Mailer method and apparatus

An apparatus for making a mailer from a blank, the blank including an envelope portion and an enclosure portion, the envelope portion connected to the enclosure portion by a joint, the apparatus comprising:

• a receiving section, a forming section, a cutting section, and a finishing section;
• the receiving section configured to receive the blank;
• the forming section having formers that fold and secure the received blank, such that the envelope portion forms a pouch, the pouch substantially containing the enclosure portion, the pouch being open at an end and having first and second major surfaces, the first major surface including the joint at or adjacent the open end, and the second major surface including a closure flap extending from the open end beyond the joint;
• the cutting section including a deflector and a cutter, the deflector configured to deflect the flap away from the joint and thereby expose the joint so that the cutter can cut the joint while it is exposed;
• and
• the finishing section comprising a closer configured to fold and secure the flap to the first major surface to close the pouch and secure the enclosure within the pouch.