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 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095
3M 15121, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 5A Fine, 3 in x 1/4 in x 3/8 in, 7010364528
3M 28719, Wheel Adapter Kit 28719, 1 in x 5/8-11 Internal, 7100050705
3M 16151, PTFE Glass Cloth Tape 5451, Brown, 3/4 in x 36 yd, 5.6 mil, 7000050135
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 62610, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL62, Red, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039196, 10/case
3M 35790, 675L, 1" X 120", 74u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010509196
NORTON 66623313925 - 2" Dia. Blaze Rapid Blend Quick-Change TS (TYPE II) Non-Woven Disc, 25 Each
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 34672, 641WY, 1/2" X 64", 100 Mesh, Diamond Cloth Belts 7100111364
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 29902, Sanding Screen, 150 Grit, 12 in x 18 in, 7100160763
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 87103, Cloth Belt 341D, 24 X-weight, 9 in x 20 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010326200, 20 per case
3M 47181, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550FC Fast Cure, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100197989, 12/Case
Dynabrade 51703 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 20922, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 1-1/2 in x NH, Die 150S, 7010326528.
Dynabrade 55500 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 1/8" Collet
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 250u
3M 41595, Polyurethane Sealant 540, Black, 310 mL Cartridge, 7100001804, 12/Case 
