Complete Guide to Sintered Filters for Industrial Applications

1. Why You Can't Ignore The Sintered Filter in Industrial Processes

In today’s demanding industrial environments, reliable filtration is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Whether you’re working with compressed air, gas systems, hydraulic fluids, or high-purity chemicals,

the efficiency and durability of your filtration system can make or break your process.

That’s where sintered filters come in. Sintered filters can be easily cleaned and regenerated through

methods such as backwash, further extending their service life and reducing maintenance costs.

Sintered filters are widely used in chemical processing industries, where they play a crucial role in managing

corrosive environments, preventing contamination, and ensuring process safety.

What Are Sintered Filters?

Sintered filters are advanced filtration components made by compressing and sintering powdered materials such as stainless steel, bronze, metals, ceramic, or plastic at high temperatures. Ceramic sintered filters are especially suitable for high-temperature and corrosive environments due to their thermal resistance and chemical stability. The sintering process preserves the physical properties of the chosen materials, resulting in a rigid, porous structure that can withstand high pressure, extreme temperatures, and corrosive environments — all while providing precise and consistent filtration.

Unlike disposable or fragile filters, a sintered metal filter is engineered to be both durable and reusable, offering long-term value and reduced downtime.

Why Are They So Important ? 

These filters play a critical role in key industrial processes like:

*Particulate removal from liquids or gases

*Protecting sensitive instruments and valves

*Maintaining purity in chemical, food, and pharmaceutical production

*Ensuring consistent flow and pressure in automated systems

In short, sintered filters enable filtration, separation, and purification at a level of performance that traditional filter materials simply cannot match.

Why HENGKO?

As one of the trusted names in the global filtration industry, HENGKO specializes in manufacturing high-performance sintered metal filters for a wide range of industries. Whether you need an OEM filter solution or custom-designed filters for unique applications, HENGKO filters are known for their precision, quality, and reliability.

2. What is a Sintered Filter Understanding the Basics

If you're exploring advanced filtration options, you may be wondering: what exactly is a sintered filter and how does it work?

Definition and Working Principle

A sintered filter is a porous filtration component created through a process called sintering, where fine powdered material — typically metal or polymer — is compacted under pressure and then heated just below its melting point. This process bonds the particles together while leaving interconnected pores throughout the structure.

These pores allow fluids or gases to pass through while capturing unwanted particles, offering both mechanical strength and precise filtration performance. Unlike traditional mesh or paper filters, metal sintered filters maintain structural integrity under high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive conditions. Maintaining appropriate fluid pressure is essential for consistent filtration efficiency and system reliability, as it ensures optimal flow and effective particle capture.

Thanks to their rigid structure, sintered filters can be:

*Backflushed and cleaned

*Used in both surface and depth filtration

*Customized in terms of pore size, shape, and material

Types of Metal Sintered Filters

There are several common types of metal sintered filter materials, each designed to meet specific industrial needs. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right one for your application:

*Sintered Bronze Filter

Made from copper-tin alloy powders, the sintered bronze filter is known for its excellent permeability and corrosion resistance. It’s often used in:

*Pneumatic tools

*Air silencers

*Fuel filtration

*Lubrication systems

A bronze filter element provides reliable filtration performance in pneumatic and lubrication systems due to its unique material properties.

It’s a great choice when both strength and air permeability are needed in lower-pressure applications.

*Sintered Stainless Steel Filter

The sintered stainless steel filter is ideal for high-pressure, high-temperature, and aggressive chemical environments. It offers:

*Exceptional mechanical strength

*Superior corrosion resistance

*Long-term reusability

A stainless steel filter element is widely used in applications requiring both high strength and chemical resistance.

You’ll typically find these in applications like:

*Petrochemical processing

*Pharmaceutical manufacturing

*Food and beverage systems

Summary

No matter the application, choosing the right metal sintered filter — whether it’s sintered bronze for pneumatic systems or sintered stainless steel for harsh chemical processes — is essential for maintaining performance, safety, and operational efficiency.

