Abstract: A manufacturing system and a method of producing a filter assembly for use in a filter is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter media, such as a pleated paper filter element, and opposing end discs secured to the filter media by a liquid bonding agent. The manufacturing system employs the method of dispensing the liquid bonding agent onto the end discs. Opposing ends of the filter media are inserted into the liquid bonding agent. The end discs are ultrasonically excited at one or more stations to heat the liquid bonding agent to a cure temperature.

Abstract: A filter manufacturing process includes the steps of dispensing an adhesive including an RF receptive material, and arranging the adhesive between an end disc and a filter media. The adhesive is exposed to RF waves excite the RF receptive material, which generates heat to cure the adhesive. The adhesive need only be exposed to the RF waves for several seconds. As a result, the filter media may be fully cured during the early processing stages. In one example, the adhesive is a vinyl adhesive plastisol. The filter media and end disc are passed through a curing tunnel in which an RF transmitter is arranged proximate to the adhesive to emit RF waves to excite the RF receptive material.