In a nozzle plate production method and apparatus, a metallic sheet material is punched to form nozzle holes therein by using a press having punches. Each of the punches includes a tapered conical portion, a straight cylindrical portion, and a rounded interconnecting portion. The interconnecting portion smoothly interconnects the conical portion and the cylindrical portion. Nibs produced on a bottom surface of the sheet material at the nozzle holes by the nozzle hole punching are removed by use of a tape grinding machine. A top surface and the bottom surface of the sheet material are buffed to provide a predetermined level of surface roughness. Burrs produced on the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet material at the nozzle holes by the buffing are removed by ultrasonic cleaning.