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.

Standard Abrasives 713276, Aluminum Oxide Handy Roll, P180 J-weight, 2 in x 50 yd, 7100037246
Dynabrade 51700 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 49054, Polyurethane Sealant 540, White, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000000941, 12/Case
3M 21168, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 981F, Kit, 1/2 in x 18 in, 7100166522, 25 per case
Dynabrade 51629 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Insize 7341-2S, PIN GAGE HANDLE (with 1pc handle and 8 pairs of collecting bushes), .075-.131", 6928640360695
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 08302, Ultrapro Autobody Sealant, Clear, 5 oz Tube, 7000120449, 6 per case
3M 62606, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039193, 10/case
3M 14708, Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive 20, Clear, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179437, 12/Case
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
3M 28719, Wheel Adapter Kit 28719, 1 in x 5/8-11 Internal, 7100050705 
