Re: balsa marine ply??

Posted by Ray on Aug 21, 2004

Thanks for tthe feedback. I enclose details from the website. It looks very interesting. However at about $200 a sheet i need to be very confident that it will perform 'better' than okoume.

Lightweight Panels

BalsaMarine Composite Panels

Description

Since Balsa is a very low-shrinkage wood, it�s use as a cross-grained wood in the Balsa-Ply panel provides dimensional stability and a good uniform surface. For thermal expansion, the BalsaMarine is impervious to normal temperature variations, and the mechanical properties are unaltered in temperatures up to - 150 deg. C.

At higher temperatures (200 c), BalsaMarine loses only 4% of its weight after 8 hours exposure. During combustion, the surface carbonization of the balsa enables the panel to resist fire for longer periods, by slowing down the spread of fire to the interior of the panel.

BalsaMarine panels have been tested in the Laboratories of Technique du Bois in France, and it is worth noting that the resistance to deflection, or elasticity, is comparable to Okoume plywood, and even greater in the transverse direction. In addition, despite the low density, hardness is equal to about 50% compared to plywood

BalsaMarine Panels, with an end grain balsa core, have been developed to provide the user with a strong, lightweight structural panel. Our Composite Panels are 4' x 8' in size and can be produced in-house with a variety of decorative veneers: Teak, Cherry, Afromosia, Maple, Teak & Holly etc.

The Okoume plywood skins allow subsequent bonding, painting, coating or any number of standard woodworking practices. The panels are manufactured using a waterproof bond ensuring the Balsa Marine Panel suitable for various applications. Balsa Marine Composite Panels can be used in structural or non-structural applications.

Advantages Excellent sound and thermal insulation properties High moisture resistance Positive flotation Excellent flex, shearing and bond strengths Dimensional stability Lightweight Good strength to weight ratio Excellent cost effectiveness Renewable natural resource High impact and fatigue resistance Applications Balsa Marine's lightweight boards are designed to replace plywood in certain applications. Boat-builders and repairers are increasing their demand for Balsa Marine for cabinetry, stringers, bulkheads, built-in furniture, cabin flooring and other structures. Similar uses have been made in a variety of boats, including catamarans and hovercrafts. Reduced overall weight means improved performance.

Lloyds Register of Shipping Approved: 28 & 36mm also available (special order only) Application: The weight and uniform surface of the BalsaMarine panel makes it easy to machine. The physical & mechanical characteristics of the panel we have described will guide the user with regard to its application. In particular, the user must take care to protect the edges with a beading or a coat of epoxy resin if the panel is to be used in a humid atmosphere. The same precautions must be taken whenever the panel is machined. It is recommended that securing systems for this type of material should be used (bolts, bonding, insertion etc.). If it is impossible to avoid direct fixing on the surface of a panel using screws, increase the number of screws and, if necessary, use cleats.

Assembly of different BalsaMarine panels can be made by a concealed tongue & groove fixing system, or by bonding using an epoxy adhesive

In Response to: Re: balsa marine ply?? by Craig Robinson on Aug 21, 2004

Replies:

• Re: balsa marine ply?? by Steve Miller on Aug 21, 2004
  • Re: balsa marine ply?? by Craig Robinson on Aug 21, 2004
    • Re: balsa marine ply?? by Ray on Aug 22, 2004