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 22393, Roloc Disc 361F, 36 YF-weight, TR, 3 in, Die R300V, 7000045093
3M™ 72010, Replacement Filter Kit 523-01-29, 7000056891, 1 EA/Case
Standard Abrasives 37446, PSA A/O Disc, 700595, 1-1/2 in x NH, 60, 7010331822
Dynabrade 78182 3" Dia. Medium DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
3M 87841, Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP190, Gray, 400 mL Duo-Pak, 7100076722, 6/case
Dynabrade 78425 4-1/2" Dia. x 3/8" Coarse DynaBrite Surface Conditioning Disc, 25/pack
Dynabrade 78128 3" Dia. Coarse NWN VT DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
3M 62611, Scotch-Weld Threadlocker TL62, Red, 250 mL Bottle, 7100039195, 2/case
3M 85309, Aluminum Foil Tape 425, Silver, 3/4 in x 60 yd, 4.6 mil, 7100053743
3M™ 53797, Flexible Diamond Belt 6451J, 1/2" Dia x 18" L, M125 Micron, Type G, Pattern B2, 7010509272
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 94706, Cubitron ll Cloth Belt 947A, 1/2 in x 24 in, 60+ X-weight, 7010307699, 200 per case
3M 23897, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 18 in, Fabri-lok, Full-flex, 7010307894, 200 per case
Dynabrade 90875 2" Dia. Super Fine NWN DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
Dynabrade 90874 2" Dia. Very Fine NWN DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
3M 20927, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118918
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 01328, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P180 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045068 
