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 51623 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 11477 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
Insize 7341-2S, PIN GAGE HANDLE (with 1pc handle and 8 pairs of collecting bushes), .075-.131", 6928640360695
Standard Abrasives 725004, Buff and Blend Cross Buff GP, A/O Coarse, 1-1/2 in x 1/2 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7000047136
Dynabrade 51622 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 62606, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039193, 10/case
3M 05520, Sanding Block, Rubber, 2-3/4 in x 8 in, 7000028366
3M 87147, PSA Cloth Disc 777F, 5 x NH, 36 YF-weightt, 7010308524
Dynabrade 92027 2" Dia. x 60 Grit Ceramic DynaCut Locking-Type Disc, 2 Ply Cloth, 25/pack
3M 28214, Cubitron II Roloc Disc 984F, 60+ YF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7010361116
Dynabrade 13509 Dynastraight Finishing Tool, Rear Exhaust, 6,000 RPM, 5/8" (16 mm) or 1" (25 mm) Dia. Arbor
Dynabrade 53270 7" (180 mm) Dia. Right-Angle Disc Sander
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
Dynabrade 31920 - 1-1/4" (32 mm) Static Conductive Hose, Black
Dynabrade 51740 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet, with Mount Stem
3M 16238, PPS Spray Gun Holder, 4 Gun, 7100158720
Standard Abrasives 715081, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 60, 7100102991 
