Silicone Tape Applicator for Cardboard Mailers

On cardboard mailers, “silicone tape” is the release liner that covers a strip of pressure-sensitive hot melt applied directly to the board. The Macari-Fidia Mistral applicator places that liner (12–40 mm wide, up to 200 pieces per minute) and works with a hot melt system and slot coater on Manon, Ortigia, Babila and compatible mailer machines. To close the mailer, the user peels off the liner and presses the flap down.

Why use silicone tape instead of double-sided tape?

The hot melt goes directly onto the cardboard. Cardboard is porous, so the adhesive penetrates its pores and fibres and anchors more strongly than double-sided tape, which bonds mainly to the surface. That makes for a more dependable closure on corrugated or solid board.

Double-sided tape stays more practical for short runs, because its equipment is simpler and make-ready is faster (see double-sided tape on envelopes). Silicone tape suits regular production where strong adhesion and consumable cost matter. Test printed, coated, laminated or recycled board with the chosen adhesive before production.

How is silicone tape applied to cardboard mailers?

1. The cardboard blank is carried through the application area.
2. A hot melt gluing system lays a controlled strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive on the closing flap.
3. The Mistral applicator places and cuts the silicone release strip over the adhesive.
4. The mailer exits with its peel-and-seal closure protected and ready for use.

Which Macari-Fidia machines are used?

All machines below are made by Macari-Fidia, except the hot melt system.

Machine	Role in this application	Key specifications
Mistral	Places and cuts the silicone liner	Tape 12–40 mm; up to 200 pieces/min; needs a hot melt system with slot coater
Manon	Mailer making machine	Open format 150 × 240 to 780 × 700 mm; 200–600 g/m²
Ortigia	Tape application on large corrugated blanks	Formats 50 × 40 to 200 × 120 cm; board up to 3.7 mm; 1,500–4,000 pieces/h depending on format
Ortigia MF	Flexible feeding for small quantities or irregular formats	Formats 40 × 50 to 120 × 200 cm
Babila FF	Automatic friction feeding	Formats 140 × 240 to 700 × 700 mm; 200–500 g
Babila CL	Inline folding and gluing	See the machine page

A hot melt gluing system with a suitable slot coater is also required. Mistral can be integrated into another cardboard mailer machine or existing line after a technical assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes a silicone tape applicator for cardboard mailers?

Macari-Fidia (Macari S.r.l.), based in Ciriè near Turin, Italy, makes the Mistral silicone tape applicator. The company was founded in 1990 and supplies customers in over 30 countries.

Which machine do I need to apply silicone tape?

A Mistral applicator, a hot melt gluing system with a slot coater, and a machine that feeds and transports the cardboard blanks, such as Manon, Ortigia or Babila.

Is silicone tape itself adhesive?

No. It is a silicone-coated release liner that protects the hot melt until the mailer is closed.

Why can hot melt hold better than double-sided tape?

It is applied directly to the cardboard and penetrates its pores and fibres, giving stronger anchorage than a tape that bonds only to the outer surface.

How fast does Mistral run?

Up to 200 pieces per minute. The real figure depends on the blank format and the machine it is mounted on.

When is double-sided tape the better choice?

For short runs and frequent format changes: it needs simpler equipment and quicker preparation. Silicone tape is generally better for regular production.

Can Mistral be installed on an existing line?

Often yes. Macari-Fidia first checks the space, the blank transport and the controls, and the line must also accommodate a hot melt system.

How much does a silicone tape system cost?

The price depends on the machine, the hot melt system and the number of strips. Macari-Fidia quotes per project, so send your mailer sample and production volume.

Request a configuration for your mailers

Send your cardboard sample or drawing, open blank dimensions, material type, adhesive-strip position and production requirements to [email protected] or use the contact form. Macari-Fidia will recommend the equipment configuration.