Method and device for producing a multi-ply web of flexible material, such as paper and nonwoven, and multi-ply material produced by the method

Method for producing a multi-ply web of flexible material, having a plurality of plies by gluing the plies, which comprises:

• transferring glue in subsequent steps to a first web shaped flexible material via at least two glue transfer rolls each having a three dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions in first and second press nips respectively, in a pattern corresponding to the shape and configuration of said raised portions;
• bringing a second web shaped flexible material in contact with the glue bearing side of said first web shaped flexible material in at least one further press nip between at least one patterned lamination roll and an impression roll, said at least one patterned lamination roll having a three-dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions having a shape and configuration so as to apply pressure to the combined first and second web shaped materials substantially only just opposite at least some of the glue bearing areas of the first web shaped material, wherein the at least one patterned lamination roll is driven in registry with at least one of the first and second glue transfer rolls.