When selecting a sintered filter, it is important to ensure compatibility with the filter housing to guarantee proper sealing and performance.

3. How Sintered Filters Are Made The Sintering Process Explained

To truly understand the value of a sintered filter, it’s helpful to look at how it’s made — because its unique structure and performance come directly from the precision of the manufacturing process.

The sintering process also enables the production of filters in variable shapes, such as discs, plates, and tubes, to meet diverse application requirements.

What Materials Are Used for Sintered Filters?

Sintered metal powder filters are created from fine metal powders that are carefully selected based on the desired filtration performance and working conditions. The diameter of the metal powder particles plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process, affecting the pore size, strength, and overall properties of the final filter. Common materials include:

*Stainless Steel: Excellent for corrosion resistance and high-strength applications

*Bronze: Often used in pneumatic systems and low-pressure fluid filtration

*Nickel: Suitable for aggressive chemicals and high-temperature systems

*Copper: Ideal for heat exchange and antimicrobial properties

*Polyethylene or PTFE: Used in chemical and water filtration where metal may not be suitable

Sintered filter elements are available in a wide range of diameters, including discs, sheets, and plates up to 500mm, to accommodate various industrial requirements. In some designs, a perforated plate made from stainless steel is used as a support layer to enhance the structural integrity and durability of the sintered filter elements.

Each material is chosen for its physical and chemical properties, pore size control, and compatibility with the application environment.

The Sintering Process Step by Step

Creating a sintered powder filter involves several precise steps:

4.2.2 Isostatic pressing (including Cold Isostatic Pressing, CIP) or Uniaxial Compacting

1. Powder Selection & Blending

High-purity metal powders are selected and sometimes blended to achieve specific mechanical or filtration properties. Controlling the particle size distribution of the powder is essential for achieving the desired pore structure and filtration performance.

2. Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) or Uniaxial Compacting

The metal powder is placed into a mold and pressed at high pressure to form a compacted “green body.” This defines the basic shape and pre-pore structure of the filter.

3. Sintering

The compacted part is heated in a controlled atmosphere furnace to just below its melting point. During this stage, the particles bond at contact points — creating a rigid, sintered structure with a porous metal matrix.

This process determines the filter’s:

*Pore size

*Permeability

*Strength and durability

4. Post-Processing

Depending on the application, filters may be surface treated, machined, welded to housings, or tested for porosity, flow rate, and subjected to a leak test.

The result is a sintered porous metal body that offers uniform pores, high mechanical integrity, and excellent thermal and chemical stability.

Why It Matters

This unique sintering process allows manufacturers like HENGKO to deliver highly customizable filtration elements with precise control over porosity, strength, and flow performance. Whether you’re working in extreme temperature environments or require ultra-fine filtration, sintered metal powder filters are engineered to meet your toughest demands. Whether you require a standard or custom filter, the sintering process allows for precise adaptation to your application's needs.

4. Types of Sintered Filters You Should Know

When selecting a sintered filter for your industrial system, understanding the available types is essential. Each form of sintered media offers unique advantages depending on your application — from high-flow gas systems to ultra-fine chemical separation. Some sintered filters, such as those used in pneumatic systems, also provide noise reduction by absorbing sound waves. Here’s a breakdown of the most widely used types of sintered mesh filters and their use cases.

*Sintered Wire Mesh Filter

The sintered wire mesh filter is made by stacking and sintering multiple layers of stainless steel woven wire mesh. It offers:

*Precise pore size control

*Excellent mechanical strength

*Uniform permeability

Larger surface areas and pleated designs help increase flow capacity. A pleated filter design can further enhance the dirt-holding capacity and operational lifespan of sintered wire mesh filters.

Ideal for:

*High-pressure fluid and gas filtration

*Backflush systems

*Pharmaceutical and chemical applications

These filters are known for their durability and ability to withstand repeated cleaning cycles. They are often referred to as sintered mesh filters in industries requiring high reliability.

