Abstract: In an apparatus for the shaping and compacting of absorbent pads for absorbing body fluid, which are intended for articles of hygiene and which consist of a plurality of part layers and, if appropriate, are treated with a superabsorbent agent, to form at least one absorbent-pad layer. A rotary band has arranged on it over the entire length of the rotary band, at distances from one another, trough-shaped insertion molds into which shaping insets can be inserted. Along the rotary band production devices are arranged, in twos respectively along the linear outward path and return path, and in the opposite direction to the rotary band there is a driving band which can be pressed against this, and furthermore there is arranged a thermal compacting device which has calender and/or embossing rollers following in the conveying direction and which consists of a heating cylinder with a pressure band arranged on it.