Plastic materials are widely used in the design of electronic cigarettes. Their lightness and durability directly affect the user experience and product lifespan. The following analysis is carried out from the perspectives of material properties, design optimization and practical application:
Material density advantage
The density of plastic is usually 1.0-1.5 g/cm³, which is much lower than that of metals (such as 2.7 g/cm³ of aluminum alloy and 7.9 g/cm³ of stainless steel). Take a typical e-cigarette as an example. The weight of the plastic casing can be controlled within 10 to 20 grams, while that of the metal casing may exceed 30 grams, significantly enhancing portability.
Case: The Relx Light Wind series is made of high-strength polycarbonate (PC) material, with an overall weight of only 15 grams, which is approximately 40% lighter than the metal models of the same specification.
Design flexibility
Plastics can achieve complex curved surfaces and thin-walled structures (such as a wall thickness of 0.8-1.2mm) through injection molding processes, further reducing weight. For instance, some plastic e-cigarettes adopt a streamlined body design, which is both ergonomic and reduces the amount of materials used.
Grip comfort
The plastic surface can be coated with a matte or skin-friendly layer to enhance the grip. For example, the YOOZ Mini series is treated with a micro-frosted finish to keep it lightweight while avoiding slipping.
Impact resistance performance
Polycarbonate (PC) : Its impact strength is 250 times that of glass and it can withstand a drop test from 1 to 1.5 meters.
Acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) : It has good toughness and is suitable for making components such as bomb compartments that are prone to impact.
Case: The Xuejia Lite series is made of PC+ABS composite material. It has passed the 1.2-meter drop test, and the cigarette bomb compartment shows no cracking.
Chemical corrosion resistance
Plastic has better resistance to corrosive substances such as e-liquid and sweat than metal. For instance, the e-liquid cartridge interface made of polyoxymethylene (POM) material can be in long-term contact with e-liquid without deforming.
Aging and wear
Ultraviolet aging: Ordinary plastics tend to turn yellow, but the addition of UV stabilizers can extend their outdoor service life.
Surface wear: The frosted coating can reduce scratches, but high-hardness plastics (such as modified PC) themselves have stronger wear resistance.
Structural stability
The local strength of the plastic casing can be enhanced through the design of reinforcing ribs and metal inserts (such as charging ports). For instance, some models embed stainless steel sheets in the cartridge slots to prevent wear and tear caused by repeated plugging and unplugging.
Material selection
High-strength engineering plastics: such as PC, PC+ABS, polyamide (PA), etc., which combine lightweight and impact resistance.
Composite materials: Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) can enhance rigidity, but it is relatively expensive.
Structural design
Split design: The vulnerable parts (such as the bomb compartment) are separated from the main body for easy replacement.
Shock-absorbing structure: Silicone pads or honeycomb structures are added inside to absorb drop impacts.
Surface treatment
Coating technology: For instance, nano-oleophobic coatings can reduce the residue of e-liquid and lower the wear caused by cleaning.
Texture design: Laser engraving or etching textures can enhance grip friction and reduce the risk of slipping.
Plastic electronic cigarettes have a significant advantage in terms of lightness, but their durability needs to be improved through material upgrades and structural design optimization. Users can choose the appropriate model based on their usage scenarios and extend the product's lifespan through daily maintenance. For users who pursue ultimate portability, PC material is the first choice. If durability is to be taken into account, models made of PC+ABS composite material or with metal inserts are more suitable