Abstract: An improved reinforcing element, and devices and methods for producing a wrapped assembly reinforcing element comprising at least one center core member formed from at least one center core strand, wherein the at least one center core member is wrapped with a reinforced thermoplastic resin comprising complete fiber strand dispersion and wet out without breaking fiber filaments after cutting the fiber to a designated length in the wrapping resin. The resulting wrapped assembly may be used in a variety of ways, including virtually any construction project requiring a lightweight reinforcing member with high tensile and compression strength.

Abstract: An improved reinforcing element, and devices and methods for producing a wrapped assembly reinforcing element comprising at least one center core member formed from at least one center core strand, wherein the at least one center core member is wrapped with a reinforced thermoplastic resin comprising complete fiber strand dispersion and wet out without breaking fiber filaments after cutting the fiber to a designated length in the wrapping resin. The resulting wrapped assembly may be used in a variety of ways, including virtually any construction project requiring a lightweight reinforcing member with high tensile and compression strength.

Abstract: Improved reinforced thermoplastic resin, and devices and methods for producing the improved reinforced thermoplastic resin. The invention comprises complete fiber strand dispersion and wet out without breaking fiber filaments after cutting the fiber to a designated length. Certain embodiments of the present invention may comprise a zero-shear down screw which rotates very slowly. Thus, the resin and glass fiber bundles are slowly kneaded and the individual filaments unbundled from the fiber bundles resulting in complete wet-out of each filament without creating a pressure flow path for the substrate material and the entrained glass fibers and unbundled filaments. Optimized geometrically-controlled openings may be provided at the end of the down screw, providing further breakage-free kneading of the individual filaments. Certain embodiments may comprise an extended length cutting chamber which allow cutting very long individual fiber lengths.