What Is Balsa Wood

Balsa Ochroma pyramidale fast-growing tropical tree in the mallow family Malvaceae noted for its extremely lightweight and light-coloured wood.

What is balsa wood. Density 160 120-220kgm3 commercially preferred density range 120-160kgm3. White to oatmeal in colour with high silky lustre. Originally the US military sought out balsa wood as a substitute for cork during World War I but it soon proved more useful as a lightweight construction material for gliders and shipping containers.

The use of balsa wood is common in model airplanes especially radio-controlled free-flying aircraft. This tree is a fast-growing type which is a native of the tropical South and Central America. Because of its strength and light weight balsa wood is most commonly used in making models of structures such as bridges buildings boats and aircraft.

Balsa trees grow in the rain forests of Central America and South America. And while its density and mechanical values can vary significantly depending on the growing conditions of any particular tree it is generally the lightest and softest of all commercial woods ranging from 8 to 14 pounds per cubic foot. It is lighter than cork and thus ideal for life preservers and lifebelts.

In recent years about 60 percent of the balsa has been plantation grown in densely packed patches of around 1000 trees per hectare compared to about. Balsa wood is a very lightweight material with many uses. The Balsa wood is also the one that has a straight grain.

It is very stiff across the sheet and splits easily. Balsa wood is the lightest and softest commercial hardwood timber. It is an engineered wood from the family of manufactured boards which includes medium-density fibreboard MDF and particle board chipboard.

This wood is extremely porous which makes it very receptive to glue. The Balsa Wood can grow to 21 meters in height and has a diameter of around 05 meters within seven years. It will not easily wrap around curved surfaces without cracking.