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Can I use dark Al in any color/metallic comps?


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Posted

I have a small amount of German Dark Al. I see different metallic star formulas that call for dark Al, or fine Al powder, or just Al powder. I have some 10890 and 325 atomized spherical. I dont think the 325 is fine enough for some of the comps, and the 10890 I am not sure about. I do see some videos where people use a mix of say 325 and Dark Al in fountains even. My concern is how much can I use? I mean if I stay under 15% would that be safe. I shouldnt use KNO3 with those mixes, so I will use Perc, but where would I cross the line? Will the Dark do anything along the line of looks? Maybe it is just to heat the burn up. I have alot of small aluminum turnings from surfacing aluminum heads. Is there a good proven way to turn them into 100-200 mesh pieces for fountains and glitters?

 

Thanks, Robert

Posted

Is the german dark Al you refer to the 10890, or something like german blackhead.

 

10890 is used anywhere it references Al 809, American dark, or dark Al. It should be pretty specific if the composition is actually designed for a blackhead grade. This is used as a metallic fuel in stars, as well as to up the temperature a bit in other compositions. There isn't really any danger in using too much as long as you're comfortable. I've seen compositions with upwards of 30%. It is this high in some flitter mixes, waterfalls, and white stars. Most of the time I see it primarily as a fuel, with a coarser grade for the tail.

Posted (edited)

Wow! Thanks for the quick reply! I have a good stash of 5413 and ordered the 10890 thinking it would be a bit safer/slower. I guess the 325 atomized spherical will give me the most glitter/sparkle in some simple fountain mixes, where you basically add some metal to some meal powder, up to the point where the dross causes problems.

 

 

 

Thanks, Robert

Edited by stug161
Posted
I use dark flake for my greens and they end up looking considerably better then every body's favourite emerald green though for reds I don't like it (dont like metallic reds much)
Posted
I use dark flake for my greens and they end up looking considerably better then every body's favourite emerald green though for reds I don't like it (dont like metallic reds much)

 

Which formula do you use for green, that is using dark flake?

Posted
ill post one i am happy with soon got the colour coming out really well but the burn time is a little long I would prefer to post a nice completed formula (that wont still be burning when it hits the ground) than to post it now when it is half done
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