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The Modern Candle: From Traditional craft to Industrial Production
For centuries,candles have provided light and ambiance.Today,they remain popular for their aesthetic and aromatic qualities. While the craft of candle-making was once a laborious, individual pursuit, the production of candles, notably those used in religious settings, has evolved into a sophisticated industrial process. This article explores the modern methods behind candle creation, with a focus on the techniques used to manufacture altar candles.
The Shift to Cold Pressing
Traditionally, candle-making involved repeatedly dipping wicks into molten wax, a notably time-consuming process. Modern manufacturers, especially those producing large quantities of altar candles, have largely adopted cold pressing as a more efficient option.This technique allows for considerably faster production rates.
From Paraffin to Pearl: The Material Change
The primary raw material for many candles is paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining.Large-scale candle production begins with approximately 80°C (176°F) liquid paraffin, stored in considerable tanks – facilities can hold up to 45,000 liters of the substance [[1]]. This liquid is sprayed onto chilled metal rollers, where it rapidly solidifies into fine wax beads, often referred to as “pearls.”
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