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 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 26102, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S16, 3/8 Female, 19 Thread BSP, 7100135934
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
Dynabrade 51705 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 06840, Booth Coating, 5 gal, 7000120531
Standard Abrasives 882173, A/O Unitized Wheel, 821, 6 in x 1/4 in x 1/2 in, 7010330323
3M 76623, Roloc Disc 777F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045619
Dynabrade 51731 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" 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
3M 00570, DynatronAuto Seam Sealer Caulk, 570, White, 12 oz, 7000125070, 12 per case
3M 43339, Speedglas Heavy-Duty Welding Helmet G5-01, Rigid Neck Cover, Fabric Head Cover, No ADF, 46-0099-35, 1 EA/Case, 7100259574
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
3M 62602, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL22, Purple, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039159, 10/case
Dynabrade 51708 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Dynabrade 51811 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/16" Collet
Norton 66261014792 - 2" Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Bear-Tex Speed-Lok High Strength Maroon TR Non-Woven Abrasive Disc 160 Each
Dynabrade 95848 Dynabrade Gear Oil
3M 65086, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 6" x 1" x 1" 645DC, 7010329878
3M 86745, Diamond Disc, 2" Roloc, 674W, 120 Mesh, TR, 7100022116, Box of 10
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
Dynabrade 51756 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 76624, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045620
3M 05710, Buff Pad Adaptor, 05710, 5/8 in, 7100017371 
