Abstract: A photoetch plate hinge apparatus having a base photoetch plate for supporting a base hinge platform to which a metal hinge is mounted. The metal hinge is also secured to a coverplate hinge platform which is affixed to a cover photoetch plate via a cantilever bridge structure. The cover plate hinge platform and the cover photoetch plate are capable of vertical arc-like movement relative to the base photoetch plate, so as to accomplish the disposition of sheet material between the base and cover plates for photoetching. The usable surfaces of the plates are totally accessible to irradiation and cleaning, and will not damage when subjected to vacuum photoetching procedures.