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 20931, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118915
Dynabrade 51333 .7 hp Router, 4" Base, Central Vacuum, 20,000 RPM, 1/4 Collet
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
3M 55034, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 60+ YF-weight, 2 in x 72 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000119509, 50 per case
3M 05049, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141431, 200 per case
3M 19795, Utility Cloth Roll 314D, P400 J-weight, 1-1/2 in x 20 yd, 7100081717
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 20230, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046344
3M 19771, Utility Cloth Sheet 314D, 9 in x 11 in P100 J-weight, 7000021272
3M 26114, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System Kit, Mini (6.8 fl oz, 200
mL), 200u Micron Filter, 7100135935
3M 05519, Sanding Block, Rubber, 2-3/4 in x 5 in, 7000000587
Dynabrade 10690 Filter/Regulator/Lubricator, FRL40, 1/2" NPTAssy.
3M 29828, Sanding Screen, 100 Grit, 19 in x NH, 7100160248
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belts, 1/2" X 24" 200u
Dynabrade 51702 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 05280, Marine Adhesive Sealant 4000 UV, White, 3 oz Tube, 7000121531, 6/Case
3M™ 72016, Remote Alarm & Strobe 529-05-20, Audible, 7000131708, 1 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 898000, Buff and Blend Combi-Wheel, 2 in x 1 in x 1/4 in A MED 60, 7010331222
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
Air Turbine Tools 310RSV - 6mm Router Hand Tool Series, 40,000RPM, 33441
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
Standard Abrasives 713218, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in 60, 7100102807 
