In another thread I asked about resin uptake of Balsa when used as a core. I have received various answer that are not answering the question, so let me go at it a different way.

If identical composite parts are made using any available method such as - but not limited to - hand layup, resin infusion, or prepreg, with a core of unsealed balsa and sealed balsa, Which would be the lightest and by how much would the weight difference be?

On another forum, I have received replies that seem to presume that it is common knowledge that resin infusion will weight a LOT MORE than if the parts are made with prepreg. Maybe all the old timers know this to be true and never use resin infusion to make light balsa core products.

But really now.... How much more is a LOT MORE?

Is there any data that will tell me how much heavier one is compared to the other?

For this discussion, please do not confuse the question by bringing up other core materials that you might think are better, lighter, stronger. That discussion will be a separate topic. First I want to know about balsa core.


A Lifelong Learner

Thank you Fasta. This is very valuable information. If 10% is an attainable figure for my project which is a UAV frame/hull, it will round out to about 100 to 150 gram difference. So, all things being equal, the powerplant and battery system will need to lift that extra weight 100% of the time. It does not seem to be enough of a difference to not consider using infusion. This encourages me to move forward.


A Lifelong Learner