Electronic cigarettes, often referred to as vapes or e-cigs, consist of several integral components that work together to heat an e-liquid and produce an inhalable aerosol. Understanding these parts is essential for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Power Source (Battery/Mod)
The power source, commonly called a mod or simply the battery, provides the electrical energy required to heat the atomizer’s coil. Key elements include:
- Battery Cell: This can be an integrated, non-removable battery or one or more replaceable rechargeable cells (e.g., 18650, 20700, 21700 lithium-ion batteries).
- Main Circuit Board (Chipset): Controls the power output, manages safety features (such as short-circuit, overheat, and overcharge protection), and often allows for adjustments in wattage, voltage, or temperature.
- Activation Mechanism: Typically a fire button that the user presses to activate the heating element. Some devices are draw-activated, meaning they heat automatically when the user inhales.
- Charging Port: Usually a Micro-USB or USB-C port for charging internal batteries or, in some devices, for firmware updates.
- Display Screen: Many advanced mods feature a screen (OLED or TFT) showing information like wattage, battery level, coil resistance, and puff count.
Atomization System (Atomizer/Tank)
The atomizer is the component responsible for holding the e-liquid and turning it into vapor. It connects to the mod, typically via a threaded 510 connector. Core parts of an atomizer include:
- Coil Head: The heating element. It contains a resistive wire (made from materials like Kanthal, stainless steel, nickel, or titanium) and a wicking material (usually organic cotton) that absorbs the e-liquid. The wire heats up when current flows through it, vaporizing the e-liquid in the wick. Coils are consumable and need regular replacement.
- Tank/Reservoir: The section that holds the e-liquid. It is often made of glass (e.g., Pyrex) or durable plastic. Its capacity varies between devices.
- Chimney: A central tube within the tank that directs the vapor from the coil up to the mouthpiece.
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): The part through which the user inhales the vapor. Drip tips come in various shapes, sizes, and materials (e.g., Delrin, Ultem, resin, metal) and are often interchangeable.
- Airflow Control System: Most atomizers feature an adjustable airflow mechanism, typically a ring or slots at the base or top, allowing users to customize the draw resistance and vapor temperature.
- Filling Mechanism: Various designs exist for refilling the tank with e-liquid, such as top-fill (sliding or unscrewing cap) or bottom-fill systems.
Together, these components form the functional unit of an electronic cigarette. Different designs and configurations exist, offering a wide range of vaping experiences, from simple pod systems to complex rebuildable atomizers and high-powered mods.
