People who have used electronic cigarettes know that electronic cigarettes are mainly composed of three parts: the stem, the atomizer, and the mouthpiece.
The atomizer is the core component of the electronic cigarette. It can vaporize the tobacco oil into smoke by heating. This process generates a high temperature of 200°C to 300°C. Therefore, the atomizer and peripheral accessories must be made of materials with high-temperature resistance and good heat dissipation properties, so that they can withstand the high temperature of the heating and atomization process without damaging the atomizer due to heat accumulation. In addition, the heating process must not produce any odor or impair the flavor of the smoke. At the same time, it must be sturdy enough so that it can continue to be used without breaking after a moderate or minor bump or drop.
polyether ether ketone (PEEK)
The material used for atomizer tanks in high-end vapes is polyether ether ketone (PEEK). PEEK is a unique semi-crystalline, thermoplastic engineering plastic with excellent chemical properties. It is commonly used in hot water or steam environments. It maintains high levels of flexural and tensile strength. It can withstand high temperatures and can be used at high temperatures for long periods. It reaches 260°C, has no odor at high temperatures, and has good thermal conductivity.
What materials are vapes made of?
Although for atomizers, PEEK can meet all the above requirements and is the best choice for comprehensive performance, but the price of PEEK is very high, reaching about $1000/kg.
PPSU
The top shells of high-end vape atomizers are made of polyphenylsulfone resin (PPSU) modified material. PPSU is a new type of amorphous thermoplastic engineering plastic. It is lightweight, strong, and has a good odor at high temperatures. It does not contain bisphenol A and will not be denatured even if heated repeatedly. It has good stabilizability and can be used for a long time. Water contact. Even if PPSU is immersed in hot water at 90°C for a year, its mechanical properties will not deteriorate. The atomizer top cover made of PPSU can meet the safety requirements under heating. At the same time, PPSU material is tough, the injection molded parts have a beautiful appearance and good feel, which can meet the strength requirements of parts insertion and extraction, and improve the positioning accuracy when closing the cap.
PC material
The requirements for plastic parts such as cigarette stems and mouthpieces are not very high. As long as the appearance can be good, can be sprayed, and plated, the mouthpiece can meet the requirements of food grade, and the material is hard, not easy to scratch. Therefore, the stem and mouthpiece are generally made of PC, ABS, PP, PE, and other general-purpose plastics, which are inexpensive and can meet the usage requirements after plating and spraying.
Polyetherimide (PEI)
Some high-end vape mouthpieces are made of polyetherimide (PEI). PEI is an amorphous thermoplastic with high mechanical strength and stiffness, and very high creep resistance over a wide temperature range and at long-term high temperatures. In addition, it also has very good hydrolysis resistance and dimensional stability, can withstand high temperatures up to 200 ℃, has no odor at high temperatures, good thermal conductivity and safety.
polyacetal (POM)
There are some custom vapes whose mouthpieces are made of polyacetal (POM), commonly known as super steel or race steel. It has high strength and stiffness, good elasticity, good abrasion resistance, and can be used for a long time in the temperature range of -40℃~100℃.
Silicone rubber material ensures waterproof
TPU or TPE material-based
Electronic cigarettes are also electronic products. It must be waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof to avoid damage to the internal electronic components and to ensure its service life. vape body is generally made of metal-plastic composite molding, TPU or TPE material-based soft plastic two-color injection molding, silicone rubber molding, etc., and the battery compartment cover and other electrical parts of the special protection and interface to achieve waterproof, anti-theft. Dustproof, fall-proof “three defense” effect.
Some vape bodies use metal + soft plastic package manufacturing. This method is to put the metal frame into the mold, in the metal frame around the injection molding layer of TPU or TPE soft plastic. TPU soft plastic has high abrasion resistance, good processing performance, oil resistance, and water resistance, is non-toxic and odorless, and can be silk screened and printed.
There are gaps between the buttons and the body of ordinary electronic cigarettes, which can easily allow dust and water to enter. Therefore, the keys are usually molded in one piece with silicone or assembled with waterproof structural adhesive to achieve the effect of waterproof and dustproof. Silicone rubber has excellent electrical insulation, fatigue resistance, and many other properties. The keys are molded integrally with the wrapped silicone layer. Dustproof and waterproof, the keys feel solid. A transparent silicone waterproof seal is added to the battery compartment cover. By squeezing, the silicone deforms and seals the threaded gaps to provide waterproofing. The USB charging port is equipped with a soft rubber plug. The soft rubber plug and USB holder fit tightly with the soft rubber, dustproof, and waterproof.
Conclusion
Vapes are made from a variety of materials, each serving a specific purpose to ensure a smooth and satisfying vaping experience. From the metal casing and stainless steel components that make up the body of the device, to the glass or plastic tank holding the vape juice, each material is chosen for durability, safety, and functionality. Understanding the materials that go into your vape can help you choose a product that is safe, long-lasting, and aligned with your preferences.
