Abstract: An apparatus for molding pieces of soap or other soft and pasty substances having at least a central rotor (2) capable of a reciprocating rotating motion supporting two half-molds (4, 4') placed at 90.degree. and at least two lateral rotors (1, 1') capable of a reciprocating rotating translating motion, each supporting a half-mold (3, 3'), the three rotors (1, 1', 2) having their axis of rotation parallel to the feeder and discharge conveyor belts (6, 6', 7, 7', 8). Between each lateral rotor (1, 1') and the central rotor (2) an elevator/lifting device (5, 5') or other apparatus lifts/raises the pieces (19, 19') to be shaped from the feeder belt (7, 7') and brings them to the molding area, each lateral rotor (1, 1') capable of a rotating translating motion, translating in a radial direction towards the central rotor (2) molds the piece and then moves away with the molded piece (10, 10') and while rotating deposits it on the discharge conveyor belt (6, 6') of the molded pieces.

Abstract: A method for extruding and/or refining soap, which comprises supplying soap to one end of a helix disposed in a casing and rotating the helix to move the soap lengthwise along the casing and out of the casing. The helix rotates at a speed between 20 and 50 rpm. The length of the helix is 5 to 15 times its diameter. The winding angle of the helix is between 15.degree. and 25.degree.. The helix has a diameter of about 150 mm and a helix depth between 30 and 35 mm.