Truncated Cone – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A Truncated Cone is a DripTip“>drip tip or chimney shaped like a cone whose top has been sliced off, giving it a wide base and a narrower mouthpiece. In vaping, it sits between the tank and the user’s lips, guiding vapour upward while concentrating flavour and Hit“>throat hit. The flared base improves airflow, while the tapered top prevents spit-back and condenses vapour for a warmer, denser draw. Its geometry also acts as a heat sink, keeping the top fill cap cooler during chain-vaping.

Technical Details

Truncated Cone drip tips are usually made from 304 or 316L stainless steel, Delrin, Ultem, or resin composites. Common dimensions are 8–10 mm bore at the base tapering to 5–7 mm at the mouth, with overall heights between 10–15 mm. On some tanks, the chimney itself is machined as a fixed truncated cone to smooth the transition from coil to mouthpiece, reducing turbulence and pressure drop. Variants include short “nano” cones for restricted DL (direct-lung) hits and tall “chimney” cones for MTL (mouth-to-lung) setups. When paired with Temperature Control (TC) devices, titanium or stainless-steel cones can double as sensing elements, though most users prefer insulated materials to avoid heat transfer.

Usage & Tips

  • Installation: Press-fit 510 or 810 o-ring bases firmly but gently; over-tightening can deform the seal and cause leaks.
  • Cleaning: Soak in warm soapy water weekly; resin tips can discolour—use isopropyl alcohol sparingly.
  • Common Issues:Condensation build-up in the cone mouth—wipe with tissue every few refills. If throat hit is too harsh, switch to a wider-bore cone for smoother airflow.
  • Safety: Avoid using metal cones on mech mods without proper insulation; high currents can heat the tip and burn lips.

History & Context

The truncated cone profile emerged in 2014 when Australian and U.S. rebuilders sought a middle ground between wide-bore cloud tips and narrow MTL stems. Its adoption accelerated after top-fill sub-ohm tanks like the Aspire Cleito popularised the integrated chimney cone, setting a design standard still seen in 2024 kits.

Share the Post: