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 95725, Venture Tape Metal Building Facing Tape 1552CW, White, 72 mm x 45.7 m, 7010313505
Norton 66623335427, 2" Dia Vortex Rapid Prep Quick-Change Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, Medium Grade, 50 Each
3M 41594, Polyurethane Sealant 540, Gray, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000000942, 12/Case
3M™ 07010, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-25/07010(AAD), 25 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005374, 1 EA/Case
3M 08017, Marine Grade Silicone Sealant, White, 3 oz Tube, 7000120479, 6/Case
3M 86992, Diamond Disc, 3" Roloc, 674W, 120 Mesh, TR, 7100143477, Box of 5
3M 20931, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118915
3M 62617, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL90, Green, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039235, 2/case
3M 16583, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Green, 1.3 mm, 7010309279
Dynabrade 64404 36" W x 60" L (914 mm W x 1,524 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Table, 230 V (AC), Side Exhaust
Dynabrade 51740 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet, with Mount Stem
Dynabrade 51700 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 125U
3M 62604, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 1 mL Pipette, 7100064043, 100/case
Dynabrade 95821 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 4oz Bottle
3M 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
Norton 69936606277 - 4" X 5/8" - 11, Carbon Steel Narrow Face Stringer Bead .0200" Knot Wire Wheel Brush, 5 per box
Norton 66254497067 - 2" X 1/4" 100 - 150 Grit Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Vortex Rapid Blend Blue TR Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, 25 Each
3M 94717, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 947A, 80+ X-weight, 1 in x 30 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010294445, 200 per case
3M 53920, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979, Slate Blue, 12 in x 60 yd, 12.1 mil, 7000124267
3M 20907, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P120 X-weight, 2 in x NH, Die 200P, 7000118875
Dynabrade 60051 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 39187, General Trim Adhesive, 19 oz Net Wt, 7010328464, 4 per case
3M 76750, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TS, 2 in, Die RS200P, 7010299188
Standard Abrasives 713638, Cartridge RoII Mandrel, 3/32 in x 3/4 in x 1/8 in x 1 in x 2-3/4 in CM-2B, 7010294964
3M 08368, Urethane Seam Sealer, White, 310mL Cartridge, 7100049325, 12 per case
Standard Abrasives 715081, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 60, 7100102991 
