How do cigarette cartridges work?
In recent years, the e-cigarette industry has experienced rapid technological innovation, with new e-cigarette devices or systems coming out almost every once in a while. The cartridge system is one of the latest engineering innovations and is gradually being accepted by more and more users.
For those new to cartridge systems, how these devices work can seem a little complicated. Below we’ll break down how cartridge systems work and explain the difference between closed and open cartridge systems to help you decide if this new type of e-cigarette is right for you.
What is a cartridge system?
The cartridge system is an electronic cigarette that uses a "cartridge" to replace the traditional electronic cigarette atomizer and oil storage tank. They realize the functions of atomization and oil storage tank, while being more convenient and providing a more concealed and portable smoking experience.
Cartridge systems are relatively new compared to other e-cigarette products, but since their introduction, they have quickly carved out a niche in the e-cigarette market.
The capacity of the cartridge is usually smaller than that of a traditional tank, with most cartridges having a capacity between 1-2 ml, but there are also some models with larger capacities. The cartridge system is installed by inserting the cartridge assembly into the top or bottom of the device, and can be easily removed when you are finished or want to change flavors.
The cartridge system is smaller than other e-cigarette models, including the battery and capacity. Due to its small size, its battery life is usually not as long as traditional e-cigarettes.
These systems usually operate automatically, with the user simply inhaling through a mouthpiece to produce vapor, but some devices offer manual button operation similar to traditional e-cigarettes.
The original cartridge systems were simple in design, but over time, more and more advanced devices have entered the market, retaining the compactness and ease of use of the cartridge system while enhancing its functionality.
How the cartridge system works
The cartridge system mainly relies on two core components to operate: the cartridge and the battery.
When the user inhales through the mouthpiece, these two parts work together to deliver vapor to the user's mouth. Here's what each does:
Cigarette Cartridges
The cartridge is also called an atomizer, a top cap, or a "cartridge assembly." It sits on top of the device and contains the e-liquid and nicotine used to create the vapor. Most cartridges come pre-filled with e-liquid, but some are refillable, allowing users to add their own preferred e-liquid.
Inside the cartridge is a small metal tube called an atomizer. The atomizer is responsible for heating the e-liquid and turning it into vapor. When the user inhales, the device sends a signal to instruct the atomizer to activate and heat the e-liquid.
(Note: Some devices separate the cartridge and atomizer into two separate components.)
Battery
The structure of the battery is simpler than that of the cartridge. The battery of the cartridge system is usually slim and lightweight. Its main function is to detect whether the user is smoking, so as to decide when to supply power and when to store energy.
Batteries are generally divided into two types:
- Automatic battery : No need to press any buttons, the user just breathes in to trigger the power supply.
- Manual battery : requires pressing a button to start the device and produce steam.
The battery of the cartridge system can usually be charged using a USB charger or a wireless charging base, which is very convenient.
The collaboration between the two
When the user places their mouth on the mouthpiece and inhales (or manually presses the battery button), the battery sends a signal to the cartridge, powering the atomizer, which converts the e-liquid into vapor for the user to inhale.
Advantages and disadvantages of the cartridge system
advantage
- Compact and portable : Small and light, easy to carry around, and highly concealed.
- Easy to operate : The design is intuitive, you only need to inhale to produce steam, and the closed cartridge system is also very simple to replace.
- Affordable price : After purchasing the battery, you only need to purchase cartridges regularly to refill them, with no additional maintenance costs.
- Highly concealed : less steam, less likely to attract attention from others.
- Satisfying smoking experience : High nicotine concentration e-liquid and intuitive smoking method bring a more satisfying feeling.
shortcoming
- The battery capacity is small : the battery life is short and needs to be charged frequently, but the charging process is relatively convenient.
- High nicotine concentration : High-concentration nicotine e-liquid is usually used and may be restricted by regulations.
- The cloud effect is weak : not suitable for users who like to produce large amounts of smoke.
- Limited flavor options : The flavor options for closed cartridge systems are limited to the off-the-shelf cartridges provided by the manufacturer.
The difference between open and closed cartridges
The cartridge system is mainly divided into two types: open and closed. The main difference between the two is the way to add the e-liquid:
- Open cartridge : You can open the cartridge and refill the oil by yourself for repeated use.
- Closed cartridge : pre-filled with e-liquid, discarded directly after use and replaced with a new cartridge.
Open cartridge
The open cartridge system allows users to manually refill the e-liquid as needed, supports personalized flavor selection, and the e-liquid produces a larger amount of vapor.
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advantage :
- Choose from flavors and nicotine strengths
- Better battery life
- Produces more smoke
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shortcoming :
- Requires more maintenance such as cleaning and parts replacement
- Large size and poor portability
Closed cartridge
The closed cartridge system uses pre-filled cartridges, making the replacement process simple and quick.
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advantage :
- Easy to use, no need to refill the e-liquid
- Low stain resistance and low maintenance
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shortcoming :
- Limited choices, more wasteful
- Long-term use costs may be higher
Summarize
The cartridge system has attracted many users with its intuitive, convenient and affordable features. If you pay more attention to flavor customization, high nicotine concentration and large smoke effect, then traditional e-cigarettes may be more suitable for you; but if you pursue simplicity and portability, the cartridge system will be a good choice.