I like the halogen idea... I was just looking into alternative heating elements. I don't like the fact that the liquid comes in direct contact with a super-heated metal element. (Most elements like this are called dry-elements, and not designed for direct liquid contact. Thus, why I assume the high failure rate of the preferred method of heating
device they use.)
I worked in a plastic injection molding plant for five years. We used thermocouplers, which are the same thing as the elements in these devices. However, they were large.
However, again, they have recently come to market with many new micro-injection machines. This may be a good thing for us, as this translates into super small heating devices.
I have done some research, and I did find two micro-halogen bulbs, designed as heating elements. They were a preferred design, due to the full glass enclosure, which can be in direct contact with the plastic and high pressure, without the need for a metal-buffer. (A metal buffer is commonly used between the heating element and the plastic, as it helps to transfer heat and keep plastic from directly contacting the heating element.)
I did also find an interesting series of thermo-couplers which were designed as micro-inline atomizers. They are shaped like a tiny band, with a hole through the center, for air/liquid to pass through. I could easily see a fiberglass wick running through there, with the air/vapor passing around the outer case.
The advantage with these devices, is that they are covered with a chemically inert protective layer, with the
coils protected inside a high-thermal transfer material. (This stops them from burning up in the atmosphere. (That was the problem with the first light-bulb, the filament/element would get hot and burn-up instantly. As is the problem with our atomizers.)
I am looking for a few dead atomizers to play with, so that I may try to drop one into an existing
device. I don't want to ruin my perfectly fine atomizers. (In time, I may have a few dead ones, but I clean well, so it will be a while.)
Actually, if any of you have other dead components, I will try to make arrangements for those too. (I have limited funds, and at the moment, can only offer to pay for shipping.)
I would love to have a good high quality replacement vaporizer. One that might cost more, but last forever.
FYI: The heating element in these devices is similar to the RC race-car glow-plugs, also found in RC airplane engines. It is just a high resistance wire core with a higher resistance outer protective layer. After many uses, the outer layer gets burned away, exposing the inner layer, which just burns-up once exposed.