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 08360, Urethane Seam Sealer, White, 310 mL Foil Pack, 7000036353, 6 per case
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
Dynabrade 51630 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 35790, 675L, 1" X 120", 74u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010509196
Dynabrade 51702 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Standard Abrasives 32985, Aluminum Oxide Overlap Disc, 714721, 60 Grit, 2 in x 8-32 x 2 Ply, 7100116380
Dynabrade 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
Dynabrade 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
3M 05205, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, Black, 3 oz Tube, 7000118402, 6/Case
3M 45563, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 784F, 80+ YF-weight, 1/2 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7100119302, 200 per case
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
3M 66261, Wind Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600, 50 ml (1.7 fluid ounce), 7000049496, 12/Case
3M 47181, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 550FC Fast Cure, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100197989, 12/Case
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
Dynabrade 51812 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Standard Abrasives 708751, PSA A/O Disc, 12 in x NH, 60, 7010370081
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 14559, Roloc Disc 361F, P150 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000119021
3M 25124, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 1 L Bottle, 7010310189, 1/case
3M Scotchkote Liquid Epoxy Coating Spray System HSS Mix Nozzle,Straight, 7000031879
3M 05710, Buff Pad Adaptor, 05710, 5/8 in, 7100017371 
