Abstract: The device for applying a coated plastics film to a substrate, consists of a housing (1) and an interchangeable cassette (4) which comprises a supply spool (5), an empty spool (8) which can be driven from this and an application tongue (7). The housing (1) has a through opening for the application tongue at its front end (1a) and a loading opening (3) for introducing and removing the cassette (4) at its opposite, rear end. The cassette (4) can be slid into the housing (1) from its loading opening (3) to the through opening in a straight line. A compression spring extending in the direction of movement of the cassette (4) is arranged in the housing (1), into contact with which comes a projection on the cassette (4), before the application tongue (7) has reached the through opening.