PACKAGING MACHINE

Packaging machine (1) comprising: a ground-resting and self-supporting framework (2); a linear conveyor (3) which is located on the self-supporting framework (2) and is adapted to move forward the load (100) in a substantially horizontal, first direction (d); at least a first pair of movable shoulders (4, 74) that are arranged one in front of the other above the linear conveyor (3), extend parallel to said first direction (d), and are horizontally movable above the linear conveyor (3) substantially perpendicular to said first direction (d); and at least a first moving device (5, 75) which is adapted to move said movable shoulders (4, 74) towards and away from one another; at least one section-bar magazine (40) which is adapted to contain a plurality of rectilinear section-bars (104), each of which is structured so as to cover and protect a vertical edge of the item to be packaged (101); and an insertion assembly (41) which is movable over the linear conveyor (3) and is adapted to pick up at least one rectilinear section-bar (104) from the section-bar magazine (40) and then to arrange/place said rectilinear section-bar (104) in abutment against at least one of the vertical edges of the item to be packaged (101) stationary between said movable shoulders (4, 74).