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 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 03738, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 7A Medium, 3 in x 3/4 in x 3/8 in, 7010364917
Dynabrade 60052 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
Dynabrade 51700 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Norton 66261014793 - 3" Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Bear-Tex Speed-Lok High Strength Maroon TR Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, 80 Each
3M 05182, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7100050403,Box of 4
Dynabrade 51810 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 76624, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045620
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 99632, Scotch-Weld Pressure Fit/High Temperature Retaining Compound RT48, Green, 50 mL Bottle, 7010367443, 10/case
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
Dynabrade 51702 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 45038, Wheel Adapter Kit No.3, 5/8-11 External, 7000028423
Dynabrade 51811 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/16" Collet
3M 62607, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039192, 2/case
3M 36517, Green Corps Abrasive File Belt, 60 Grit, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7mm x 457.2 mm), 7100226310, 20 Belts Per Carton, 5 Cartons Per Case
3M 26583, Accuspray Refill Pack for PPS Series 2.0, Green, 1.3 mm, 7100152953
3M 84584, Cloth Belt 777F, 50 YF-weight, 3 in x 264 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010309169, 5 per case
Standard Abrasives 541151, Quick Change TS P.A.R.T. #21 Disc Mandrel, 5/8 in TA4 (PILOT), 7000121723 
