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 20907, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118875
3M 62602, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL22, Purple, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039159, 10/case
3M 20230, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046344
3M 94714, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 947A, 120+ X-weight, 3/4 in x 20-1/2 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010307700, 200 per case
3M 08022, Adhesive Sealant 740 UV, Gray, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100057386, 12/Case
3M 92316, Green Corps Cutting/Grinding Wheel, T27, 4-1/2 in x 1/8 in x 7/8 in, 36, 7000118488, 40 per case
3M 45557, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 784F, 60+ YF-weight, 2 in x 72 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010299100, 50 per case
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
3M 05049, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141431, 200 per case
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 175u
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 05710, Buff Pad Adaptor, 05710, 5/8 in, 7100017371 
