Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum packaging machine for producing an evacuated packaging of a product, which is disposed between an upper film and a lower film, and which can also be reliably used for thicker cover films or hard packaging. This is solved by means of a vacuum packaging machine which contains a forming station and at least one tool lifter (10) with tools, comprising an upper tool part (13) and a lower tool part (12) and a lifting system, which enables a first and a second lifting or closing movement, wherein at least one tool lifting cylinder (19) for a vertical lift of the lower tool part (12) as well as a cylinder shaft (15) passed through the lower tool part (12) and having a locking cam (16) is provided, and the cylinder shaft (15) is passed through an opening (17) of the lower tool part (12), the cross-section of said opening corresponding to that of the locking cam (16).