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.

Dynabrade 51623 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 51633 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 77512, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010307736, 200 per case
3M 14895, Cloth Belt 777F, 80 YF-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010299926, 200 per case
3M 22405, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045102
Dynabrade 55500 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 1/8" Collet
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 20u
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 72600, 663FC 1/2" X 30", 70u Diamond Trizact Belt, 7100206529
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
3M 27551, EMI Copper Foil Shielding Tape 1181, 1/2 in x 18 yd (12.70 mm x 16.5m), 7000132182
3M 34786, 663FC, 3/4" X 90", 70u, Diamond Trizact Belts 7100063667
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M 76622, Roloc Disc 777F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045618
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 72" 125U
3M 01333, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000118880
3M 45120, Cartridge RoII Mandrel, 3/32 in x 3/4 in x 1/4 in, 7010328349
Dynabrade 51632 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 60052 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Standard Abrasives 725011, Buff and Blend Cross Buff HP, A/O VFN, 3/4 in x 3/8 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7000047134
3M 05710, Buff Pad Adaptor, 05710, 5/8 in, 7100017371 