*Sintered Felt & Sintered Disk Filter

Sintered metal fiber felt consists of randomly laid stainless steel fibers sintered together, creating a high-porosity depth filter media. This type of fiber filter is especially effective for applications requiring high dirt-holding capacity. It provides:

*Superior dirt-holding capacity

*Excellent resistance to thermal shock

*Gradient filtration from coarse to fine

Sintered disk filters, on the other hand, are compact, flat porous discs used in gas distribution systems and analytical instruments.

Both types are commonly used in:

*Polymer filtration

*Gas purification

*Hydraulic systems

*Sintered Candle Filter

Candle filters are tubular elements used in vertical filter housings. Their benefits include:

*Easy replacement and regeneration

*Low pressure drop

*Compatibility with high-viscosity fluids

Applications include:

*Catalyst recovery

*Chemical separation

*Food and beverage clarification

HENGKO offers sintered stainless filter candles in various sizes and micron ratings for custom integration.

*Sintered Porous Plastic Filter

Made from polyethylene (PE) or PTFE, these filters are chemically resistant and lightweight. A plastic filter element is often chosen for applications where metal filters are not suitable due to chemical compatibility or weight constraints. They are widely used in:

*Laboratory analysis

*Gas sparging

*Vent filters for containers

Though not as strong as metal, sintered porous plastic filters are cost-effective and ideal for non-aggressive environments.

*Porous Bronze Filter & Sintered Brass Filter

These filters are known for their good machinability, moderate corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency. A brass filter is particularly valued for its balance of performance and affordability in pneumatic and lubrication systems. You’ll commonly find them in:

*Pneumatic mufflers

*Lubrication systems

*Fuel filtration for small engines

Their porous structure offers reliable filtration with excellent airflow, making them ideal for air silencers and pneumatic valves.

*Comparison with Industry Leaders

You may be familiar with brands like Mott, Swagelok, or Pall in the sintered filtration space. Mott filter products are recognized for their ultra-high purity and aerospace applications. Here’s how HENGKO compares:

Whether you’re looking for sintered mesh solutions for corrosive environments or cost-effective OEM designs, HENGKO’s sintered mesh filter product line provides global industries with the flexibility and performance they need — at a price that makes sense.

5. Applications Where Are Sintered Filters Used in Industry

When you consider how many industries require clean, precise, and reliable filtration, it’s easy to see why sintered filters have become essential components in modern manufacturing and processing systems. Thanks to their durability, uniform pore structure, and high resistance to temperature and corrosion, sintered porous metal filters are used across a wide range of demanding applications. In HVAC and compressed air applications, the sintered air filter is favored for: A sintered compressed air filter is especially effective for removing particulates and moisture from pneumatic systems.

Chemical & Petrochemical Industry

In environments where high pressure, aggressive chemicals, and elevated temperatures are the norm, porous metal filters provide unmatched performance. They're commonly used for:

*Catalyst recovery

*Steam and gas filtration

*High-purity chemical separation

These applications often require custom designs, which is why many companies choose HENGKO sintered porous metal filters to meet their unique process needs.

*Food & Beverage Processing

Hygiene and safety are critical in this industry. Sintered stainless steel filters are often used to filter:

*Steam for sterilization

*Liquids like beer, milk, and juices

*Air in bottling or fermentation systems

Since these filters are corrosion-resistant, cleanable, and reusable, they provide an ideal solution for food-grade operations. A sanitary filter design ensures compliance with strict hygiene standards in food and beverage processing.

*Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology

In pharma production, filtration is directly tied to product quality and regulatory compliance. Sintered filters play a vital role in:

*Vent filtration for sterile containers

*Filtration of compressed air and gases

*Liquid filtration in production lines

Their ability to maintain high filtration precision over long cycles makes sintered porous metal filters a trusted choice for GMP-compliant systems.

*Water Treatment & Air Filtration

For water purification systems, sintered filters are commonly used to remove suspended solids, bacteria, and other contaminants. Similarly, in HVAC filter and compressed air applications, the sintered air filter is favored for:

*Long-term particle retention

*Resistance to moisture and corrosion

*Easy regeneration and cleaning

Whether in industrial ventilation or municipal water treatment plants, these filters ensure both safety and system longevity.

