The invention relates to a method and a device for shaping a metallic flat material to give a metallic wave profile, in which the flat material is passed between two meshing tooth systems of two rotating, toothed rolls. For setting a desired profile height, the centre distance between the rolls can be adjusted, and for presetting of a profile cross-section the flank clearance between the meshing tooth systems can be adjusted. The invention furthermore relates to a method and a plant for the continuous manufacture of a composite material from a metallic wave profile shaped with the aid of the above-described method or the above-described device, and at least one further flat material, which is firmly joined to the wave profile to give the composite material.