How Sparklers Are Made

Sparklers have added the sizzle factor to weddings, birthdays and other celebrations for years – all of which evolved from a similar mixture to that which became the original firework – as discovered by Litian hundreds of years ago.

They are the only kind of pyrotechnic device made today which is made to be handled when lit. The sparkler usually burns for around 45 seconds + but is largely dependent on length.

The construction of them is relatively simple:

• They take wires around 40+ cm in length and pop them in bundles into the slots of a sorting machine
• The machine vibrates and the wires fall one at a time into the openings
• The operator moves a spring loaded rack into position that opens and closes like an accordion which drops the wires one row at a time into place until he has the rack filled (usually 300 to a batch). All of the sections are then tightened up holding the sparklers in place
• The ‘sparkler slurry’ mixture is created by combining boric acid and barium nitrate in a mixing tank. The Barium is the oxidizer and will help the sparkler to burn and the Boric Acid is the neutralizer. They then add water and cornstarch to bind the ingredients – this is mixed together before adding iron filings which give the sparklers their gold colour. The last bit to be added is the Aluminium powder which is highly dangerous so the operator is shut off in a room whilst this is added. Once added, it is no longer a danger and the slurry is ready to go.
• The racked wires are dipped and then allowed to set a little before they are dipped for a second time (our sparklers are double dipped to ensure a good quality ‘spark’ is achieved) and they are then left to dry
• The sparklers are left for a week to ‘cure’ and they are then ready to use

Here at Epic Fireworks, we stock many different sizes from short to long with beautiful gold sparks – these have a long burn time making them ideal for weddings and they look great on photographs, particularly when used as a guard of honour for the happy couple but they are a great addition to any event.

Like any other ‘pyrotechnic’ item, sparklers are still classed as fireworks for the purposes of transportation.