Abstract: A vacuum-skin packaging machine for sealing film onto a tray containing a product includes a vacuum system. The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump, piping, and valves. The machine includes a top structure and a bottom structure defining a vacuum chamber in communication with the vacuum pump via the piping. An actuating mechanism transitions the top structure and the bottom structure between an opened state where they are separated and a closed state where they are sealed. A platen-movement mechanism moves a platen to the chamber while the top and bottom structures are in the opened state. The platen holds the trays. A heating plate heats the film while the top and bottom structures are in the closed position. The heated film is forced against the trays in response to a valve venting a region of the vacuum chamber adjacent to the heated film.