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 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
Standard Abrasives 840038, Quick Change Surface Conditioning GP Disc, A/O Medium, TSM, Maroon, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000121647, 50/case
3M 01332, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 80 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000118881
Standard Abrasives 840032, Quick Change Surface Conditioning FE Disc, A/O Medium, TSM, Maroon, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000046846, 50/case
3M™ 07012, Supplied Air Hose W-9435-100/07012(AAD), 100 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005375, 1 EA/Case
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
Dynabrade 40610 Electric Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
Dynabrade 51703 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 50216, Temflex Cotton Friction Tape 1755, 3/4 in x 82-1/2 ft, Black, 7010297809
Standard Abrasives 714175, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in 80, 7100103032
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 3/8" X 24" 75U
3M Super Abrasives Roloc Disc, 2" Type-R, Medium AO High Strength, Box of 50
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 87449 Silver Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27 Quick Change, 9 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Center Hub Thread, 7010409732, 20 per case
Dynabrade 82490 6" Dia. x 120 Grit A/O Vacuum PSA Filmbac DynaCut Disc, 100/Pack
3M 97106, Cartridge Roll 341D, 80 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in, 7010327460 
