Filter Element and Method of Manufacturing a Filter Element

A method of manufacturing a filter element comprising:

• depositing a first layer of powered metal on a fabrication platform of a laser manufacturing machine;
• directing a laser beam toward the first layer to form a first component of the filter element by fusing metal particle granules together, the first component having a first porosity;
• lowering a part of the fabrication platform with the first component disposed thereon;
• depositing a second layer of powered metal over the fabrication platform and the first component;
• and
• directing the laser beam toward the second layer to form a second component of the filter element by fusing metal particle granules together, the second component having a second porosity different from the first porosity.

A filter element manufactured by a laser manufacturing process, the filter element comprising:

• a first region having a first porosity that is fluid permeable;
• and
• a second region having a second porosity that is fluid permeable;
• wherein the first region and the second region are integrally formed together from powdered metal and the first porosity is different from the second porosity.