Zirconia Ceramic Vs. Metal Cartridges: Analysis

May 14, 2021

In every industry, there is always a product considered to be top of the line or premium. Not only can the product quality of the contents vary, but the construction of cartridges matters too.

So, why are dental-grade zirconia carts becoming more popular? In this blog, we break down all the key differences you need to know about zirconia and metal cartridges. Here are just a few ways full zirconia cartridges stand apart from the rest.

Product Safety and Quality

Metal vape cartridges have been a prevalent product type within the industry for some time. They were a cost effective and reliable way of heating oil until lower quality metal carts entered the market. These cartridges indeed contained dangerous levels of heavy metals and other materials leaching into oils. Leaching happens when the acidity from the oil begins to react with the metal material, which allows harmful metal compounds like lead to seep into the product.

In order to prevent metal compounds from ruining your oils, make sure to invest in a quality cart. Zirconia Cartridges are the ideal consistency to prevent oxidation as they can stand up to the heat without disrupting the oil.

The lack of protective coating on cotton wicks, like the ones used for most metal carts, can result in frequent failures of the wires. This is due to oxidation. The phenomenon is more likely to occur during repetitive heating and cooling periods. As a result, a layer of oxidized material can form, creating a risk of that layer peeling off and leaching particles into your oil.

Beyond the mechanics and construction, zirconia cartridges are safer and made to enhance your experience. They are proven to be safer than traditional metal carts. For example, in 2016 a famous cartridge reviewer named Phil Busardo became concerned with potential particulate release in vapor when reviewing ceramic coils.

He mandated a third party for further analysis of the particles emitted. The analysis report did not confirm his concerns. It stated that no particulate matter could be found after using the ceramic coil. With that said, there is enough evidence to prove that cotton wicks are unsafe, and there is a wide range of devices with ceramic wicks available as an alternative.

The cartridge heating element is at the root of this problem. The metal component possesses a high temperature threshold and has the most potential to give off toxic fumes. No one wants to inhale dangerous and toxic chemicals. Stay on the safe side and make sure to avoid cheap cartridges that contain low-quality metals or lead soldering around the heating element.

Better Taste

As ceramic coils are more porous compared to metal, the oil absorbs better, which creates a flavor that is tastier and stronger. The high dental-grade consistency of zirconia cartridges is also more pure than metal. It has no contaminants that affect the taste. These traits alone allow zirconia carts to be more capable of delivering clean and flavorful hits.

Metal cartridges can taste burnt if you take a dry hit. A dry hit is the moment when you take a drag on a cartridge that’s not fully saturated. This causes the heat to warm up the wick and burning it, producing a burnt taste.

When this happens, aldehyde levels can become dangerous for the consumer. By using a zirconia cartridge, you can avoid this because zirconia cartridges don’t use cotton for heat, and they don’t produce dry hits that taste burnt.

Lower Heat transfer

Zirconia Ceramic cartridges feature a lower overall heat transfer coefficient than traditional metal cartridges. Causing the distillate inside of your cartridge to slowly heat up. Protecting the taste of your distillates and ensuring you enjoy the flavors in the way the brand intended. On the other hand, metal has a high heat transfer coefficient which means that the metal in the cartridge will heat up quickly and risk burning your cartridges.

More Durable

Zirconia Ceramic is a highly durable material with a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale. This makes it resistant to scratches and ideal for use in items that are subjected to frequent handling and wear, such as ceramic cartridges. Unlike metal materials, which can easily get scratched and damaged, zirconia ceramic remains resistant to scratches and retains its appearance over time. This makes it a preferred choice for items that need to maintain their appearance and durability, even in challenging environments.

Improved Cloud

The porous nature of ceramic material coils in zirconia cartridges contributes to their effectiveness in delivering robust vapors and large clouds. The increased surface area of the ceramic material allows for more heat to be applied, resulting in more efficient heating of the oil. This leads to a fuller spectrum of heat, which in turn increases the amount of product that can be inhaled per puff. The result is a richer and more intense flavor, with stronger terpene profiles that truly capture the essence of the oil.

Additionally, the porous nature of the ceramic material allows for the use of less oil, making it a more cost effective and sustainable option. The longer lifespan of zirconia cartridges also contributes to their overall efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Clear View of the Oil

The clear and white appearance of zirconia ceramic housing in oil cartridges provides a distinct advantage over traditional metal cartridges. With the white background, you can easily assess the quality and color of the oil contained inside. High-quality oils will have a similar appearance to honey, with a clear and consistent color. Oils that are very dark, however, should be avoided, as this could indicate the presence of impurities or degradation.

Additionally, the clear and debris-free nature of the oil can also be easily evaluated with the white background. Ensuring that you are getting the highest quality and purest oil possible. Thus, the clear view of the oil provided by the zirconia ceramic housing is an essential tool in evaluating the quality of the oil and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

A Step Above the Rest

If you are looking for a safe, clean, and pure cartridge, get one that is made from dental-grade zirconia. From a cost and health benefit standpoint, it makes sense to go with the best product material the industry has to offer.

One reason why people use cartridges is to reduce the harm that's associated with smoking. A simple way to avoid issues like this is to only buy branded products from reputable manufacturers and their group companies.

That is why it is essential to find a manufacturer that produces high quality cartridges. At DMLift Inc, we place the highest priority on safe products. We perform certified testing on all of our cartridges to ensure product safety with a rigorous quality management system. You can be confident that our cartridges are safe and are made from the best materials like zirconium oxide.

For more information about products and services, feel free to submit a form in order to speak with one of our Team Members.

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