Abstract: A novel polymeric orifice plate for a printhead. The plate includes a recess in the top surface thereof which terminates at a position between the top and bottom plate surfaces. The recess communicates with a bore which passes through the remainder of the plate and terminates at the bottom surface thereof. The recess has an upper end with a first opening therein, a lower end with a second opening therein, and a side wall which is preferably oriented at a right angle relative to the top surface of the plate. The recess may also have a bottom wall at the lower end. The first opening is larger than the second opening. The application of physical force to the plate does not disturb the second opening in the recess which is "inset" and protected. This design insures proper ink drop trajectory and the generation of high-quality printed images.