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.

Standard Abrasives 722809, PSA A/O Extra Disc, 5 in x NH, 60, 7010368721
3M 76625, Roloc Disc 777F, 80 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045621
Dynabrade 51703 .1 hp Straight-Line Pencil Grinder, Rear Exhaust, 50,000 RPM, 1/8" Collet
Dynabrade 90874 2" Dia. Very Fine NWN DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
3M 11411, Roloc Disc 361F, 50 YF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045095
3M 26137, PPS Series 2.0 Adapter, Type S41, Trapezoidal Thread - QCC, 7100135947
Dynabrade 55501 .1hp Pencil Grinder, Twin Turbine, 100,000 RPM, Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housing, 3mm Collet
Norton 66261014921 - 2" X 1/8" 50 - 80 Grit Coarse Grade Aluminum Oxide Bear-Tex Speed-Lok Rapid Blend Gray TR Non-Woven Unified Wheel, 60 Each
Dynabrade 78182 3" Dia. Medium DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
3M 33349, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 220 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534919
Dynabrade 40320 Dynafile II Abrasive Belt Tool
3M 29859, Sanding Screen, 100 grit, 12 in x 18 in, 7100160861
3M 21543, Scotch-Brite Roloc Clean and Strip XT Pro Extra Cut Disc, TR, 2 in x NH, A XCS, 7100179815, 60/box 
