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™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 36516, Green Corps Abrasive File Belt, 40 grit, 1/2 in x 18 in (12.7 mm x 457.2 mm), 7100225352, 20 Belts Per Carton, 5 Cartons Per Case
3M 07466, Scotch-Brite Roloc+ Clean and Strip Disc 7466, 4 in x 1/2 in S XCS, 7000120779, 10/case
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
ACS CX1250 Diamond Belt, 1/2" X 24" 60u
Dynabrade 02084 Angle Housing Assembly,Steel, Rear Exhaust
3M 26585, Accuspray Atomizing Head Refill Pack for 3M PPS Series 2.0,Clear, 1.8 mm, 7100152955
3M 29882, Sanding Screen, 220 Grit, 18 in x NH, 7100160813
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
Dynabrade 11684 Dynabelter Contact Arm Assembly 4" DIA X 5/8" W., 40 Duro Serrated
Dynabrade 51632 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 60052 .1 hp Straight-Line Quick-Change Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 35,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Dynabrade 51630 .1 hp Straight-Line Extension Pencil Grinder, Central Vacuum, 1/8" Collet
3M 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
Standard Abrasives 882173, A/O Unitized Wheel, 821, 6 in x 1/4 in x 1/2 in, 7010330323
Dynabrade 55500 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 1/8" Collet
3M 77559, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 77559, 36+ to 120+, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100232738
Dynabrade 51705 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
Dynabrade 51731 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Standard Abrasives 714719, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 80, 7100092959 
