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 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 20913, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 36 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118919
3M 20928, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118917
3M 28120, Hookit Clean Sanding Disc 900DZ, 5 in 60 J-weight, Die 500LG, 7010326613
3M 21463, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, White, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7010325698
3M 31583, Hi-Strength Postforming 94 CA Fragrance Free Cylinder Spray Adhesive, Red, Large Cylinder (Net Wt 26.2 lb), 7010329925
3M 22395, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045098
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Dynabrade 64350 26" W x 36" L (660 mm W x 914 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Station, 230 V (AC)
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™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M 87270, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP105, Clear, 200 mL Duo-Pak, 7010309884, 12/case
Dynabrade 51629 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 26022, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S12, 10 mm Male, 1.0 mm Thread, 7100135943
Norton 66254489957 Wheel, Vortex-7am, 6" X 1/2" X 1" C2312 Nor VTME7 PH VTC+, 4 Each
3M 19674, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 5 oz Tube, 7000000792, 36/Case
3M 05710, Buff Pad Adaptor, 05710, 5/8 in, 7100017371 