*Gas Filtration & Hydraulic Systems

In gas pipelines and hydraulic loops, sintered metal filters help protect sensitive instruments and valves from particulates and oil mist. A sintered hydraulic filter is essential for maintaining fluid cleanliness and system reliability in demanding hydraulic applications. Their robust structure allows them to:

*Withstand pulsating flow and pressure surges

*Maintain consistent filtration performance

*Be integrated into high-precision assemblies

From natural gas filtration to mobile hydraulic equipment, HENGKO offers tailored porous metal filter solutions to meet diverse technical challenges.

6.Benefits of Using Sintered Metal Filters in Industrial Processes

When you’re choosing a filtration system for your industrial process, performance, durability, and efficiency are top priorities. This is where sintered metal filters truly shine. Whether you operate in chemical processing, biotechnology, or manufacturing, switching to sintered stainless steel filtration can significantly improve both operational stability and cost-efficiency. Their low pressure drop and high flow capacity also contribute to energy saving in industrial processes.

1. High Filtration Precision and Structural Strength

Sintered filters provide uniform pore size distribution, allowing for precise control of filtration efficiency. Their rigid structure — especially in ss sintered filter variants — enables them to handle:

*High differential pressures

*Repeated backflushing or ultrasonic cleaning

*Constant flow without deformation

This makes them ideal for both surface filtration and depth filtration applications.

2. Excellent Chemical and Thermal Resistance

If your processes involve corrosive chemicals or elevated temperatures, sintered porous stainless steel filters are built to handle the extremes. Stainless steel sintered filters resist:

*Acidic and alkaline environments

*Thermal shock and high-heat cycles

*Solvent exposure in cleanroom operations

This resistance ensures safe and stable operation even in the harshest chemical and thermal environments.

3. Reusability and Long Service Life

Unlike disposable filters that need frequent replacement, sintered ss filters can be:

*Cleaned and reused multiple times

*Maintained with simple flushing or backwashing techniques

*Used in high-load applications without rapid clogging

Their robust lifecycle means less downtime, lower maintenance costs, and greater ROI over time. Reduced maintenance cost is a key advantage for industries seeking long-term operational savings.

4. Customizable Filtration Grades and Shapes

One of the standout advantages of working with a manufacturer like HENGKO is the ability to customize:

*Pore size (from 0.1 to 100 microns or more)

*Filter shape (disk, tube, cone, plate, etc.)

*Material composition (316L, Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy)

You get a filter designed for your exact application, not just a standard off-the-shelf component. A customized filter ensures optimal performance and compatibility with your unique process requirements.

7. Maintenance and Inspection: Keeping Your Sintered Filters at Peak Performance

To ensure your sintered filters deliver optimal performance and a long service life, regular maintenance and inspection are essential. Over time, exposure to high temperatures, corrosive environments, and process contaminants can impact filter efficiency. By implementing a proactive maintenance routine, you can prevent unexpected failures and maintain the quality of your filtered fluid.

Routine inspection should include checking for signs of wear, corrosion, or physical damage. It’s also important to test the filtered fluid to confirm it meets your process standards. If you notice a drop in flow rate or filtration efficiency, it may be time to clean or replace the filter.

Proper cleaning is crucial—using methods like ultrasonic cleaning can effectively remove trapped particles without damaging the filter’s porous structure. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid exposing filters to excessive temperatures or harsh chemicals that could compromise their integrity. By adhering to best practices, you can extend the service life of your sintered filters and ensure reliable performance across a range of industrial applications.

*Cleaning Methods and Best Practices

Keeping your sintered filters clean is key to maintaining their high performance and efficiency in fluid filtration, separation, and flow control. There are several effective cleaning methods available, each suited to different types of contaminants and filter materials.

*Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves to dislodge particles from the filter’s pores, making it ideal for delicate or precision filters.

*Chemical cleaning involves soaking the filter in a compatible solution to dissolve stubborn residues, but care must be taken to select chemicals that won’t damage the filter material.

