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 20227, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 oz Tube, 7000046343, 36/Case
3M 76630, Roloc Disc 777F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045627
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 125u
3M 81283, Scotch-Weld High Strength Retaining Compound RT38, Green, 50 mL Bottle, 7010310185, 10/case
3M 22972, Disc Holder Adapter 9, 5/8-11 External M10-1.50 Internal, 7000046095
Dynabrade 98272 1/2" NPT Female Plug
3M 10119, Synthetic Steel Wool Pad 10119NA, 0000 Super Fine, 7000126181
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
3M 09548, Scotch-Brite EXL Deburring Wheel, XL-WL, 8S Fine, 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7000136514
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 45714, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3 in x NH, D/F 3HL, Die 300BE, 7100113113
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
3M 20910, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118872
3M 03647, Scotch-Brite Edger Disc Pad, 7 in x .875 in, 7000133920
3M 27571, Adhesion Promoter 4298, Sponge Applicator Packet, 2.5 cc, 7000002020
3M 28217, Cubitron II Roloc Disc 984F, 60+ YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7010326790
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3/4" X 18" 250U
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 65033, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 645DC 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7010365574, Box of 3
Dynabrade 51632 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 97421, Aluminum Foil Tape 3380, Silver, 72 mm x 45 m, 3.25 mil, 7010375681
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 14725, Foam and Fabric Spray Adhesive 24, Orange, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179450, 12/Case
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 87179, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216NS, Tan, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7010309882
Dynabrade 64219 - 5" Dia. Caster, Rigid
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
Norton 66254497067 - 2" X 1/4" 100 - 150 Grit Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Vortex Rapid Blend Blue TR Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, 25 Each
3M 20913, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 36 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118919
3M 86407, Scotch-Weld Multi-Material Composite Urethane Adhesive DP6310NS,Green, 48.5 mL Duo-Pak, 7100109829, 12/case
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
Dynabrade 51633 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 51812 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 265024, Buff and Blend Cross Buff HP, A/O Very Fine, 1 in x 3/8 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7010310168
Standard Abrasives 541152, Quick Change TS P.A.R.T. #30 Disc Mandrel, 5/8 in TA4 (PILOT), 7000121724 
