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 20227, Scotch-Seal Metal Sealant 2084, Silver, 5 oz Tube, 7000046343, 36/Case
3M 97967, Foam Fast Spray Adhesive 74 CA, Low VOC <25%, Clear, 24 fl oz Can (Net Wt 19.0 oz), 7100014108, 12/Case
Air Turbine Tools 310RDM - 1/4" Router Hand Tool Series, 25,000RPM, 33422
3M 03647, Scotch-Brite Edger Disc Pad, 7 in x .875 in, 7000133920
Dynabrade 51756 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Standard Abrasives 530205, A/O Resin Fiber Disc, 7 in x 7/8 in 60, 7010310605
3M 62605, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039190, 10/case
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
Standard Abrasives 717639, Aluminum Oxide Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 50, 7100115215
Dynabrade 51810 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 1000,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 62819, Adhesive Sealant 760 UV, Gray, 290 mL Cartridge, 7100097767, 12/Case
Dynabrade 51700 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 22404, Roloc Disc 361F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045100
3M 14895, Cloth Belt 777F, 80 YF-weight, 1 in x 42 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010299926, 200 per case
Dynabrade 51624 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 35,000 RPM, 3mm Collet
3M 22392, Roloc Disc 361F, 24 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045090
Dynabrade 96101 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR 24 Per Box
3M 09099, Scotch-Brite Paint and Rust Stripper Large Area 9099NA, 7010375230
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
3M 77558, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 947A, 77558, 40+ to 120+, 6 in x NH, Die 600Z, 7100232737
3M 66619, Cloth Belt 341D, 50 X-weight, 4 in x 24 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7010360692, 25 per case
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 16573, Accuspray Air Flow Control Valve, 7000042715
3M™ 17379, Versaflo™ Length Adjusting Breathing Tube BT-30, 7100009685, 1 EA/Case
ACS Diamond Cloth Belt, CX1250 1/2" X 18" 250U
3M 80516, Disc Pad Face Plate Ribbed 80516, 7 in Medium Gray, 7000120515
Dynabrade 14360 Pneumatic Pipe Belt Finisher
Standard Abrasives 726070, A/O C2 Straight Precision Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2-1/2 in x 1/4 in 60, 7100098797 
