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 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
3M 49937, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TSM, 2 in, Die RS200PM, 7000119016
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 03738, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 7A Medium, 3 in x 3/4 in x 3/8 in, 7010364917
3M 26130, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S35, 16 mm Female, 1.5 mm
Thread Stretched, 7100135926
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 08641, Channel Bonding and Sidelite Adhesive, 47.3 mL Cartridge, 7000119888, 6 per case
Dynabrade 51630 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 06742, Overspray Protective Sheeting, 20 ft x 250 ft, 7000120043
Dynabrade 51633 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 29859, Sanding Screen, 100 grit, 12 in x 18 in, 7100160861
Dynabrade 51708 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Dynabrade 51705 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 94700, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 947A, 60+ X-weight, 1/4 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010360589, 200 per case
3M 99633, Scotch-Weld Pressure Fit/High Temperature Retaining Compound RT48, Green, 250 mL Bottle, 7100170130, 2/case
Dynabrade 51753 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 11000, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000028183
3M 20942, Scotch-Weld Urethane Adhesive 3549, Brown, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum, (Pail), 7100041738
3M 05752, Perfect-It Quick Connect Adaptor, 05752, 5/8 in, 7100141852 
