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 64350 26" W x 36" L (660 mm W x 914 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Station, 230 V (AC)
3M 05206, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200, White, 1 oz Tube, 7010325697, 12/Case
Dynabrade 40610 Electric Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M™ 72122, Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-01, 100 cfm, 8 outlets, with Carbon Monoxide Monitor, 7000052147, 1 EA/Case
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 03738, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 7A Medium, 3 in x 3/4 in x 3/8 in, 7010364917
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 81734, Disc Pad Face Plate Ribbed, 5 in Medium Gray, 7000120516
Dynabrade 51750 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 20u
Dynabrade 79891 8" Dynacut 100 Grit Extreme Orange Scalloped Edge Discs, 25 per box
Dynabrade 51756 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 60052 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
Dynabrade 51705 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 08019, Marine Grade Silicone Sealant, Clear, 3 oz Tube, 7000120480, 6/Case
Standard Abrasives 714175, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in 80, 7100103032 
