Machine and method for packaging fiber material

A machine for packaging fiber material, comprising:

• a conveyor supplying predetermined portions of fiber material in an ordered succession,
• a compacting mechanism by which the portions of fiber material are compacted initially,
• a feed station to which packs are supplied for filling with the fiber material,
• a filling station at which the fiber material is inserted into the packs,
• a closure station located downstream of the filling station, at which the filled packs are sealed,
• fiber material compressing and forming mechanism by which each of the portions of fiber material is maintained in a state of compression downstream of the compacting mechanism for a prescribed interval of time, such that each of the portions of fiber material is caused to assume a compact geometry of tablet shape prior to insertion into the respective pack;
• wherein the compressing and forming mechanism comprises a drum, turning on a respective axis of rotation, including a plurality of pockets into which the portions of fiber material received from the compacting mechanism are inserted at a loading station and conveyed to an unloading station;
• wherein the drum rotates, at least in part, between a pair of mutually opposed walls delimiting the pockets at the front and rear.