A binding material to obtain a molded body by binding fibers to each other, includes a thermoplastic resin and a fluorescent whitener, and the fluorescent whitener has a melting point higher than a fusing point of the thermoplastic resin. The melting point of the fluorescent whitener is preferably 200° C. or more. A content of the fluorescent whitener in the binding material is preferably 1.0 percent by mass or less. The binding material preferably further includes a white pigment.

An apparatus and device for creating a vertical strengthening feature within a 3D printed article of manufacture for improving mechanical performance in the Z-direction. Fill material is deposited in voids vertically crossing multiple layers during the build of 3D printing. The device includes a penetrating extension that fits within the void to create a vertical strengthening feature via heat and/or extruded fill material. The size and/or movement of the heated extension can impact the void side walls to reflow the build material and blend the layers together within the void side walls.

An apparatus and device for creating a vertical strengthening feature within a 3D printed article of manufacture for improving mechanical performance in the Z-direction. Fill material is deposited in voids vertically crossing multiple layers during the build of 3D printing. The device includes a penetrating extension that fits within the void to create a vertical strengthening feature via heat and/or extruded fill material. The size and/or movement of the heated extension can impact the void side walls to reflow the build material and blend the layers together within the void side walls.

A reinforcing body and a method for its manufacturing. The reinforcing body has at least one reinforcing bar. Each reinforcing bar has a core with a peripheral surface at which a rib structure with at least one rib and at least one depression is provided. The core is formed by at least one first fiber strand embedded in a core matrix. For creating the at least one rib at least one second fiber strand is embedded into a rib matrix, wherein the at least one second fiber strand and the rib matrix are separated by at least one depression in a direction parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the reinforcing bar, such that the at least one second fiber strand is separated into fiber strand sections. The at least one first and the at least one second fiber strand have fibers of different materials.

A reinforcing body and a method for its manufacturing. The reinforcing body has at least one reinforcing bar. Each reinforcing bar has a core with a peripheral surface at which a rib structure with at least one rib and at least one depression is provided. The core is formed by at least one first fiber strand embedded in a core matrix. For creating the at least one rib at least one second fiber strand is embedded into a rib matrix, wherein the at least one second fiber strand and the rib matrix are separated by at least one depression in a direction parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the reinforcing bar, such that the at least one second fiber strand is separated into fiber strand sections. The at least one first and the at least one second fiber strand have fibers of different materials.

A composite oil pan for a work vehicle engine and a method of forming the composite engine oil pan include forming a sheet of metal into a first pan and open molding a fiber-reinforced polymer resin onto the first pan forming a second pan. The first pan has a first bottom wall and first peripheral walls extending from edges of the first bottom wall to define a sump, the first peripheral walls terminating in a first peripheral flange. The second pan has a second bottom wall and second peripheral walls abutting the first bottom wall and the first peripheral walls, the second peripheral walls terminating in a second peripheral flange. The first pan defines a thin metal structure with an inner surface extending across the first bottom wall, first peripheral walls and first peripheral flange; the second pan reinforces the first pan without abutting the inner surface.

A composite oil pan for a work vehicle engine and a method of forming the composite engine oil pan include forming a sheet of metal into a first pan and open molding a fiber-reinforced polymer resin onto the first pan forming a second pan. The first pan has a first bottom wall and first peripheral walls extending from edges of the first bottom wall to define a sump, the first peripheral walls terminating in a first peripheral flange. The second pan has a second bottom wall and second peripheral walls abutting the first bottom wall and the first peripheral walls, the second peripheral walls terminating in a second peripheral flange. The first pan defines a thin metal structure with an inner surface extending across the first bottom wall, first peripheral walls and first peripheral flange; the second pan reinforces the first pan without abutting the inner surface.

A subsea skid (100) includes a plurality of skid tubes (101-112), and a plurality of skid joints (130-135) coupled between the plurality of skid tubes (101-112). The plurality of skid tubes (101-112) and the plurality of skid joints (130-135) form a frame. The plurality of skid tubes (101-112) and the plurality of skid joints (130-135) are each formed of a non-metallic material.

Methods are provided for making a nanofiber-coated fiber. The method(s) include: providing a base fiber; depositing a nanofreckle on the base fiber; and growing a nanofiber at the nanofreckle. In another aspect, nanofiber-coated fibers are provided, produced by the above-noted methods making a nanofiber-coated fiber.

A manufacturing method of a reinforced structure includes a step of preparing a stringer that has a fiber exposed surface, a step of disposing an electrically conductive protection member on the fiber exposed surface to cover at least a part of the fiber exposed surface, a step of arranging the stringer on a skin having an uncured resin component, and a step of curing the skin after the arranging. The electrically conductive protection member includes a composite material made of combination of a resin component and an electrically conductive fiber component. The step of curing includes curing the skin and the electrically conductive protection member simultaneously. The manufacturing method can prevent edge glow without increasing the number of production steps.