Diesel filter plugging process

A method for plugging a subset of cells of a honeycomb structure having a plurality of open end cells extending therethrough, comprising:

• providing at least one first molding member including an engagement surface and an opposite surface, the engagement surface having a plurality of outwardly extending teeth spaced along a length and a width of the at least one engagement surface, the teeth of the at least one first molding member being flexibly resilient and being spaced so as to engage a first subset of a total number of cells exposed on a first end of a honeycomb structure;
• providing at least one first pressing member that is separate from the at least one first molding member;
• contacting the engagement surface of the at least one first molding member across the first end of the honeycomb structure with the teeth extending into the first subset of cells while allowing the teeth of the at least one first molding member to elastically deform and align with the first subset of cells by exerting a localized force on the opposite surface of the at least one first molding member with the at least one first pressing member, thereby deforming the first end of the honeycomb structure;
• and
• plugging a second subset of the total number of cells substantially different from the first subset of cells.