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Understanding Rebuildable Drip Atomizers: The Wires

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While the use and experience of rebuildable drip atomizers is fairly advanced stuff, everyone has to start somewhere. These vapor devices provide users with complete control over their experience, making it possible to manufacture heating coils to individual specifications, and try out various wicking materials on a moment's notice. Several types of wire exist, though not all of them are appropriate for all applications.

Common Food Grade Wire

Manufactured from an alloy of iron, chromium and aluminum, FeCrAl wire is the most commonly used heating element in the majority of personal nicotine vaporizers. For builders, thinner wire is ideal because it allows more creative coils to be constructed from multiple pieces of wire. These custom-built coils also can be crafted to produce extremely low oHm ratings of 0.1 or lower.

In addition to its malleable nature, the wire used has an extremely high heat rating, capable of withstanding over 1400 degrees Celsius. This is important, as these coils function just like the heating coils on an electric stove top range. Very few devices exist which will reach the maximum temperature that FeCrAl wire can achieve, making it a great choice for coil builders of any skill level.

Nickel Wire

More recently, temperature-controlled devices have begun hitting the market, allowing even more control over the vapor being produced by the coil. To achieve this level of control, a coil must have extremely low electrical resistance and very high heat resistance. Unfortunately, nickel wire has a moderately lower heat tolerance than FeCrAl wire, with a melting range just above 1400 degrees Celsius.

Temperature-controlled devices modulate the heat of the coil in order to ensure consistent vapor production to the user's taste. This is achieved by monitoring the heat of the coil and altering the wattage being run through it. Nickel wire can be spun thin enough to allow the micro-processor to receive this feedback, while FeCrAl can't. Users should be aware that non-temperature controlled devices commonly achieve temperatures which can cause nickel wire to begin melting and shouldn't be used with nickel coils.

When you first begin building your own custom coils, start by seeking advice from the staff at a local vape shop. They'll be able to help you pick out a wire gauge, identify the tools you need, and may even be able to teach you a few starter builds you can try on your own. There is an artistry and a high degree of creativity involved in building coils this way, so don't get discouraged if it takes you a few attempts to get it right.


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