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 03647, Scotch-Brite Edger Disc Pad, 7 in x .875 in, 7000133920
3M 26024, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System Kit, Large (28 fl oz, 850mL), 200 Micron Filter, 7100134650
3M 26710, PPS Series 2.0 Spray Cup System UV Kit, Standard (22 fl oz,
650 mL), 200 Micron Filter, 7100128902
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
3M 22397, Roloc Disc 361F, 60 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in x NH, 7000045097
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 250U
Dynabrade 51756 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 15913, Scotch-Brite Roloc Disc High Strength, TR, 2 in X NH A Medium, 7000000710
3M 62612, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039197, 10/case
Standard Abrasives 713638, Cartridge RoII Mandrel, 3/32 in x 3/4 in x 1/8 in x 1 in x 2-3/4 in CM-2B, 7010294964
3M 49936, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TSM, 2 in, Die RS200PM, 7000119014
3M 11412, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045092
3M 29835, Sanding Screen, 80 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160844
Dynabrade 95843 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Gallon
Standard Abrasives 726070, A/O C2 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2-1/2 in x 1/4 in 60, 7100098797 
