the species
The scientific name of this species is Ochroma pyramidale and belongs to the Bombacaceae family.
The manufacturing process consists mainly of six stages, differentiated by work areas:
Technological Properties
01.
Balsa wood is a tropical wood with optimal characteristics for easy workability. It has the lightest weight among all tropical woods in the world, between 100 to 200 kg/m3.
02.
This wood is valued worldwide for having a relatively high mechanical resistance in relation to its light weight.
03.
Balsa wood can be easily cut and planed with thin, sharp cutting tools, becoming fuzzy or crumbly if the tool edges are too coarse or dull. – Balsa wood responds satisfactorily to gluing, this being usually the most optimal way to fix the wood.
04.
It presents a good response to sanding, dyeing, varnishing, and preserving. However, due to the anatomical characteristics of its pores, it is very absorbent, so it is recommended to use a pore sealer or, alternatively, thicken the stain or varnish to be applied.
Physical Properties
Mechanical properties
Applications
Thermal isolation
Thermal, acoustic, and vibration insulation: boards, ceilings, interior partitions, special packaging for perishable frozen foods, massive and electrostatic-free insulating material on ships for cryogenic transport, light packaging crates, under heavy machinery to prevent the transmission of vibrations to other parts.
floating products
buoys, net floats, sinker hooks, water sports items such as surfboards and sliders, lifebelts and lifeboats, houseboats, and different types of rafts.
modeling
scale models, reduced models, model aircraft, hat, and shoe ornaments.
Crafts, toys and jewelry
Pulp and Paper
Its fiber is very long and produces a very valuable pulp, with a yield of 45 to 50%, and raw cellulose is easy to bleach.
With the cotton of the fruit (Kapok) pillows, quilts, jackets, and any other product with thermal insulation requirements are filled.
