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 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box
Standard Abrasives 265024, Buff and Blend Cross Buff HP, A/O Very Fine, 1 in x 3/8 in x 2 Ply x 8-32, 7010310168
3M 16609, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Red, 2.0 mm, 7000045543 (4 Nozzles/Kit) (6 Kits/Case)
Dynabrade 51700 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 53914, Performance Plus Duct Tape 8979N Nuclear Red, 48 mm x 54.8 m 12.1 mil, 7000049014, 24/ case
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 97956, Super 77 CA Multipurpose Spray Adhesive, Low VOC <25%, Clear, 24 fl oz Can, 7100014109, 12/Case
3M 13767, Scotch-Brite EXL Unitized Wheel, XL-UW, 8A Coarse, 3 in x 1/2 in x 1/4 in, 7010365791
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
3M™ 07011, Supplied Air Respirator Hose W-9435-50/07011(AAD), 7000005373, 1 EA/Case
3M 20931, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118915
3M 71358, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 600 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534894
Dynabrade 51703 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
3M 62612, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL71, Red, 10 mL Bottle, 7100039197, 10/case
3M 26005, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S4, 12 mm Female, 1.0 mmThread, 7100135830
Insize 7341-2S, PIN GAGE HANDLE (with 1pc handle and 8 pairs of collecting bushes), .075-.131", 6928640360695
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
Dynabrade 51702 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 60,000 RPM, 3/32" Collet
3M 45557, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 784F, 60+ YF-weight, 2 in x 72 in, Film-lok, Single-flex, 7010299100, 50 per case
3M 41531, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 420, Black, Part B, 5 Gallon Drum (Pail), 7000000827
3M Scotchkote Liquid Epoxy Coating Spray System HSS Mix Nozzle, RightAngle, 7000058900
3M 17083, Versaflo Hood with Integrated Head Suspension, S-433L-5, Medium/Large, 7000029981, 5 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 714719, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 80, 7100092959 
