WANO Schwarzpulver GmbH
Over 300 years of black powder manufacturing in Germany
Tradition and Quality
Since 1682 mills have been operating in Kunigunde, a small German settlement on the Innerste river. Connection to this long tradition makes us the oldest and biggest still existing manufacturer of black powder today.
Due to the highest quality standards, we have become one of the few global exporting manufacturers.
Often irreplaceable
Black powder is mankind's oldest explosive. It has been known in China since the 12th century and in Europe since the 14th century. Black powder is used for safety fuses, for pyrotechnic purposes, as a propellant powder in sport shooting, for special primers and for blasting in quarries, and in many cases it cannot yet be replaced by other explosives.
More than 100 varieties
Thanks to the intensive and constant further development of its own production techniques, WANO now serves not only the traditional markets but also niche areas that are dependent on the great flexibility of the producer due to their special requirements. The production program includes more than 100 different varieties, all of which are approved and certified by the German competent authorities.
Fireworks-Grade Black Powder & Fuse Powder
This type of black powder is characterized by a fire sparks particle effect followed by a very hot flame. It is typically used as propellant in fireworks (lifting charge, igniter charge), as a primer or a component in a pyrotechnic set. WANO offers a wide range of black powder for fireworks, which comes as a blend and in different grain fineness grades. Another WANO specialty is the production of fuse powder for specific fuses depending on their accurate burning time setting. They meet strict demands of the Technical Terms of Delivery of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information, Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), as well as various national and international standards. On these terms WANO produces safety fuses, igniter cords and firework fuses.
Sporting Powder & Cannon Powder
Blasting Powder
Military-Grade Black Powder
In the military field, WANO meets the high demands of the technical delivery conditions (TL) of the Technical Terms of Delivery of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information, Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), as well as various national and international standards, e.g.:
- United States of America (USA)
- UK / Australia
- Scandinavia.
This makes WANO a reliable supplier in demand to defense industry companies worldwide.
Safety Fuses
Safety fuses are thread-covered strands of black powder that are set to burn for a specific time. They are used to initiate explosive charges. The fuse length depends on the required safety time. The lines consist of a black powder core, 2 or 3 yarn windings, a bitumen impregnation and a plastic coating. They burn without a visible flame, without sparks spraying out from the side and are also suitable for underwater use.
Since the WANO safety fuses meet the relevant national standards in the civil sector, they are used on almost every continent. In the military sector, WANO has established itself as the exclusive supplier to several armies worldwide.
Firework Fuses
Firework fuses are used in pyrotechnics to ignite pyrotechnic compositions, in rockets and firecrackers. They must not be used for blasting work. In military products they are used as ignition delays. The structure and manufacture of the firework fuse is similar to that of the typical safety fuse, from which it differs in that the raw cord (powder core with textile braiding) is coated with special glue for reinforcement and stabilization. It can also be supplied in a waterproof version. Thanks to the exact recipe variations of the fuse powder, an exact burning time as well as a strong spark output can be achieved. These sparks ensure reliable and precise ignition. The firework fuses are not supplied in rolls but in cut length that correspond to the desired burning time.
Igniter Cords