*Mechanical cleaning—such as gentle brushing or backflushing—can be used for less sensitive filters or when dealing with larger particulates.

When cleaning sintered filters, always use the recommended cleaning solutions and avoid exposing the filter to high temperatures that could alter its structure. After cleaning, ensure the filter is thoroughly dried before returning it to service to prevent moisture-related issues. Regular regeneration of sintered filters through proper cleaning methods helps maintain their filtration efficiency and extends their operational lifespan.

By following these best practices, you’ll help your sintered filters maintain optimal flow, separation, and filtration performance, ensuring they continue to deliver reliable results in even the most demanding industrial environments.

8. How to Choose the Right Sintered Filter for Your Application

Selecting the right sintered filter isn’t just about pore size — it’s about finding the perfect balance of material, performance, and durability to match your system’s needs. Integrating the correct sintered filter into your filtration system is essential for achieving optimal process results. With so many variables in industrial environments, choosing the wrong filter can lead to system failures, contamination, or costly downtime.

Here’s what you need to consider when selecting the best metal powder filter for your process.

Key Selection Factors

1. Material Compatibility

Your filter’s material must withstand your operating environment. Here are some commonly used options:

*Sintered Copper FilterIdeal for heat dissipation and antimicrobial properties. Often used in cooling systems, fuel filtration, and medical devices.

*Sintered Nickel FilterExcellent for high-temperature and aggressive chemical applications. Preferred in chemical, energy, and aerospace industries.

*Stainless Steel (316L, 304)The most versatile and widely used for general industrial, food-grade, and pharmaceutical applications.

*Polymer Filter Used in applications where chemical resistance and lightweight construction are required, such as in certain water and chemical filtration systems.

2. Pore Size and Filtration Grade

*Ranges from 0.1μm to over 100μm, depending on your need for fine or coarse filtration.

*Some sintered filters are specified by their absolute rating, which defines the maximum particle size that can pass through the filter.

*Smaller pores provide better filtration but may reduce flow rate and increase pressure drop.

3. Flow Rate Requirements

*Make sure your filter can support your system’s required flow without causing bottlenecks.

*Larger surface areas and pleated designs help increase flow capacity.

4. Operating Temperature and Pressure

*Sintered metal powder filters can operate at extreme conditions — up to 600°C and 20 MPa or more depending on material.

*Confirm the material and structure match your system’s thermal and mechanical load.

*Thermal stability is a critical factor for filters operating in high-temperature environments.

Why Global Industries Trust HENGKO Filter Solutions

HENGKO is a trusted partner for custom and OEM metal powder filter solutions. Here’s what sets us apart:

*Application-Specific Engineering: As an experienced OEM manufacturer, HENGKO delivers tailored filtration

solutions for diverse industrial needs.

We analyze your environment and recommend the exact pore size, material, and filter shape that matches your need.

*Wide Material Options: From sintered copper and nickel to stainless steel and PTFE-based filters.

*Fast Prototyping & Volume Production: Efficient R&D-to-delivery process with strict quality control.

*Industry Recognition: Used by top companies in chemical, pharma, semiconductor, and environmental industries.

Whether you’re building a gas filtration module, a precision dosing system, or a sterilizing vent, HENGKO filter solutions 

ensure long-lasting performance and peace of mind.

9. Frequently Asked Questions About Sintered Filters

What is the advantage of a sintered filter?

A sintered filter offers multiple advantages over conventional filters, including:

*Consistent pore size distribution for high filtration accuracy

*Robust mechanical strength to withstand pressure and temperature extremes

*Long-term reusability with resistance to corrosion, shock, and vibration

Because of their unique sintered porous filter structure, they also provide excellent flow rates

while maintaining a compact design — making them ideal for space-constrained systems and

high-performance industrial processes.

How long do sintered metal filters last?

The lifespan of a sintered metal filter depends on the application and maintenance routine. In most industrial settings, these filters can last several years, especially when cleaned regularly. The actual service time depends on the operating environment and maintenance practices.

