Process for preparing an absorbent article

A process for manufacturing an absorbent article, the absorbent article comprising:

• a first sheet layer presenting an array of absorbent receiving pockets;
• masses of superabsorbent material, which masses are placed in the absorbent receiving pockets;
• and
• a second sheet layer placed on top of the first sheet layer;
• the process comprising the steps of
• providing the first sheet layer on a roll C1;
• unrolling the first sheet layer from a roll C1;
• conforming the first sheet layer on a roll C2, forming a plurality of longitudinal channels in the first sheet layer whereby a lengthwise profile of the absorbent receiving pockets is formed on the first sheet layer, wherein first roll C2 has a rotating peripheral speed that is 5 to 20% above a rotating peripheral speed of roll C1;
• conforming the first sheet layer having a plurality of longitudinal channels therein onto a roll C3, roll C3 comprising recesses corresponding to the array of absorbent receiving pockets, whereby a pattern of pockets is obtained, wherein roll C1 has a rotating peripheral speed that is 5 to 20% above a rotating peripheral speed of roll C3;
• providing a pre-metered amount of super absorbent polymer particulate material;
• providing a second sheet layer and affixing it for sandwiching with the first sheet layer;
• and
• finishing the absorbent article, and
• wherein said step of conforming on roll C2 being obtained by friction of the first sheet layer on a corresponding corrugated surface of roll C2.