Packaging machine

A packaging machine comprising:

• a rest plane (2) for a pack (C) of products (P);
• at least one magazine (3), predisposed to contain one or more connecting elements (A), predisposed to be applied to at least one flank (S) of the pack (C);
• at least one applicator (4) configured to be movable between at least one pick up position in which the at least one applicator is configured to pick up a connecting element (A) of the one or more connecting elements from the magazine (3), and at least one application position in which the at least one applicator is configured to position the connecting element (A) of the one or more connecting elements in contact with the at least one flank (S) of the pack (C),
• wherein the applicator (4) comprises a gripping plate (5) activatable between a gripping configuration, in which the gripping plate is configured to retain the connecting element (A) of the one or more connecting elements, and a release configuration, in which the gripping plate is configured to release the connecting element (A) of the one or more connecting elements;
• wherein the gripping plate (5) comprises a first portion (51) and a second portion (52) hinged to one another about an axis of rotation (Z);
• the gripping plate (5) is configured to be movable between a flat configuration, in which the first portion and the second portion define a substantially flat surface, and a folded configuration, in which the first portion and the second portion each define an angled surface, each angled surface being suitable to superpose on the at least one flank of two adjacent flanks (S) of the pack (C) and/or on at least one face (F) and the at least one flank (S) of the pack,
• wherein a pusher (53) is configured to contact and exert a thrust on both the first portion (51) and the second portion (52) of the gripping plate (5).