What is the difference between rigid and compact filters?

Rigid filters use V-shaped minipleat banks in a moulded plastic frame. Compact filters use minipleat media in a metal, plastic or card cased frame, with or without a header, and suit high airflows in limited space and damp conditions.

Which filter suits kitchen extract or paint spray?

High temperature filters are designed for kitchen extract, process and paint spray, with glass fibre paper, aluminium separators and a galvanised steel frame rated up to 230°C.

Can you supply non-standard sizes?

Rigid filters come in three standard sizes: 592 × 592, 592 × 492 and 592 × 289mm, all 292mm deep. Compact filters are made in the same face sizes as our pleated panel filters, and non-standard compact sizes are manufactured to order.

Compact & rigid filters

Fine filtration where space is tight and airflow is high.

Minipleat rigid and compact filters for M5 – F9 filtration, a drop-in replacement for bag filters, plus high temperature cells for kitchen extract, process and paint spray.

Request a quote View the range

Grey moulded plastic rigid filter with white V-shaped minipleat media banks

Typical use

Secondary filtration and bag filter replacement

M5 – F9

fine grades, plus E10 – H14

292mm

rigid filter depth

No modification

retrofits bag housings

Up to 230°C

high temperature option

The range

Three constructions, each with a full specification

Choose a type to see its filter grade, media, frame, header and standard sizes.

Compare compact filters

Compact & rigid filters types compared
Specification	M6 – F9 rigid	M5 – F9 compact	High temperature
EN 779	M6 – F9 (also E10 – H14)	M5 – F9	M6 – F7
ISO 16890	ePM10 65% – ePM1 80%	ePM10 60% – ePM1 80%	ePM10 70% (M6), ePM1 55% (F7)
Media	Microfine glass or synthetic fibre minipleat	Microfine glass fibre or synthetic minipleat	Glass fibre paper with aluminium corrugated separators and safety edges
Frame	Moulded plastic, V-shape	Metal, plastic or card cased	Galvanised steel, warp resistant
Header	20mm or 25mm	With or without a header	22mm header
Max temperature	Up to 80°C	Standard HVAC	Up to 230°C
Best for	Secondary filtration, bag filter replacement, HEPA pre-filter	High airflow in limited space	Kitchen extract, process and paint spray

Specification options

The information needed for an accurate quote

Maxi / Specification rail

Variable	Typical information to confirm
Filter grade	Required grade, from M5 to F9 (or E10 – H14)
Face dimensions	Height × width of the housing
Depth	292mm for rigid filters; compact depths vary
Header	20mm or 25mm header, or headerless
Frame	Plastic, metal or card cased
Temperature	Operating temperature if above standard HVAC
Quantity and site	Demand, delivery point and change plan

Common applications

Where compact filters are used

Air handling units
Hospitals
Offices
Computer centres
Pharmaceutical
Microelectronics
Leisure centres
Kitchen extract
Paint spray
HEPA pre-filtration

Not sure what is fitted?

Start with what you can see

The label, dimensions and a photo of what is fitted now are a useful starting point. For larger or mixed estates, a free site survey can create a clearer asset record.

Identify a replacement

Questions

Useful answers before you specify

Yes. The compact V-shape configuration can retrofit bag filters and fits existing filter housings with no modification, giving longer life and reduced energy consumption.

Technical help without the hard sell

Send your compact filter details

Send the face size, depth, header, grade and quantity, or a photo of the existing label, and Maxi will confirm the right specification.

Ask an air filtration specialist