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.

Dynabrade 95746 3/8" NPT Speed Regulator
Dynabrade 96101 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR 24 Per Box
Standard Abrasives 714719, A/O Straight Cartridge Roll, 5/8 in x 2 in x 3/16 in 80, 7100092959
3M™ 72787, Calibration Kit 529-04-48, Large, 7000052154, 1 EA/Case
Dynabrade 95842 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR, 1 Pint
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
3M 16585, Accuspray Atomizing Head, Clear, 1.8 mm, 7100078990
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
Norton 66261014793 - 3" Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Bear-Tex Speed-Lok High Strength Maroon TR Non-Woven Abrasive Disc, 80 Each
Dynabrade 90874 2" Dia. Very Fine NWN DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 02690, Plastic Bonding Adhesive 2665B, Black, 30 cc syringe, 7100111531, 24/case
Dynabrade 78424 4-1/2" Dia. x 3/8" Medium DynaBrite Surface Conditioning Disc, 25/pack
3M 87449 Silver Depressed Center Grinding Wheel, T27 Quick Change, 9 in x 1/4 in x 5/8-11 Center Hub Thread, 7010409732, 20 per case
3M™ 94275, Versaflo™ Gold Coated Tinted Over-Visor with UV/IR Protection M-967N, 70071696879, 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 64659, Scotch-Brite Durable Flex Hand Pad, MX-HP, A/O Very Fine, 4-1/2 in x 9 in, 7100042334, 25/Carton
Dynabrade 15420 Dynafile III Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 20931, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P100 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118915 
