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 60051 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 65086, Scotch-Brite Diamond Wheel, 6" x 1" x 1" 645DC, 7010329878
3M 13800, Scotch-Brite Star, 1-1/2 in A VFN LS, 7000120969
3M 19631, Hookit Film Disc 360L, P600, 5 in x NH, D/F 5HL, Die 500FH, 7010299936, 500 per case
ACS 2" Diamond Roloc Disc, 80 Mesh, W/ Plastic Button, RD2-080M-SP
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 16611, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Clear, 1.8 mm, 7000000500 (4 Nozzles/Kit)
3M 22407, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045099
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
Dynabrade 10690 Filter/Regulator/Lubricator, FRL40, 1/2" NPTAssy.
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
3M 62612, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039197, 10/case
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M 86745, Diamond Disc, 2" Roloc, 674W, 120 Mesh, TR, 7100022116, Box of 10
3M 25678, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 2S Fine, 6 in x 1/4 in x 3/4 in, 7000120982
3M 08022, Adhesive Sealant 740 UV, Gray, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100057386, 12/Case
3M 76750, Roloc Disc 777F, 60 YF-weight, TS, 2 in, Die RS200P, 7010299188
3M 97106, Cartridge Roll 341D, 80 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in, 7010327460 
