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.

Standard Abrasives 840038, Quick Change Surface Conditioning GP Disc, A/O Medium, TSM, Maroon, 3/4 in, QS75KM, 7000121647, 50/case
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 35790, 675L, 1" X 120", 74u, Diamond Microfinishing Film Belts, 7010509196
3M 49689, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, 60 X-weight, 10 in x NH, Die 1000C, 7010326501
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 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
3M 29611, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 100 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534832
3M 15121, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Unitized Wheel, CP-UW, 5A Fine, 3 in x 1/4 in x 3/8 in, 7010364528
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Dynabrade 51753 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 125u
Dynabrade 51810 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M™ 17323, Versaflo™ Respiratory Helmet Assembly M-407, with Premium Visor and Flame Resistant Shroud, 7000002395, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
3M 05048, Cloth Belt 384F, 80+ XF-weight, 1 in x 12 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7100141432, 200 per case
3M 72600, 663FC 1/2" X 30", 70u Diamond Trizact Belt, 7100206529
3M 20942, Scotch-Weld Urethane Adhesive 3549, Brown, Part A, 5 Gallon Drum, (Pail), 7100041738
Dynabrade 51705 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Standard Abrasives 265006, Buff and Blend Cross Buff HS, A/O Medium, 3/4 in x 3/8 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7010330373
Dynabrade 51812 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 28120, Hookit Clean Sanding Disc 900DZ, 5 in 60 J-weight, Die 500LG, 7010326613
Standard Abrasives 726072, A/O C2 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2-1/2 in x 1/4 in 120, 7100098781 
