Abstract: A filter mesh assembly configured to control particulate material in a filter assembly of a plastic extruder. The filter mesh assembly includes a wire mesh filter having a square weave construction defining a predetermined pore size with the wire mesh filter having flattened surfaces of adjacent wires on the same plane and configured to allow a portion of the scraper to move across the wire mesh filter assembly. The assembly also includes a wire mesh supporter having a square weave construction and a characteristic of sufficient strength to support the wire mesh filter against a breaker plate. The wire mesh filter and the wire mesh supporter are diffusion bonded to each other as a unified structure and disposed in a housing between an inlet and breaker plate. The configuration allows passage of molten plastic through the breaker plate and lateral movement of material, parallel to the breaker plate.