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.

3M 15913, Scotch-Brite Roloc Disc High Strength, TR, 2 in X NH A Medium, 7000000710
Dynabrade 51708 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Dynabrade 53533 Cone or Plug Grinder (Triple Extension)
3M™ 07010, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-25/07010(AAD), 25 ft, 3/8 in ID, Industrial Interchange Fittings, High Pressure, 7000005374, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 72013, Adapter 529-04-50, 110-120 VAC, 7000131705, 1 EA/Case
3M 34786, 663FC, 3/4" X 90", 70u, Diamond Trizact Belts 7100063667
3M 08301, Ultrapro Autobody Sealant, 08301, Tan, 5 oz Tube, 7100142901, 6 per case
Standard Abrasives 541152, Quick Change TS P.A.R.T. #30 Disc Mandrel, 5/8 in TA4 (PILOT), 7000121724
3M 19080, E-A-R Classic Probed Test Plugs 393-2007-50, Small Size, 50 EA/Case, 7000052884
3M 15041, Scotch Electrical Shielding Tape 24, 1 in x 15 ft (25 mm x 4,6 m), 7000031348
3M 62610, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL62, Red, 50 mL Bottle, 7100039196, 10/case
3M 97105, Cartridge Roll 341D, 60 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in, 7010363831 
