jeffro61 Posted November 3, 2015 Posted November 3, 2015 (edited) 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. Edited November 3, 2015 by jeffro61
jeffro61 Posted November 3, 2015 Author Posted November 3, 2015 (edited) I'm in the Atlanta area - in Temple now but moving to Lithonia. Edited November 3, 2015 by jeffro61
Carbon796 Posted November 4, 2015 Posted November 4, 2015 8th one down http://www.firefox-fx.com/ChemT.htm
jeffro61 Posted November 4, 2015 Author Posted November 4, 2015 8th one down http://www.firefox-fx.com/ChemT.htm hammer milled flake, -20+200 mesh?
Carbon796 Posted November 4, 2015 Posted November 4, 2015 Description Per firefox " Titanium alloy - Milled flake fines. Screen Analysis: 12% +30 mesh; 33% -30 +80 mesh; 55% -80 mesh. . Stock #C197TF No ATFE required to orderExcellent crackling white hot branching sparks. Works well in salutes, fountains, gerbs, comets, whistles, rocket propellants, etc.. Can be shipped by mail and NOT hazardous by UPS $24.30/lb$115.00/5 lbs "
jeffro61 Posted November 4, 2015 Author Posted November 4, 2015 Yeah, that was what we were originally using for 3 years but it is out of stock indefinitely.
ChrisDeHont Posted November 5, 2015 Posted November 5, 2015 There is a HUGE Ti shortage. We were able to acquire some 80-150 mesh but won't be available for some time. Exact date is unknown. But I am hoping to post it on the store by December. I have looked High and Low for Ti. Even turnings are getting harder and harder to find. Over seas is just to damn much. They charge triple the cost and you must ship it. For 25kg you're looking at $200 just for shipping.
jeffro61 Posted November 5, 2015 Author Posted November 5, 2015 There is a HUGE Ti shortage. We were able to acquire some 80-150 mesh but won't be available for some time. Exact date is unknown. But I am hoping to post it on the store by December. I have looked High and Low for Ti. Even turnings are getting harder and harder to find. Over seas is just to damn much. They charge triple the cost and you must ship it. For 25kg you're looking at $200 just for shipping. I hear you. For my usage though I would pay for the overseas stuff if I could just figure out the mesh size that works for us that they could produce.
MrB Posted November 8, 2015 Posted November 8, 2015 It's just a matter of time, Ti is becoming harder to obtain everywhere. It's use in cars and electronics is skyrocketing, causing the price, and availability, to go through the roof.For the purpose of fire-spinning, wouldn't FeTi work as well? Since it's made from contaminated Ti, availability, and price, should be lower. (So far i haven't seen any availability issues over here)B!
jeffro61 Posted November 24, 2015 Author Posted November 24, 2015 (edited) It's just a matter of time, Ti is becoming harder to obtain everywhere. It's use in cars and electronics is skyrocketing, causing the price, and availability, to go through the roof.For the purpose of fire-spinning, wouldn't FeTi work as well? Since it's made from contaminated Ti, availability, and price, should be lower. (So far i haven't seen any availability issues over here)B! FeTi would probably produce the same affect - but I do not have any experience with it. I am comfortable with the properties of titanium alloy - the sparks can touch bare skin and not burn, it does not produce any fumes that cause sickness if inhaled, and it does not degrade kevlar wick like some chemicals do (magnesium for example). Any idea if FeTi may share these properties or if it will be different? Edited November 24, 2015 by jeffro61
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