3M™ Hot Melt Adhesive 3738

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50 second open time allows for positioning

General purpose 100% solids adhesive

Ideal for POP displays, carton sealing, furniture, upholstery, and woodworking

Frequently viewed resources

Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

Container Size (Imperial)

Container Size (Metric)

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Highlights

50 second open time allows for positioning
General purpose 100% solids adhesive
Ideal for POP displays, carton sealing, furniture, upholstery, and woodworking

3M™ Hot Melt Adhesive 3738 is a clear, multipurpose adhesive for effectively bonding wood, lightweight metals and some plastics in furniture, upholstery and woodworking applications.

Open Bond Time Allows for Fit Adjustment and Positioning
3M™ Hot Melt Adhesive 3738 (PDF, 339.69 Kb) 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

Alt text: Selection of hot melt adhesives

Understanding Hot Melt Adhesives
Hot melt adhesives (PDF, 1.68 Mb), 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 250°F/121°C temperatures, which makes them ideal for bonding electronics, plastics, cloth and other heat sensitive materials. High temperature hot melt adhesives are applied at 380°F/193°C 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.

Typical properties

Details

Adhesive Type	Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Application	Small Joint Assembly, Mounting & Trim Attachment
Application Method	Spray, Bulk Process, Applicator, Handheld Process
Brands	3M™
Case Quantity	11.0 Bags per Case
Container Size (Imperial)	11 lb, 22 lb, 950 lb
Container Size (Metric)	5 kg, 10 kg, 430.9 kg
Heat Resistance	130 Degree Fahrenheit
Heat Resistance (Celsius)	54 °C, 57.2℃
Heat Resistance Temperature (Celsius)	54.0 °C, 57.2 °C
Heat Resistance Temperature (Fahrenheit)	130.0 °F
Industries	Woodworking, Signage, Transportation, Automotive, Construction, Electronics, Furniture, Consumer Goods, General Industrial, Military & Government, Packaging, Retail, Specialty Vehicle
Maximum Operating Temperature (Fahrenheit)	130 ℉
Open Time	50 Seconds
Product Color	Tan
Product Form	Pound, Stick
Shear Strength	375 psi
Smallest Saleable Unit	Case
Solids Weight Percent (Approximate)	100 %
Temperature Setting for EC Heat Gun	4

Dimensions and Classifications

Overall Length (Imperial)	2 in, 3 in, 8 in, 12 in
Overall Length (Metric)	0.05 m, 0.07 m, 0.2 m, 0.3 m
Overall Width (Imperial)	0.45 in, 0.62 in, 1 in
Overall Width (Metric)	11.4 mm, 15.9 mm, 25.4 mm

Resources

3M™ Hot Melt Adhesive 3738-AE, 3738-B, 3738-PG, 3738-Q, 3738-TC

Safety Data Sheets

Document Number: MSDS_1003888_US_EN

(PDF)

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For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use.

3M industrial and occupational products are intended, labeled, and packaged for sale to trained industrial and occupational customers for workplace use. Unless specifically stated otherwise on the applicable product packaging or literature, these products are not intended, labeled, or packaged for sale to or use by consumers (e.g., for home, personal, primary or secondary school, recreational/sporting, or other uses not described in the applicable product packaging or literature), and must be selected and used in compliance with applicable health and safety regulations and standards (e.g., U.S. OSHA, ANSI), as well as all product literature, user instructions, warnings, and other limitations, and the user must take any action required under any recall, field action, or other product use notice. Misuse of 3M industrial and occupational products may result in injury, sickness, death, or property damage. For help with product selection and use, consult your on-site safety professional, industrial hygienist, or other subject matter expert.