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 22408, Roloc Disc 361F, P100 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045101
3M 47201, Polyurethane Sealant 540, Black, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100198009, 12/Case
Dynabrade 96101 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR 24 Per Box
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 94717, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 947A, 80+ X-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010294445, 200 per case
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 26325, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System Kit, Large (28 fl oz, 850
mL), 125 Micron Filter, 7100134637
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M 24049, Wetordry Cloth Disc 281W, P1000 YF-weight, 8 in x NH, Die 800JM, 7000045052
Standard Abrasives 840037, Quick Change Surface Conditioning GP Disc, A/O Coarse, TSM, Brown, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000121646, 50/case
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
3M 05049, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141431, 200 per case
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 20227, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 oz Tube, 7000046343, 36/Case
3M 85309, Aluminum Foil Tape 425, Silver, 3/4 in x 60 yd, 4.6 mil, 7100053743
Standard Abrasives 700743, Cartridge RoII Mandrel, 1/8 in x 3/4 in x 1/8 in x 1 in x 2-3/4 in CM-4, 7010368728
Dynabrade 64404 36" W x 60" L (914 mm W x 1,524 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Table, 230 V (AC), Side Exhaust
3M 15913, Scotch-Brite Roloc Disc High Strength, TR, 2 in X NH A Medium, 7000000710
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
3M 05752, Perfect-It Quick Connect Adaptor, 05752, 5/8 in, 7100141852 
