Vape – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
A vape is a handheld electronic device that heats Juice“>vape juice (e-liquid) until it becomes an inhalable aerosol, commonly called vapor. Unlike traditional cigarettes, no combustion occurs; instead, a battery-powered coil warms the liquid, delivering nicotine, flavour, and Hit“>throat hit without smoke, tar, or most of the 7,000 chemicals found in tobacco. Vapes serve as an alternative for adult smokers seeking a less harmful way to satisfy nicotine cravings or to transition away from smoking entirely. Devices range from discreet pod systems to advanced box mods, all sharing the same core purpose: create satisfying vapour on demand.
Technical Details
Every vape contains four key components: a lithium-ion battery (capacity 250–5,000 mAh), an atomiser coil (resistance 0.1–3.0 Ω), a wick (usually Cotton“>organic cotton), and a tank or pod that holds 1.5–8 ml of vape juice. When the fire button is pressed, the battery delivers current to the coil; Ohm’s law dictates that power (W) = voltage (V)² ÷ resistance (Ω). Most modern devices offer Wattage (VW)”>Variable Wattage (VW) or Variable Voltage (VV) modes, letting users fine-tune heat for optimal flavour and cloud production. Coils are manufactured in Kanthal, stainless-steel, nickel, or titanium, each with distinct temperature-coefficient curves for TC (temperature control) vaping. Airflow systems vary from tight mouth-to-lung (MTL) draws that mimic cigarettes to wide-open direct-lung (DL) inhales for massive clouds.
Usage & Tips
- Priming: Always saturate a new coil with e-liquid and wait 5 minutes before first use to prevent dry hits.
- Power range: Start at the lowest recommended wattage printed on the coil and increase gradually to find your sweet spot.
- Battery safety: Use the supplied USB-C cable or an external charger rated for your battery’s chemistry; never leave cells charging unattended.
- Leak fixes: Keep the tank upright, close airflow when refilling, and avoid over-tightening O-rings.
- Travel: Empty tanks before flying to prevent pressure-related leaks, and carry batteries in insulated cases to comply with Australian airline regulations.
History & Context
Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, patented the first modern e-cigarette in 2003 after his father died of smoking-related illness. Early “cigalikes” arrived in Australia around 2007; since then, the category has evolved through cartomisers, clearomisers, sub-ohm tanks, and now compact pod systems and high-wattage box mods. Today, the Australian vape market balances federal nicotine prescription laws with consumer demand for safer alternatives, pushing manufacturers toward higher quality, temperature-controlled, and child-resistant designs.