Fusing
There are several different types of fuse available to the Fireworks Industry, which burn at different speeds and are used in a variety of applications. We generally use three types.
Black Match:
Black Match is basically a cotton string or thread that has been impregnated with a black powder slurry and dried. Black Match burns fairly quickly (Approx ?? Ft/Sec.) and is very sensitive to ignition. (even the tiniest spark will ignite it) Black Match is generally used when fusing Candles and Cakes for ignition with an igniter.
Pipe Match:
Pipe Match consists of a Black Match 'core' which is encased in a loose fitting paper tube or 'pipe'. The paper tube is often coated in wax or plastic to make it damp resistant. Pipe Match burns quickly (Approx. 65 Ft/Sec.) and is used for fusing together fireworks that need to start at the same time and for transfering fire from an igniter to PIC.
Plastic Igniter Cord (PIC)
PIC consists of a
slow burning compound surrounding a copper wire core encased in a plastic
outer sheath, it burns at a consistant speed and is completely waterproof.
(It will burn under water.) Slow PIC is ideal for linking shells and other
fireworks together in timed sequences since an inch of cord gives a delay
of 0.8 seconds. It easily ignites Pipe Match and will take up from an igniter
with a small length of Pipe Match to ensure takeover. PIC is available in
three speeds which are identified by their colour.
