Method of laser welding transmission filter housing components

A fluid filter manufacturing method comprising:

• (a) placing first and second filter sections of a fluid filter in an abutting relationship, said first section including a circumscribing first flange composed of synthetic resin material transmissive to laser light, said second section including a circumscribing second flange composed of synthetic resin material opaque to laser light and subject to melting upon exposure thereto, said flanges being complementally configured and defining a chamber with filter media therein, step (a) including the step of placing said flanges in an abutting relationship, there being a circumscribing juncture between said flanges;
• (b) directing laser light from a source thereof through said first flange onto said second flange at said juncture thereby forming a melt of synthetic resin material at said juncture;
• (c) discontinuing said laser light allowing said melt to solidify in order to join said flanges and thereby join said sections to form said fluid filter and to form a fluid seal circumscribing said filter at said juncture;
• and
• (d) before steps (b) and (c), crimping the filter media between the first and second sections of the filter to thereby form a seal.