Formed filter media

A filter assembly, comprising:

• a filter element, comprising:
• a filter media comprising a plurality of filter media layers stacked on top of each other along a transverse direction to form the filter media, the filter media having an inlet surface at an inlet portion of the filter media, and an outlet surface at an outlet portion of the filter media, the outlet portion disposed axially away from the inlet portion in an axial direction, the axial direction substantially perpendicular to the inlet surface and the outlet surface, the transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction,
• each filter media layer in the plurality of filter media layers is folded along a plurality of bend lines between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and each filter media layer in the plurality of filter media layers comprises a plurality of wall segments extending in serpentine manner between the plurality of bend lines, the plurality of wall segments extending axially and defining axial channels therebetween;
• a seal member disposed around:
• the inlet portion of the filter media, adjacent the inlet surface, or
• the outlet portion of the filter media, adjacent the outlet surface;
• and
• a support rib extending in the axial direction from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion, the support rib configured to maintain the filter element structure.