an improved method and apparatus using edge shaping and traction rolls is disclosed for shaping and forming plastic foams as a foamable extrudate is extruded through an arcuate orifice of an extrusion die . immediately adjacent and downstream of the die orifice are opposed sets of curved rolls , each having substantially the same center of curvature as the die orifice and being positioned , respectively , on opposite sides of the extrudate pass line . moreover , two pairs of traction shaping rolls downstream of the curved rolls engage edge portions of the extrudate further to assist in shaping the same especially in connection with the shaping and forming of relatively wide bodies of plastic foam material . several parameters of the traction rolls may be adjusted to selected values affecting the force and direction applied by such rolls to the extrudate . parameters such as compression force , slippage , angle of attack , and / or surface area of the extrudate over which such forces may be applied , may be remotely adjusted .