Method and apparatus for making disposable absorbent article with absorbent particulate polymer material and article made therewith

A method of making a disposable absorbent article comprising:

• providing a first support comprising a first grid including a first plurality of cross bars extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another so as to form channels extending between the first plurality of cross bars;
• providing a first printing roll having a first peripheral surface and a first plurality of reservoirs in the first peripheral surface arranged in an array comprising rows extending substantially parallel to and spaced from one another;
• depositing absorbent particulate polymer material from the first plurality of reservoirs onto a first substrate disposed on the first grid, while the first support and first printing roll are arranged such that the first plurality of cross bars are substantially parallel to the rows of the first plurality of reservoirs, the absorbent particulate polymer material being deposited on the first substrate in a first pattern such that the absorbent particulate polymer material collects in rows on the first substrate formed between the first plurality of cross bars;
• and
• depositing a thermoplastic adhesive material on the absorbent particulate polymer material and the first substrate to cover the absorbent particulate polymer material on the first substrate and form a first absorbent layer.