Frequently Asked Questions

SIGMA manufactures industrial machinery and processing equipment for the chemical, soap, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Our equipment is used to produce soaps, cosmetics, healthcare products, inks, paints, color dispersions, and more. We specialize in roll mills, soap plodders, refiners, soap presses, mixers, amalgamators, chillers, pumps, and other manufacturing machines.

Yes. SIGMA offers a regularly updated selection of used industrial machinery and spare parts. Our inventory changes frequently, including used roll mills, mixers, pumps, and soap-making equipment. Check back often or call us at (914) 682-1820 for current availability or help finding specific replacement parts.

Yes. SIGMA can customize machinery to match specific production requirements. Whether you need custom batch sizes, unique process parameters, or specialized configurations, our team can tailor equipment to fit your manufacturing application and workflow.

Lead times vary by machine type and current production schedules. Standard equipment may take several weeks to a few months, while customized machinery may require additional time. For the most accurate lead time, please contact us at (914) 682-1820 with your project details.

For questions about our industrial machinery, used equipment, or technical support, you can contact SIGMA at (914) 682-1820 or email us through our website contact form. We’re here to help you find the right manufacturing equipment for your production needs.

Soap making includes the full manufacturing process: saponification, drying, and finishing. Soap finishing refers only to the final step, where finished soap bars are formed from pre-made soap chips.

No. Full soap making is only economically feasible at large production volumes, typically around one ton per hour. For small-scale production, soap finishing is the practical and cost-effective option.

Yes. Soap finishing can be performed using small mixers, refiners, and extruders. These are often the same machines used by large manufacturers for pilot plant operations.

No. While the bars may initially appear solid, repeated wet and dry cycles will cause cracks to form and the pieces to separate over time.

No. A plodder or extruder does not convert liquid soap into solid form. It is designed only to reform and shape solid soap material.

There is essentially no difference. A plodder is a simple forming extruder, and the term is commonly used in the soap manufacturing industry.

Yes. Refrigeration prevents the soap from sticking to the die during stamping. Without it, release agents or plastic liners would be required for each stamp, which is impractical for production use.