Cartridge – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A cartridge is a pre-filled, sealed container that holds e-liquid and incorporates a built-in coil and wicking material. Designed for convenience, it clicks or screws onto a battery to create a complete pod system or cig-a-like device. Cartridges eliminate the need for manual refilling or Coil Building”>coil building, making them ideal for beginners transitioning from smoking or vapers seeking hassle-free nicotine salt delivery. Once the e-liquid is depleted or the coil reaches the end of its lifespan, the entire cartridge is replaced, ensuring consistent flavour and vapour without maintenance.

Technical Details

Internally, a cartridge consists of a plastic or glass reservoir, a pressure-fit mouthpiece, and a miniaturised atomiser assembly. The coil—often ceramic or organic cotton-wrapped—sits in a small chamber fed by capillary action from the surrounding e-liquid. Resistance typically ranges from 1.0 Ω to 1.4 Ω for mouth-to-lung draws, while lower 0.6–0.8 Ω options cater to restricted direct-lung hits. Liquid capacity varies: 0.7 mL for TPD-compliant EU pods, 1.0–1.5 mL for popular Australian disposables, and up to 3 mL in larger “pod tanks.” Magnetic gold-plated contacts ensure reliable power transfer from the battery, and most cartridges incorporate a silicone seal to prevent leaks during temperature swings or air travel.

Common Variations

• Closed Pods: Factory-sealed, non-refillable (e.g., Vuse, RELX).
• Open Pods:Refillable via rubber plug, coil sometimes replaceable (e.g., Uwell Caliburn series).
• 510 Cartridges: Slim cylinders that screw onto standard 510-threaded batteries, often used for THC oil or high-strength nicotine salts.

Usage & Tips

Insert the cartridge firmly until the magnetic latch clicks; a loose connection causes weak vapour and can burn the coil. Prime a new cartridge by taking 5–6 gentle dry pulls (without firing) to saturate the wick. If gurgling occurs, remove the pod and flick it mouthpiece-down to clear excess liquid. Store cartridges upright at room temperature; extreme heat thins e-liquid and invites leaks. Replace when flavour drops or a burnt taste appears—typically 5–10 refills for open systems or 2–4 mL total throughput for closed pods. Always dispose of spent cartridges at local e-waste drop-off points; lithium remnants and nicotine residue are household hazardous materials.

History & Context

Cartridges first appeared in 2008 with early cig-a-likes, mirroring tobacco cigarette size and simplicity. The 2015 Juul revolutionised the format with high-strength nicotine salt cartridges, spurring Australia’s 2019 “pod boom.” Today, cartridges dominate the local convenience-store segment, accounting for roughly 60 % of starter-kit sales nationwide amid ongoing debates about youth access and flavour restrictions.