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 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
3M 22409, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045103
3M 55065, Cubitron II Cloth Belt 984F, 36+ YF-weight, 3/4 in x 20-1/2 in, Fabri-lok, Single-flex, 7000148169, 200 per case
Standard Abrasives 716916, Cartridge RoII Mandrel, 6997818, 1/8 in x 3/4 in x 1/4 in x 6 in CM-XL, 7010368732
3M 62607, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL42, Blue, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039192, 2/case
Dynabrade 51301 .5 hp Straight-Line Die Grinder
3M 99633, Scotch-Weld Pressure Fit/High Temperature Retaining Compound RT48, Green, 250 mL Bottle, 7100170130, 2/case
Norton 66261009191 - 2" Blank Coarse Grade Rapid Prep Non-Woven Surface Preparation Disc, 25 Each
3M 05027, Utility Cloth Roll 211K, 150 J-weight, 1-1/2 in x 50 yd, Full-flex, 7100031693
3M 11137, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1-1/2 in, Die R150S, 7000045094
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 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
3M 86431, Scotch-Weld Multi-Material Composite Urethane Adhesive DP6330NS,Green, 48.5 mL Duo-Pak, 7100109828, 12/Case
Norton 66253370793 - 4 1/2" X 1/4" X 5/8"-11 Centert Hub, Quantum3 Ceramic Type 27 Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, 10 Each
3M 05182, Scotch-Brite Cut and Polish Wheel, CP-WL, 5A Fine, 6 in x 1/2 in x 1 in, 7100050403,Box of 4
3M 11419, Roloc Disc 361F, P240 XF-weight, TR, 2 in, Die R200P, 7000045105
Standard Abrasives 714719, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 80, 7100092959 
