Abstract: A self-supporting pleated filter, and an apparatus and method for fabricating such a filter, are provided, through use of a conveyor having a plurality of spaced apart flites operatively joined to one another in such a manner that spacing between the flights is selectively adjustable. The conveyor is incorporated into a pleat spacer, according to the invention, so that the pleat spacing of a pleat pack of the filter may be conveniently varied, during manufacture of the filter, to provide a desired pleat spacing, and to also provide a desired fit between the periphery of the pleat pack and a frame, of the filter, which is attached to the pleat pack.