The Rochester NOVA air filter is the next generation of extended surface pleated filters. The construction process is automated ensuring consistent quality, uniform appearance and performance. This pleat has eliminated the inconsistencies in pleat spacing, material variations and poor construction common to hand assembled pleated filters. This filter is engineered with only premium materials, eliminated the need for metal support grid found on other pleated filters. The advanced design of if also makes it extremely durable, virtually eliminating shipping and handling damage. The new square pleat tip design provides increased surface contact and added rigidity. The new frame design, couple with the resilient media, allows the new pleat to take considerable abuse from shipping and handling without damage to the filter. The center support strut adds tremendous strength to the frame, producing a tough, rigid filter suitable for long life applications. The NOVA pleat is constructed with 100% synthetic material that is twice the weight of conventional pleated filters. The durable, synthetic media stands up to rough field handling conditions. the thermally bonded synthetic media is not negatively affected by high humidity applications, as is the case with cotton blend pleat media.