1 EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-00232, 33-96400, and 33-96402) of Align-Rite International, Inc. of our reports dated May 28, 1999 relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule, which appear in this Form 10-K. /s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP - -------------------------------------- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Los Angeles, CA June 28, 1999