Device for micro-embossing of paper and paper processing line comprising said device

A device for micro-embossing paper, comprising:

• at least one micro-embossing unit configured to micro-emboss a wet paper ply, said micro-embossing unit comprising:
• a micro-embossing cylinder and a counter cylinder facing said micro-embossing cylinder at an embossing area where said wet paper ply is subjected to micro-embossing, and
• heating means configured to dry said wet paper ply,
• wherein said micro-embossing cylinder comprises a side surface partially wrapped by said wet paper ply, and
• wherein said heating means are configured to heat at least one portion of said side surface partially wrapped by said wet paper ply to dry said wet paper ply, said at least one micro-embossing unit comprising at least one motorised return roller configured to ensure that contact of said at least one wet paper ply with said counter cylinder occurs exclusively at said embossing area.

A method for the micro-embossing of paper comprising:

• wetting at least one paper ply to obtain at least one wet paper ply;
• embossing said at least one wet paper ply between one micro-embossing cylinder and a counter cylinder in an embossing area;
• heating said at least one wet paper ply to dry said at least one wet paper ply;
• at least partially wrapping said at least one wet paper ply around the side surface of said micro-embossing cylinder;
• heating at least one portion of said side surface partially wrapped by said wet paper ply to dry said wet paper ply;
• and
• returning said at least one wet paper ply by at least one motorised return roller to ensure that contact of said at least one wet paper ply with said counter cylinder occurs exclusively at said embossing area.