Molded panel filter

Fluid filter element comprising a first filtering medium and a second filtering medium, said first filtering medium comprising a first batt of nonwoven randomly arrayed fibers and containing a thermoplastic material, said first batt defining a main body portion and a substantially flat marginal edge portion circumscribing said main body portion, the thermoplastic material in said marginal edge portion stiffening the fibers in said marginal edge portion to provide a substantially fluid impermeable support and sealiang structure for said first batt, said second filter medium comprising a second batt of nonwoven randomly arrayed fibers and containing a thermoplastic material, said second batt having a main body portion in which the fibers in said main body portion of said second batt are stiffened by said thermoplastic material, said main body portion of said second batt being compressed and molded into a convoluted shape portion, said second filtering medium having a substantially flat circumferential edge portion extending from the main body portion of said second batt and containing fibers stiffened by said thermoplastic material to provide a substantially fluid impermeable support and sealing structure complementary to and registering with said marginal edge portion, said marginal edge portion being sealed to said circumferential edge portion.