Tungsten Wire – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Tungsten Wire is a high-temperature-resistant heating element used in rebuildable atomisers and tank coils. Made from pure or alloyed tungsten (W), this thin filament converts electrical energy into heat, vaporising e-liquid to produce vapour and Hit“>throat hit. Unlike traditional kanthal, tungsten wire supports temperature control (TC)vaping, allowing Australian vapers to set exact coil temperatures for consistent flavour and reduced dry hits. Its extreme melting point (>3,400 °C) makes it ideal for high-wattage builds and long coil life.

Technical Details

Tungsten wire functions by creating electrical resistance (R) measured in ohms (Ω). Standard gauges for vaping range from 20 AWG (0.81 mm) to 32 AWG (0.20 mm), with 26–28 AWG being the most common for dual-coil decks. Resistance per metre is approximately 5.6 Ω/m for 26 AWG, enabling builds between 0.08–0.3 Ω in dual configurations. Two primary variants exist:

  • Pure Tungsten – Silvery, brittle, and offers the fastest ramp-up;
  • Hybrid Alloys (e.g., Tungsten-Nickel-Iron) – More malleable, easier to wrap, slightly lower TCR (0.0045 vs 0.0048).

Its temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 0.0045 is compatible with most TC mods supporting custom TCR curves or preset “Tungsten” mode.

Usage & Tips

When installing tungsten wire, pulse at low wattage (10–15 W) to check for hot spots; tungsten’s hardness means minimal post-pulse strumming. Use ceramic tweezers—not metal—to avoid shorting. Dry-burn lightly to a dull orange; excessive glowing (>700 °C) forms brittle oxides. Always lock resistance at room temperature in TC mode. Common issue: wire snapping during wrapping—anneal by heating to red-orange, then cool slowly. As with titanium wire, ensure the coil is well-spaced to prevent shorts in top fill tanks.

Brief History

Tungsten entered the vaping scene around 2015, as temperature-control mods sought alternatives to nickel and titanium wire. Early Australian coil artisans embraced it for cloud competitions, later adopting it in pre-built tank coils labelled “W-coils”. Today, it remains niche but prized for extreme durability and precise TC.

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