Abstract: Disclosed is a filter medium for removing contaminants, including gels, from molten polymers. The medium contains layers of sintered metal fibers having diameters of 50 microns or less. At least two adjacent layers are separated by a screen, and the screen and layers are bonded together by compression and sintering. Preferably the layers include from 35 to 60 volume percent fibers. The filter medium is graded so that the polymer as it flows through the medium encounters fiber layers having pores that generally decrease in size. The screen has pores that are larger than the average size of the pores in any downstream layer and that are larger than the average size of the pores in the upstream layer immediately adjacent the screen. The screen collects at least some of the gels or other particles that pass through the upstream layer, giving the medium a higher dirt holding capacity than the conventional filter medium.