Metal Construction – What Does It Mean in Vaping Devices?

Definition

Metal construction refers to the chassis, threading, and internal components of a vape device—such as the mod, tank, or rebuildable atomiser—that are fabricated from metals like stainless steel, aluminium, brass, or copper. These metals provide the structural backbone, electrical conductivity, and heat dissipation required for safe, consistent vaping. By choosing specific alloys and surface finishes, manufacturers balance durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetics while ensuring the device can withstand daily knocks, high temperatures, and e-liquid exposure without degrading.

Technical Details

Most regulated mods use 304 or 316 stainless-steel 510 connectors (standard 7 mm × 0.5 mm threading) for universal tank compatibility. Battery“>Internal battery tubes are often 6061-T6 aluminium (wall thickness 0.8–1.2 mm) to shave weight while maintaining impact strength. High-end mechanical mods favour tellurium-copper or C110 copper inner sleeves for conductivity ratings above 95 % IACS, reducing voltage drop to <0.05 V under 30 A loads. Finishes range from brushed, bead-blasted, to PVD (physical-vapour-deposition) coatings that add 2–5 µm of scratch-resistant ceramic film. Some squonk mods integrate food-grade 304 stainless reservoirs to resist acidic e-liquids, whereas budget kits may use zinc-aluminium (Zamak) alloys coated with electrophoretic lacquer for cost savings.

Usage & Tips

• Clean 510 threads weekly with an alcohol wipe to prevent arcing and maintain low resistance between the mod and tank.
• Avoid over-tightening; stainless threads can gall—stop at finger-tight plus a quarter-turn.
• If you notice hot spots or uneven heating on a Coil“>mesh coil, check that the deck’s clamp screws (usually 316 SS) are snug; loose metal contacts increase resistance and drain mAh faster.
• For MTL (Mouth to Lung) setups, choose a mod with aluminium top plates—lighter weight reduces top-heavy tipping when pocket-carried.
• Never use steel wool on coated surfaces; micro-scratches expose underlying alloys to e-liquid salts, risking corrosion and metallic off-notes.

History & Context

Early 2000s cig-a-likes relied on plastic shells; when hobbyists began pushing higher wattages, heat and conductivity issues drove the shift to machined metal tubes. The 2011 “Golden Greek” mechanical mod popularised naval-grade 316 stainless, setting today’s standard for rugged, high-performance metal construction in Australian and global markets.