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ProBalsa is select quality, kiln-dried, end-grain balsa wood suitable as a structural core material in composite sandwich construction. ProBalsa is a naturally renewable resource. The balsa plant (Ocroma lagopus) grows from seedling to mature tree in 4-6 years and reaches heights up to 25 m (90 ft) before dying in 8-10 years. Tropical winds spread balsa seeds throughout the equatorial highlands of Ecuador where mature trees are harvested. The trees are then milled, kiln-dried, and converted to ProBalsa.
ProBalsa's end-grain orientation gives it exceptional compression and shear properties. As an added benefit, ProBalsa provides good thermal and acoustic insulation. Pro-Balsa is available in three different densities.
ProBalsa Plus is a surface primed version of ProBalsa, which improves installation quality, shortens application time and reduces resin absorption. ProBalsa core materials are approved by all major marine classification societies including American Bureau of Shipping, Lloyd's Register of Shipping, Det Norske Veritas, and Germanischer Lloyds. Our type approvals mean ProBalsa Products are recognized and meet the structural standards of these classification societies.
Balsa is a familiar wood product. Found in a range of applications from toy gliders to boat construction, balsa fills the needs of a variety of structural and non-structural applications. Balsa is very light yet exceptionally strong. Although classified as a hardwood, balsa wood's density ranges from only four to twenty pounds per cubic foot. ProBalsa's laminated blocks average 9.5 pounds per cubic foot. Balsa wood gets its great strength from its vascular system, a network of tiny tubes which transport nutrients and water throughout the tree. Similar to honeycomb, the vascular system is capable of carrying tremendous compressive and shear stresses. ProBalsa's low density and exceptional strength make it an ideal composite core material.
ProBalsa Plus for optimum strength-to-weight ratio.
ProBalsa Plus is pre-coated to improve adhesion of the skins and reduce overall assembly time since precoating of the core is not necessary. Also, the specially formulated coating prevents the balsa from soaking up additional resin in a FRP laminate.
