Method and an arrangement for producing basic fastener tab material, such basic starting material, and fastener tabs

A method of producing basic starting material for the manufacture of fastener tabs (31) intended for joining side portions of front and rear parts of an absorbent article that includes a front part, a rear part and an intermediate crotch part, so as to give the article a pants configuration, which comprises the steps of

• stretching a first sheet (1) of elastic material in a first direction (T);
• applying a second and a third sheet of material (9, 10) onto respective opposite sides of the first sheet;
• fastening the three material sheets together in at least two mutually separated zones (14, 15) that extend parallel with each other in second direction (M) perpendicular to said first direction;
• dividing the first sheet (1) in a central region between the two zones (14, 15) along a line that lies between said zones, whereby the first sheet in said central region (16) between the two zones (14, 15) contracts to a non-stretched state, and thereafter
• fastening the three sheets together in the central region (16) between the two zones (14, 15).