The bicomponent fibers used for this filter fleece consist of a core and a sheathing. The core's melting point is higher than that of the sheathing. The low-melting sheathing acts as a binding agent, whereas the core ensures the good mechanical properties of the nonwoven. Furthermore, it has a layered structure with fibers of three different thicknesses. Coarse fibers in the inflow zone hold back bigger particles. Fine fibers in the middle as well as ultra-fine fibers in the lower layer make for the separation of smaller and very fine particles. These properties predestine this filter fleece for vacuum belt filters and even for filter plants with higher mechanical strain and more demanding filtration applications. Excellent results are achieved for grinding machines with very high precision requirements or fine wire drawing due to the layered fiber structure.