/4 in x 60 ft (19 mm x 18 m), 6 mil, 7100169492
3M 65086, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 6" x 1" x 1" 645DC, 7010329878
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 62615, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL90, Green, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039234, 10/case
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
Dynabrade 51863 .7 hp Trim Router (Complete), 20,000 RPM, 1/4 Collet
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 57894, 642WY 1/4" X 24", 50000 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7100230570
Dynabrade 51810 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
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 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Dynabrade 94990 1/4" Female Composite-Style Coupler with 1/4" Male Plug Assembly
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 125u
3M 28817, STIKIT LOW PROFILE DISC PAD, EXTRA FIRM, 5 IN X 3/8 IN X 5/16 IN, 24 EXTERNAL, 7010361145
Dynabrade 51812 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 01331, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000118882
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095 
