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 11486 Dynabelter Accu-Grinder Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 77197, Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™ Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel,TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 8C CRS+, 7100109130, 40/box
3M 45203, Stikit Sanding Block, 2-1/2 in, 7000028350
Insize 0131-A120, LIGHT METER, 0.01~19.99FC, 0.1~199.9FC, 1~1999FC, 10~19990FC, 0.1~199.9Lux, 1~1999Lux, 10~19990Lux, 100~199900Lux, 6974029776557
3M 62610, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL62, Red, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039196, 10/case
3M 50216, Temflex Cotton Friction Tape 1755, 3/4 in x 82-1/2 ft, Black, 7010297809
Dynabrade 78423 4-1/2" Dia. x 3/8" Very Fine DynaBrite Surface Conditioning Disc, 25/pack
3M 20360, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 2216, Gray, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000046360
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 1 EA/Case
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 14725, Foam and Fabric Spray Adhesive 24, Orange, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179450, 12/Case
3M 85855, Cartridge Roll 747D, 80 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 3/16 in, 7010292565 
