Delrin Drip Tip – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A Delrin DripTip“>drip tip is the removable mouthpiece section of a vapetank or rebuildable atomiser that is machined from Delrin (polyoxymethylene), an engineering-grade thermoplastic prized for its heat resistance and low thermal conductivity. Positioned at the top of your atomiser, the drip tip is the final pathway vapour travels before reaching your lips. By crafting this component from Delrin instead of metal or glass, manufacturers create a mouthpiece that stays cooler during chain-vaping, feels comfortable against the teeth, and resists cracking when dropped—ideal for both starter kits and high-wattage DTL (Direct to Lung) set-ups popular across Australia.

Technical Details

Delrin’s crystalline structure gives it a continuous-use temperature ceiling of ≈100 °C, well above the 60–80 °C surface temperatures common on sub-ohm tanks. Standard 510-spec Delrin drip tips measure 8.5 mm at the base o-ring, 12–15 mm overall height, and accept 4.5–5 mm bore openings for restricted lung hits, while wider 810 “Goon-style” versions jump to 12.5 mm base diameter and 8–10 mm bore for open DTL clouds. Inside, many designs incorporate heat-fins or double-wall construction to create an insulating air gap. Colours are achieved through solid rods or surface anodising, and the material can be laser-etched for custom logos without compromising its food-grade (FDA 21 CFR §177.2470) certification. Variants include hybrid tips (Delrin outer shell with stainless core) and friction-fit POM pieces for disposable vapes seeking premium feel.

Usage & Tips

Press the Delrin tip straight onto the atomiser o-rings until flush; avoid twisting, which can shave material and loosen the seal. If the bore gathers residue, rinse under warm water—no alcohol, which can cloud POM. A tip that spins freely indicates worn o-rings: replace them or stretch the tip slightly with dental floss for a temporary fix. Although Delrin is heat-resistant, prolonged dry hit temperatures above 250 °C will scorch it; re-wick or lower wattage at the first burnt taste. Finally, Delrin is non-conductive, making it safe for top-cap builds where a metal drip tip could short against a dual coilpost.

History & Context

When cloud-chasing culture exploded in 2014, vapers complained that chrome-plated brass tips blistered lips at 80 W+. Chinese machinists turned to industrial Delrin rods, popularising the first wide-bore 810 “cloud chuff” caps. The material quickly became the default for performance-oriented drip tips, bridging the gap between fragile acrylic and heat-conductive metal, and remains a staple from Sydney vape shops to global high-wattage competitions.