Co-molded and cured filter cartridge end using different durometer plastisols

Abstract

A filter cartridge includes a filter media having opposed edges. Annular end discs include first and second surfaces defined by spaced apart planes. The end discs has an integrated gasket, and is formal from includes first and second plastisol materials that have different durometers. The durometer of the second plastisol material makes it more rigid than the first plastisol material. The first plastisol material provides a flexible gasket. During manufacture, each edge of the filter media is embedded into the second material on an end disc. The second plastisol material is arranged between the planes, and the first plastisol material extends axially away from the second surface.

1 . A method of manufacturing a filter cartridge comprising the steps of: 
 a) dispensing a first polymer material in a first cavity;    b) dispensing a second polymer material in a second cavity communicating with the first cavity;    c) embedding a filter media in the second polymer material; and    d) curing the first and second polymer materials.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first polymer material provides a gasket and the second polymer material provides an end disc.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the second polymer material flows radially outwardly during step b) forming inner and outer circumferential surfaces, the first polymer material arranged radially outward of the inner circumferential surface.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the second polymer material provides first and second surfaces defining spaced apart planes, the filter media extending through the first surface, the first polymer material extending axially outward from the second surface.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising the steps of: 
 e) dispensing the first polymer material in a third cavity;    f) dispensing the second polymer material in a fourth cavity communicating with the third cavity;    g) reorienting the filter media;    h) embedding the filter media in the second polymer material in the fourth cavity; and    i) curing the first and second polymer materials in the third and fourth cavities.    
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second polymer materials are plastisol.  
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the second cavity is arranged axially above the first cavity.