a filter for removing debris from a flow of molten plastic includes a cartridge containing a screen and a holder which seats one face of the cartridge . the flow of molten plastic is directed at an acute angle through the screen producing a filtered plastic flow through a downstream face of the screen and a flow of debris separated from the filter plastic along the upstream screen face . a compartment extends along the upstream screen face and accumulates the separated debris . a passage in the holder communicates with the debris - accumulating compartment and discharges the accumulating debris . a cooling mechanism regulates the rate at which debris is discharged .