A stacking machine is a type of equipment that automates the process of stacking products. It works by taking items fed into it on a conveyor, stacking them one by one until a complete stack is formed. Once the stack is ready, it is automatically released onto an outfeed conveyor. The machine can also perform the reverse operation, known as de-stacking, where it takes a stack and releases one item at a time onto an outfeed conveyor. This helps streamline the handling and organization of products in various packaging operations.