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 06535, Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200FC Fast Cure, PN06535, White, 1 oz Tube, 7010367674, 12/Case
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
3M 87103, Cloth Belt 341D, 24 X-weight, 9 in x 20 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010326200, 20 per case
Dynabrade 51630 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1" X 49" 125U
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
Dynabrade 60052 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 06586, Marine, Adhesive, Sealant, 4000, UV, White, 400, mL, milliliter, Sausage, Pack, 7000121532, 12/ case
3M 19674, Scotch-Seal Industrial Sealant 800, Reddish Brown, 5 oz Tube, 7000000792, 36/Case
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Standard Abrasives 840038, Quick Change Surface Conditioning GP Disc, A/O Medium, TSM, Maroon, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000121647, 50/case
Dynabrade 51702 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 49938, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TSM, 2 in, Die RS200PM, 7000119019
Insize 7341-3S, PIN GAGE HANDLE (with 1pc handle and 7 pairs of collecting bushes), .131-.180", 6928640370588
3M 20227, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 oz Tube, 7000046343, 36/Case
3M 97105, Cartridge Roll 341D, 60 X-weight, 5/8 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/8 in, 7010363831 
