jeffro61
11-03-2015, 09:32 AM
This is pyrotechnical but not relating to fireworks. We are fire spinners - meaning we make and spin manipulation props such as staffs, poi, hoops, nunchaku, and clubs that have wicks that are fueled and lit on fire for performance. The wicks are soaked in white gas (aka coleman liquid camp fuel - naptha based), and for extra sparkle effect we sprinkle titanium on the wicks before igniting (image attached below for reference). For the past 3 years we have had a source for titanium alloy milled flake fines with Screen Analysis: 12% +30 mesh; 33% -30 +80 mesh; 55% -80 mesh that worked great. It ignites as it falls off the flame, so the particle size and shape regulates how much sticks to the wick and how much falls off (big particles won't stick and too small like powder and it clumps) and also the flake shape ignites easily at this temperature. Unfortunately we used up all of this supply and they do not know if they will receive more. Since then we have been using Spherical -100+325 mesh from another supplier with similar results (though not as good), but they have also run out. Both suppliers mentioned a titanium shortage.
I have tried Titanium, spherical, +145-325 and Spherical 60-80 mesh from elsewhere that did not work. I recently tried Titanium, spherical, -200 mesh but it was too fine and clumped. At this point I am not sure where to turn as we have used up 2 supplies, and honestly I am still a bit confused by mesh size. I could possibly source it over seas but am not sure what to ask for. Most of the overseas suppliers that I have found sell sizes such as -200 mesh - I have not found any that have a range such as -100+325 mesh (and no milled flame fines) nor do I understand mesh size enough to guess what I may need. Any ideas on what may work or any suppliers to try? I have been ordering a pound of each mesh size that I can find in the US but am running out of sizes to test.
Thank you for any advice.
I have tried Titanium, spherical, +145-325 and Spherical 60-80 mesh from elsewhere that did not work. I recently tried Titanium, spherical, -200 mesh but it was too fine and clumped. At this point I am not sure where to turn as we have used up 2 supplies, and honestly I am still a bit confused by mesh size. I could possibly source it over seas but am not sure what to ask for. Most of the overseas suppliers that I have found sell sizes such as -200 mesh - I have not found any that have a range such as -100+325 mesh (and no milled flame fines) nor do I understand mesh size enough to guess what I may need. Any ideas on what may work or any suppliers to try? I have been ordering a pound of each mesh size that I can find in the US but am running out of sizes to test.
Thank you for any advice.