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 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M 01334, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 50 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000118879
Dynabrade 11476 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Heavy-Duty
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
Standard Abrasives 37446, PSA A/O Disc, 700595, 1-1/2 in x NH, 60, 7010331822
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 41595, Polyurethane Sealant 540, Black, 310 mL Cartridge, 7100001804, 12/Case
3M 49689, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 10 in x NH, Die 1000C, 7010326501
3M 08301, Ultrapro Autobody Sealant, 08301, Tan, 5 oz Tube, 7100142901, 6 per case
Dynabrade 14000 Dynafile Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 20227, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 oz Tube, 7000046343, 36/Case
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 22394, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045096
3M 14896, Cloth Belt 777F, 80 YF-weight, 2 in x 48 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7000118455, 50 per case
Standard Abrasives 726072, A/O C2 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2-1/2 in x 1/4 in 120, 7100098781 
