A filament forming apparatus (5) has a bushing that includes structural c omponents and non- structural components. The structural components which in clude at least a perforated bottom tip plate (14) are formed of a first mate rial having a high creep strength and the ability to withstand corrosive eff ects of molten mineral materials. The non- structural components which inclu de at least a screen (16) positioned above the sidewells (40) and the end wa lls (50) of the bushing are formed of at least a second material that is dif ferent from the first material.
