Abstract: A filter for polymer melts and solutions comprises a casing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The casing accommodates a hollow mandrel supporting filter elements which are axially unmovable due to the provision of clamping flanges. Each element consists of a spacer plate located between filtering baffles, a sleeve having through radial passages communicating the inner space of the filter element with the inner space of the mandrel, the sleeve being mounted between the filtering baffles on the periphery of the mandrel, and a seal located between the filtering baffles on the periphery of the spacer plate. In addition, the casing accommodates auxiliary seals provided between the filter elements on the periphery of the mandrel and a spacer device arranged between the filter elements. The spacer device comprises auxiliary spacer plates each corresponding to the filtering surface of the filtering baffle. The filter is also provided with a washing device.