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™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
Standard Abrasives 727395, Buff and Blend Cross Buff HS, A/O Coarse, 2 in x 1/2 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7010299537
Dynabrade 51703 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 36879, Self-Stick Liquid Protection Fabric, Blue, 28 in x 300 ft, 7100169496
3M 08107, Universal Adhesive Clear, 47.3 mL Cartridge, 7010294717, 6 per 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 77197, Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™ Deburr and Finish PRO Unitized Wheel,TR, 3 in x 1/8 in x NH, 8C CRS+, 7100109130, 40/box
Norton 66254489957 Wheel, Vortex-7am, 6" X 1/2" X 1" C2312 Nor VTME7 PH VTC+, 4 Each
Dynabrade 51629 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 22396, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045091
Norton 66623335427, 2" Dia Vortex Rapid Prep Quick-Change Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, Medium Grade, 50 Each
3M 28830, 675L, 1/2" X 72", 74u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belt 7010508919
3M 40776, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Potting Compound DP270, Clear, 200 mL Duo-Pak, 7100228179, 12/Case
Dynabrade 60051 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 71346, 675L, 1" X 120", 125u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010534823
3M 19677, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 1 Gallon Drum, 7000000793, 4/Case
3M 08367, Urethane Seam Sealer, Black, 310 mL Cartridge, 7000119968, 12 per case
3M 27359, Cloth Belt 970DZ, 24 YN-weight, 25 in x 75 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010361224, 2 per case
3M 14725, Foam and Fabric Spray Adhesive 24, Orange, 16 fl oz Can (Net Wt 13.8 oz), 7100179450, 12/Case
Standard Abrasives 840031, Quick Change Surface Conditioning FE Disc, A/O Coarse, TSM, Brown, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000046845, 50/case
3M 97105, Cartridge Roll 341D, 60 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in, 7010363831 
