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Single-Base Powders
The most basic smokeless powder uses nitrocellulose as its active ingredient. To make single-base smokeless powder, the nitrocellulose is mixed with organic solvents to form a malleable paste. Additives such as stabilizers, flash suppressors and dyes are mixed into the paste at this stage. The mixture is formed into bars or rods and ground into granules of the desired consistency. The solvents are then removed from the mixture, resulting in dry smokeless powder.
Double-Base Powders
Double-base smokeless powders incorporate nitroglycerin in addition to nitrocellulose. The nitroglycerin adds energy to the mixture and softens the final granules. Double-base powders can be made in the same way as single-base powders, or they may use water as a solvent rather than organic solvents. When using water to manufacture double-base powders, the paste is dried between hot rollers and ground to the desired consistency.
Triple-Base Powders
A triple-base smokeless powder adds nitroguandine to the nitroglycerine and nitrocellulose. The nitroguandine lowers the temperature of the powder's flame and improves the burning characteristics of the powder. Nitroguandine also acts as a solvent in the manufacturing process. The nitroguandine is mixed into a double-base paste, where it renders the paste ready for drying and grinding, while altering the burn characteristics of the final powder.
Ball Powders
While most granule shapes can be made using basic methods of extruding and cutting, ball powders require additional steps. The powder, containing the combustion agents and additives, is formed into a dough-like mixture and formed into balls while still wet. They are then dried and coated with graphite, which reduces the friction between granules and reduces static sensitivity.