Filters made from mott porous metal or stainless steel are known for their extended service life, often outperforming disposable or cartridge filters in terms of both performance and cost-efficiency.

Can sintered filters be cleaned and reused?

Yes — one of the biggest benefits of a sintered porous filter is that it can be cleaned and reused multiple times. Cleaning methods include:

*Backflushing with clean fluids or air

*Ultrasonic cleaning

*Chemical soaking

This makes sintered filters more sustainable and cost-effective than disposable filter media, especially in industries with high contamination loads.

What is the difference between sintered metal and wire mesh filters?

While both offer filtration capabilities, they differ in structure and performance:

*Wire mesh filters are woven or welded layers of metal mesh, suitable for coarse filtration and moderate pressure.

A wire mesh filter typically functions as a surface filter, capturing particles on its outer layer.

*Sintered metal filters are formed by bonding metal particles together, offering depth filtration, better pressure resistance,

and precise pore control.

If you need finer filtration and greater structural integrity, a sintered porous metal filter is the superior choice.

Where to buy high-quality sintered filters for industrial use?

You can source high-quality sintered filters directly from trusted manufacturers like HENGKO, who specialize in OEM sintered solutions across materials such as: As a leading filter supplier, HENGKO offers a comprehensive range of filtration products for industrial applications.

*Stainless steel

*Bronze

*Sintered polyethylene

*Porous plastic filter media

Whether you’re replacing mott porous metal components or need a custom sintered plastic filter 

for niche applications, HENGKO provides global support with proven quality and fast delivery.

10. Why HENGKO is Your Best Choice for Sintered Filter Solutions

When it comes to industrial filtration, choosing the right supplier is just as important as choosing the right filter. At HENGKO,

we don’t just sell filters — we engineer custom sintered filtration solutions that solve real-world challenges across industries.

OEM Expertise & Custom Engineering

HENGKO is one of the few sintered filter manufacturers offering full customization services:

*OEM manufacturing for sintered stainless, bronze, nickel, and plastic porous filters

*Engineering support to match material, pore size, shape, and flow requirements

*Small-batch prototyping and large-volume production with short lead times

Whether you need a sintered plastic porous filter for a medical device or a sintered stainless filter for

a high-pressure chemical reactor, we build solutions that meet your exact specifications.

Trusted by Global Customers

From Europe to North America, our sintered filters have been adopted by:
As a trusted industrial filter provider, HENGKO serves a wide range of sectors with tailored solutions.

*Chemical plants seeking precision gas filtration

*Food & beverage manufacturers requiring clean-in-place filter systems

*Laboratories and OEM device makers using compact, high-efficiency filter components

Our clients choose us for our technical know-how, flexible manufacturing, and consistent quality — backed by years of field-proven performance.

How We Compare with Other Brands

Unlike off-the-shelf vendors, HENGKO provides end-to-end support — from design consultation to

post-delivery performance tracking — making us a trusted long-term partner in filtration engineering.

Choosing the right filter company ensures you receive both technical support and high-quality

products for your application.

11.Conclusion

From chemical plants to cleanrooms, from gas pipelines to pharmaceutical labs — sintered filters are the invisible heroes behind efficient, reliable, and safe industrial operations. As a robust filtration device, a sintered filter ensures process integrity and product quality. Their robust structure, high filtration precision, and resistance to extreme conditions make them indispensable for applications where failure is not an option.

Whether you need corrosion-resistant sintered stainless filters, high-flow porous plastic elements, or fully customized metal powder filters, the advantages are clear:

*Longer service life

*Consistent filtration performance

*Tailored to your system’s exact needs

That’s why engineers and manufacturers worldwide are choosing HENGKO — a trusted partner in designing and producing high-quality sintered metal filters for even the most demanding industrial challenges.

Ready to upgrade your filtration system?

Contact HENGKO today to OEM or customize your special sintered metal filters — designed to match your exact specifications and process conditions. Let us help you develop a custom filter solution for your unique industrial challenges.

Email: ka@hengko.com

 Visit: www.hengko.com

Let’s make your process cleaner, safer, and more efficient — together.