PYRO UNIVERSE

Aric · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:27 pm Post subject: Flash Powder

Where is this used in fireworks?
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Colin · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:30 pm Post subject:

In consumer fireworks, it's used to make reports, such as in firecrackers or aerial effects. Ground devices (like firecrackers) have a 50 mg flash powder limit, aerial devices (like cakes) have a 130 mg limit.

Bruce in SC · Member Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Posts: 258

Also in non-pyro applicaitons -Used to be used in the first photo studios over a hundred years ago. That was the magnesium powder they would sprinkle on the top of the camera box or side mount before electronic flashbulbs were invented. Sent many a hairdo up in flames. Some more portable flash attachments actually still used mag powder up until the 60's. It would come in a little yellow shaker tin that looked like the size of a flat shoe polish cannister. Just FYI.

maxamillion · Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 5:03 pm Post subject:

sorry I know I am way late on this, but I haven been able to check up on the forums lately. An interesting fact - when those photographers fired the flashpowder they would all pack up their stuff an leave before the subject could see again... lol

And the term "hats off [gentlemen]" was coined by those photographers, because they would put their hats over the aperature of the camera, when someone would call hats off they would take off their hats and someone would ignite the flashpowder.