A mesh screen, for example for filtration wheels used in water treatment, provides a set of pleated filter elements assembled by in-molding the mesh into stringers subdividing a frame. Retention strips following the pleated edges of the filter elements at the stringers include apertures permitting direct clamping of the mesh near the stringers and the ability to visually inspect, after molding, engagement between the molded elements and the mesh while providing an increased engagement area between the mesh and elements of the over-molded frame.