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 89486, Scotch-Weld PUR Applicator Heat Tube Assembly (120V) Kit, 7010329969
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 05048, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141432, 200 per case
3M 66617, Cloth Belt 341D, 50 X-weight, 3 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000118857, 25 per case
3M 97956, Super 77 CA Multipurpose Spray Adhesive, Low VOC <25%, Clear, 24 fl oz Can, 7100014109, 12/Case
Norton 66261096557 - 3" X 1/2" Blaze Rapid Strip Ceramic Alumina Extra Coarse Grade Non- Woven Abrasive Disc With Quick Change TR III Attachment, 25 Each
Dynabrade 51750 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 51740 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet, with Mount Stem
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
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
Standard Abrasives 713297, Aluminum Oxide Handy Roll, P120 J-weight, 2 in x 50 yd, 7100031623
3M 86407, Scotch-Weld Multi-Material Composite Urethane Adhesive DP6310NS,Green, 48.5 mL Duo-Pak, 7100109829, 12/case
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 05036, Cloth Belt 384F, 60+ XF-weight, 1/8 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, 7100141420, 200 per case
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
3M 65086, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 6" x 1" x 1" 645DC, 7010329878
Standard Abrasives 541151, Quick Change TS P.A.R.T. #21 Disc Mandrel, 5/8 in TA4 (PILOT), 7000121723 
