Abstract: Multishafted, continuous mixing and kneading of plastifiable compounds using mutually engaging worm elements which rotate in the same sense, at a constant axial separation. Along the direction of advance, the worm elements have successive zones with different numbers of threads. Each zone with the smaller number of threads follows a zone with a larger number of threads. The worm elements mesh with one another in successive zones so that the worm element of one zone has a self-cleaning action upon one another, and the zone with the smaller number of threads has a housing with a larger interior bore and larger corresponding worms than the zone with the larger number of threads, so that, in the zone with the smaller number of threads, the free cross-section is larger than in the preceding zone. Both zones have fill openings that can be charged independently of one another.

Abstract: Processing shaft for machines for extruding or the like, comprising a core shaft having at its front end an axial stop member for slip-on processing members arranged non-rotationally on the core shaft, further comprising a spacer sleeve supporting the processing members rearwardly, and arranged non-rotationally at the rear end area of the core shaft a slip-on coupling sleeve on whose external thread a clamp nut is screwed, and also comprising a clamping force transmitting member tightenable rearwardly against a stop member of the core shaft by the clamp nut.