Abstract: An apparatus for emboss bonding two or more lightweight cellulosic webs to form a multi-ply article, the apparatus including a first cylindrical roll having a metal surface and being disposed for rotation about a cross machine rotation axis, an etched area of the surface of the first roll defining a pattern having pedetermined dimensions for forming proximate the perimeter of the article an emboss bond, the etched area comprising a plurality of truncated right rectangular pyramidal cavities in the roll surface disposed in adjacent relationship in the machine direction and the cross machine direction, and a second cylindrical roll disposed to cooperatively rotate with the first roll and to define therewith a nip for engaging the webs, the second roll having an impressionable surface capable of conforming under pressure to the etched area or having an etched area defining a complementary pattern for meshing engagement with the etched area on the first roll.