We all know that sparklers are very hot while they perform, and that they should be handled with care. You certainly don’t want to have an injury while using your sparklers, but what about damaging other items? Additionally, can sparklers melt metal objects, or do they perform too quickly to do the job? Fortunately, I’ve put together this guide to answer your questions. With a combination of science and experience, I will reveal all the mysteries you want to know.
How Hot Do Sparklers Burn Exactly?
Sparklers burn extremely hot, and can be very dangerous if you are being negligent. In fact, they can reach temperatures over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit; which is why so many people ask the question sparklers melt metal. At these temperatures, most metals will at least soften. However, there are several types of common metals that certainly will melt when exposed to 2000 degree temperatures. Though it would require very specific conditions, the possibility certainly exists that melting could be accomplished.
Which Metals Can Sparklers Melt?
Each type of metal has its own unique melting point. This is based on the element’s atomic structure and density. Fortunately, I’ve compiled a list of common materials along with their melting points so you can see which ones are and are not susceptible to melting.
*All temperatures are listed in Fahrenheit.
- Admiralty Brass: 1650 – 1720
- Aluminum: 1220
- Aluminum Alloy: 865 – 1240
- Aluminum/Bronze: 1190 – 1215
- Babbitt: 480
- Beryllium: 2345
- Beryllium Copper: 1587 – 1750
- Bismuth:5
- Brass (Red): 1832
- Brass (Yellow): 1710
- Cadmium: 610
- Chromium: 3380
- Cobalt: 2723
- Copper: 1983
- Gold (24K Pure): 1945
- Hastelloy C: 2410 – 2460
- Inconel: 2540 – 2600
- Incoloy: 2540 – 2600
- Iron (Gray Cast): 2060 – 2200
- Iron (Ductile): 2100
- Lead: 621
- Magnesium: 1200
- Magnesium Alloy: 660 – 1200
- Manganese: 2271
- Manganese Bronze: 1590 – 1630
- Mercury: -37.95
- Molybdenum: 4750
- Monel: 2370 – 2460
- Nickel: 2647
- Niobium (Columbium): 4473
- Palladium: 2831
- Phosphorus: 111
- Platinum: 3220
- Rhenium: 5767
- Rhodium: 3569
- Selenium: 423
- Silicon: 2572
- Silver (Pure): 1761
- Silver (Sterling): 1640
- Carbon Steel: 2600 – 2800
- Stainless Steel: 2750
- Tantalum: 5400
- Thorium: 3180
- Tin:4
- Titanium: 3040
- Tungsten: 6150
- Wrought Iron: 2700 – 2900
- Zinc: 787
Interestingly, most of the metals that we commonly use are able to withstand temperatures far exceeding 2000 degrees. In fact, that is precisely why their handles are usually made from steel. Moreover, most items will not reach 2000 degrees unless they are sparklers without and color tints added to the batch. However, there are certain metals on the list that are vulnerable to these temperatures. Non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, silver, and gold all have melting points under that temperature. However, steel and iron are far more common and can easily withstand this temperature range.
What about Other Materials?
Though most metals are safe, there are plenty of other materials that sparklers can ignite or melt. For instance, plastics of any variety cannot handle this type of heat under any circumstances. Additionally, wood will start on fire and glass will likely shatter before it ever begins to liquefy. The only other materials that can withstand the heat are stone, brick, and concrete. However, if the concrete is not cured correctly, if can “explode” when exposed to temperatures of as cold as 1000 degrees Fahrenheit!
Can Sparklers Melt Metal Easily and Do I Need to Worry?
This is a pretty straight forward answer to the heart of the question. Can sparklers melt metal objects easily? No, they cannot. In order to melt metal successfully, you would need a very large pile of big sparklers and you would have to repeat the process over and over again. The fact that they are typically made with a metal wire handle should be evidence enough.
To actually melt metal, you need prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding their melting point. Sparklers simply perform too quickly to generate this type of prolonged exposure. So, unless you are playing with extremely low melting point metals, you really don’t need to be concerned about it. If you aren’t intentionally trying to liquefy metal, it should never happen.
