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 71361, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 1200 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534916
Dynabrade 90873 2" Dia. Medium NWN DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack
Dynabrade 11475 Dynabelter Abrasive Belt Tool, Standard Duty
Dynabrade 96101 Dynabrade Air Lube 10W/NR 24 Per Box
Dynabrade 64404 36" W x 60" L (914 mm W x 1,524 mm L) Metal Capture Downdraft Table, 230 V (AC), Side Exhaust
3M 20927, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 1 in x NH, Die 100N, 7000118918
3M 11414, Roloc Disc 361F, P120 XF-weight, TR, 1 in, Die R100N, 7000045104
Dynabrade 78402 2" Dia. x 1/2", Dyna Premium Rapid Strip TR Disc, 25/pack
Dynabrade 95544 Gear Grease, 2.5oz. Tube
3M 69602, Cloth Belt 777F, 60 YF-weight, 1 in x 11 in, Sine-lok, Full-flex, 7010295223, 500 per case
3M 76783, Cubitron II Hookit Cloth Disc 784F, 120+ XF-weight, 5 in x NH, Die 500X, 7100222757
3M 01326, PSA Cloth Disc 348D, P240 X-weight, 3 in x NH, Die 300V, 7000045069
3M 45020, Diamond Grade DG3 Reflective Digital Sheeting 4081UDS, Fluorescent Yellow, 30 in x 50 yd, 1 Roll/Case, 7100282390
3M 33780, 641WY 1/4" X 24", 400 Mesh Diamond Cloth Belt, 7010534915
3M 16579, Accuspray ONE Replacement Spray Gun, 7100096183
3M 47207, Polyurethane Adhesive Sealant 560, Gray, 600 mL Sausage Pack, 7100198015, 12/Case
Dynabrade 78128 3" Dia. Coarse NWN VT DynaBrite Locking-Type Disc, 25/pack 
