What do you need? There are two basic requirements for printing on balsa. You first need a printer that has a straight through paper path. We are currently using an Epson SureColor P400. It also helps if the printer will support banner printing. The second thing you need is some graphics software to develop your artwork. Just about any program that will let you draw will work fine. We prefer software that uses vector graphics so they can be scaled without any loss of resolution. Programs that draw using bit maps can also be used very effectively.


The process. The photos that follow will take you through the steps. Basically, the process is  create your artwork and then print the balsa sheets. Here are the more detailed steps. Click on each photo to see a larger version and the full photo description.


Begin by creating your artwork. The example shown hear has been developed using CorelDraw.
Begin by creating your artwork. The example shown hear has been developed using CorelDraw.
You need a printer that supports a straight through paper path. Shown here is an HP 1120 with paper fed from the back of the printer.
You need a printer that supports a straight through paper path. Shown here is an HP 1120 with paper fed from the back of the printer.
To make alignment of the balsa easy, and to make sure the printer can handle narrow balsa sheets, create a backing sheet. Print a sample graphic on the backing sheet to serve as an alignment guide before actually printing on balsa.
To make alignment of the balsa easy, and to make sure the printer can handle narrow balsa sheets, create a backing sheet. Print a sample graphic on the backing sheet to serve as an alignment guide before actually printing on balsa.
Once you have a backing sheet created with a copy of your graphic printed as a guide, align a sheet of balsa in the middle of the target printing path.
Once you have a backing sheet created with a copy of your graphic printed as a guide, align a sheet of balsa in the middle of the target printing path.
Next slide the sheet up to the edge of the backing sheet that will be feed to the printer. You do not need to fasten the balsa to the backing sheet.
Next slide the sheet up to the edge of the backing sheet that will be feed to the printer. You do not need to fasten the balsa to the backing sheet.
While holding the backing sheet and balsa strip, feed them into the printer until they register. You can make minor adjustments to the balsa sheet alignment after it is registered in the printer.
While holding the backing sheet and balsa strip, feed them into the printer until they register. You can make minor adjustments to the balsa sheet alignment after it is registered in the printer.
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Please note: Some printers have toothed wheels in the paper path that help control the paper as it is printed. These wheels can sometimes interfere with the balsa and actually cut it into strips. If your printer is set up like this, it may be necessary to see if the toothed wheels can be removed. Doing so may cause later problems when printing on paper, so be sure you can live with any undesirable results from modifications you make to your printer before implementing.