This article was originally published on 6/6/2022 and updated on 12/30/2024
Hot melt glue technology plays a vital role in producing return mailers, reply envelopes, and postcards, enhancing the convenience and professionalism of direct mail campaigns. By incorporating pre-glued edges, businesses provide customers with a seamless method to return order forms, labels, or requests for information. Unlike traditional cold remoistenable glue, hot melt glue offers superior precision, durability, and a more polished appearance, making it a go-to choice for efficient production.
Advantages of Hot Melt Extruded Glue in Direct Mail Production
The evolution from cold remoistenable glue to hot melt extruded glue has addressed common challenges in the forms and mailers industry. Hot melt glue applications offer several benefits that improve the production process and the quality of the final product.
Precision and Efficiency
Hot melt extruded glue is applied using advanced web finishing equipment with motion detection and computerized control. This ensures:
- Precise application for clean, professional edges.
- Accurate placement of glue strips, minimizing waste and errors.
Elimination of Paper Curl
Unlike cold glue, which requires heat drying and can cause paper curling, hot melt glue eliminates this issue. The result is a flat, smooth product that is visually appealing and easier to handle.
Enhanced Aesthetic and Durability
Hot melt glue creates a uniform, polished appearance that elevates the quality of mailers and reply forms. Its durability ensures that forms hold up during mailing and handling, reducing the risk of detachment.
Tips for a Successful Hot Melt Glue Run
To achieve optimal results with hot melt glue applications, companies should follow these best practices:
1. Apply in a Humidity-Controlled Environment
Humidity can impact the adhesion and application of remoistenable glues. To ensure consistent results:
- Maintain a climate-controlled production environment, particularly in high-humidity locations.
- Include silica gel packs in packaging to absorb excess moisture during transit.
2. Avoid Heavy Ink Areas
Adhesion can be hindered when glue is applied over heavily inked areas. To prevent this, design layouts that minimize glue application over ink-saturated sections of the paper.
3. Check Paper Coatings and Weight
Different paper types respond differently to remoistenable glue:
- Use paper that is at least 60 lbs. in weight for better adhesion.
- Uncoated, porous paper may require more glue for proper bonding.
- Avoid heavily varnished or coated papers, as they can resist adhesion.
4. Avoid Flatbed Trimming
Flatbed trimming can create small tears or uneven edges, reducing the quality and efficiency of production. Opt for trimming methods that maintain clean edges.
5. Design Glue Strip Layouts Carefully
When multiple glue strips are required, ensure strips are staggered to prevent them from sticking to each other during packaging and shipping.
Tamarack’s Custom Finishing Equipment Solutions
For over 50 years, Tamarack Products has been a leader in designing and manufacturing specialized web finishing equipment. Our custom solutions support efficient and precise production of forms, mailers, packaging, and more.
Key Features of Tamarack’s Equipment:
- Integration of Hot Melt Adhesive Applications: Tamarack equipment provides precise control over glue placement, ensuring clean and consistent results.
- Customizable Solutions: Whether you need die-cutting, patching, or gluing systems, our equipment can be tailored to meet your production needs.
- Expert Support: Our experienced team provides installation, testing, and training to help you optimize your processes.
Tamarack’s Web Finishing Solutions
- Advanced equipment for applying hot melt and cold glue solutions.
- Flexible, modular designs that grow with your production demands.
- Support for a variety of applications, including direct mailers, reply envelopes, integrated labels, RFID inlay production, and carton window films in packaging.
Contact Tamarack for Enhanced Web Finishing Solutions
For over 50 years, Tamarack Products has been a trusted name in the web finishing industry, delivering innovative solutions for labeling, packaging, and direct mail production. Our expertise spans a range of applications, from hot melt adhesive systems to RFID tag manufacturing machines and carton window film patching equipment.
Tamarack Products offers industry-leading web finishing equipment designed to improve precision, efficiency, and reliability in direct mail and forms production. With decades of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we provide tailored solutions for hot melt glue applications and more. Contact us today to learn how our innovative web finishing equipment can enhance your production capabilities and meet your business goals.
