(ThyBlackMan.com) Vapes and e-cigarettes have taken the world by storm. In places like the United Kingdom, it has been proven time and time again that they are a much safer alternative to regular tobacco cigarettes. They enable users to get their nicotine fix without exposing themselves to the many harmful chemicals that occur when tobacco leaves are burned, and they are actually rather fun.
They don’t make you or your clothes smell smoky, and there are countless flavours to choose from. Whether you enjoy the taste of tobacco or you’d like to try something sweet or fruity, there are e-liquids to suit any palate.
Vapes come in many different forms. From simple models that resemble regular cigarettes to advanced high-tech devices that look like something out of a science fiction movie, there is something for everyone, from beginners to veteran vapers.
Just how are vapes made, though? While the exact process depends on the specific device being manufactured, most e-cigarettes feature certain components and share many similarities. Let’s take a look behind the cloud at how vapes are designed and produced.
General Vape Design
Most e-cigarettes include a few main components: a battery, an atomizer head or coil, a tank, and a mouthpiece. Mechanical vapes, or mods, however, contain no electronics. Instead, they have a circuit that is closed using a mechanical action switch. The battery powers the device and is connected to the vaporization chamber, which contains the atomizer/coil. The atomizer/coil heats the liquid and turns it into the vapour, which is then inhaled.
While there are many different models, most vapes fall into one of three categories: cigalikes, eGos, and mods. As the industry continues to evolve, however, it is likely that additional types will be produced. They will probably, however, still contain roughly the same components.
Battery
Without a battery, there would be no electronic cigarette. This component allows the device to operate. Lithium-ion batteries are used most often for these devices. The batteries vary in size and shape, but at the end of each, there is a spot for the pass-through to power the atomiser. The atomizer or tank is where the vapour comes out.
With some devices, you need to press a button in order to activate the battery and produce vapour. Others automatically engage when you inhale, resulting in an experience that is more like smoking a traditional cigarette.
Atomizers/Coils
The atomizer or coil is what gets hot when the battery is activated. This heats the e-liquid and converts it into vapour.
Tanks or Vapour Cartridges
Most vapes have tanks that can be refilled with different e-liquids. The tanks come in a range of sizes, but many areas have regulations regarding how large a tank can be. In the U.K., for example, a vape tank can hold no more than 2ml of liquid. Some devices do not have refillable tanks, especially the cigalikes that are designed to look and feel more like regular cigarettes. Instead, they have vapour cartridges. The vapour cartridges must be replaced when empty, and they are often combined with the atomizer. This results in what is known as a cartomizer.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is the part that you actually put in your mouth when vaping. There are different types of mouthpieces, some designed to help the user produce more vapour. The vapour from the device passes through the mouthpiece and into the user’s mouth.
Closed Systems vs. Open Systems
When it comes to designs and models, the available selection of vapes is nearly limitless. The technology is improving daily, and manufacturers are constantly bringing new products to market. When you are shopping for a vape, you can choose from either an open system device or a closed system device.
Open system devices can be heavily modified. This means that you can rebuild certain components, switch out parts, and customise the device to make it exactly how you like. The options are virtually limitless and, for this reason, this type of device is popular among more experienced users who understand the components and are aware of their own personal preferences.
Closed system devices are simpler and often better suited to beginners. Significant modification is not possible because these devices have batteries, tanks, and atomizers or coils that are entirely self-contained. Some tanks can be refilled, but many closed system devices rely on cartridges instead.
Closed system devices tend to cost less than open system devices, so they are also a good choice for people who are interested in trying vaping to determine whether they enjoy it or not.
Regulations for Vape Production
In most places, there are strict regulations by which manufacturers must abide when developing vape devices and e-liquids. In the U.K., for example, all new products must go through a six-month waiting period prior to entering the market. As mentioned above, there are also regulations regarding tank size. In the U.S., manufacturers must abide by strict labelling and advertising rules, in addition to other regulations.
Manufacturers must be careful when producing these devices to ensure that they are in compliance with all local laws and regulations. Failure to do so could result in steep fines or, in some places, worse.
Conclusion
Vape devices come in many different styles and forms. They all, however, share certain components. While the exact manufacturing process varies for each, there are inherent similarities when creating devices used to vaporize nicotine-containing e-liquids.
If you are interested in learning more about vaping or switching from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes, you may want to consider a simple, closed system device. A cigalike or a vape pen is a great choice for beginners, as it will enable you to better understand the process and whether it is right for you.
Staff Writer; Bobby Williams