Developing and creating a candle system that meets the specifications of the industry and the burn characteristics demanded by today’s consumer is challenging. Manufacturers have to consider the container size, wax formulation, wick type, sustainer type, scent throw, and burn characteristics close to or at the candle’s end of life. Those characteristics are essential since manufacturers want the end-user to have a positive experience with their candles.
During the troubleshooting phase of candle development, common issues like overheating, heat transfer, and wick migration can appear since candle combustion is a complex process. To assist manufacturers, Wicks Unlimited developed non-puncture candle wick sustainers manufactured from the highest quality tin-coated steel. The tin coating inhibits corrosion which can be caused by the fragrance, dyes, and essential oils common in candles sold worldwide. Let’s explore how these non-puncture crimping candle sustainers work and how they can improve your next production run and the end-user experience.
- Prevents Overheating: Candle systems using Wicks Unlimited safety neck candle sustainers with non-puncture crimping “shut off” at the end of their life, leaving unconsumed fuel (wax) while simultaneously preventing overheating. In comparison, metal candle sustainers with puncture crimping consume all the fuel (wax) right up to the candle’s end of life, generating additional heat. Candles with non-puncture crimping have an overall lower thermal profile at their end of life. As a result, heat transfer to the surface the candle is resting on is kept at a minimum since heat during this phase can be intense.
- Reduces Heat Transfer to Adjacent Surfaces: Once a candle leaves the manufacturer and is purchased by an end-user, manufacturers no longer control how long it burns despite a warning label on the container. Heat transfer from candle combustion to adjacent surfaces, especially unsupervised candles on non-heat-resistant surfaces, increases heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation components. Heat transfer to surfaces is especially prevalent when the candle begins to reach its end of life when there is a deep melt pool and the flame is now positioned lower in the container. Since Wicks Unlimited’s non-puncture safety neck sustainers leave unconsumed fuel (wax) at the bottom of the container and “shut off” at the candle’s end of life, subsequent heat transfer to adjacent surfaces is greatly reduced.
- Prevents Wick Migration: During the manufacturing process, manufacturers rely on industry standards and proprietary methods to adhere the sustainer to the bottom of the container using specially formulated high temperature, hot melt adhesive, or wick stickers. Wick migration is the process of the candle wick migrating or “creeping” off-center towards the sidewalls of the container. In the case of multi-wick candles, wicks can migrate closer to each other or farther apart during repeated burn cycles. The main culprit of wick migration is excessive heat, especially towards their end of life. High temperature at the end of life can soften the glue or wick sticker adhesive causing the sustainer to “slide” or migrate. To prevent wick migration caused by heat in single or multi-wick candle systems, non-puncture sustainers “shut off” the candle, leaving unconsumed fuel (wax) and keeping the wick sustainers centered.
The Wicks Unlimited Difference
Selecting metal candle sustainers with non-puncture crimping not only prevents overheating, heat transfer, and wick migration, but using them creates a better candle experience for the end-user. Wicks Unlimited combustion experts partner with candle manufacturers during the candle formulation or troubleshooting phase to solve combustion issues and make recommendations to ensure that your candle uses the appropriate metal wick sustainer to exceed your customers’ expectations.
In addition to non-puncture safety-length wick sustainers, Wicks Unlimited offers metal candle sustainers with puncture crimping that consume all the fuel (wax), an innovative self-centering sustainer that enables candle manufacturers to “drop and pour,” saving them both time and money. Wicks Unlimited is the ultimate destination for all of your combustion needs with over 450 different wicks stocked on-site, including cored and flat braided wicks, 24 different candle sustainers, and wick clip assemblies made to order to meet your exact wax and wick length specifications.
Connect in-person with a Wicks Unlimited team member at the 2022 World Candle Congress at the Sheraton New Orleans hotel in New Orleans, LA, May 16-19, at booth #800 to discuss sustainers with non-puncture crimping or any of our other candle combustion products for manufacturers. Use the form below to set an appointment with Wicks Unlimited at the World Candle Congress or to speak with a team member today.
