Why are ceramics disposable?

[FantWriter]

I've just started using ceramic cartos (Royal Smokers and Flux). The instructions for one or the other (or both, I don't remember exactly) said they could be refilled 4-5 times.

It seems to me that the reason normal cartos need replacement is that the filler breaks down, especially if you vape too long and it gets burnt.

That clearly doesn't apply to ceramics. The fiberglass wicks should be proof against singes should it become dry (many fiberglass threads are rated to 1200F). With a clear carto, that isn't an issue because you can see when it needs refilling.

So why would a ceramic carto have a limited life?

 

[NCC]

Low confidence in atomizer life?

 

[tj1100cl]

the maintenance to the atomizer.

cartos are marketed to be maintenance-free. you'll eventually have to clean the atomizer if you keep using it, so it just contradicts their marketing plan. shouldn't be a big deal for users like yourself, but i doubt the marketing will change, as it's the disposability factor that differentiates them from standard carts.

 

[REGGAEGEEK]

Mostly due to build up of residue on the coil and coil breakdown from repeated use. The coils in most cartos are not built to withstand as many cycles as an atty since they are sold as disposables....

 

[floridamale]

I don't believe the wicks are fiberglass. The coils or the wrappings around the wicks will become gunked up, how fast that happens depends on your juice. Like cartos or attys the heating elements will burn out, how long it takes to do that varies. Which is why they say disposable, when they stop working dispose of.

 

[oldsoldier]

look at it like lighters back when you smoked analogs.
Cheap gas station lighter breaks or dies after a couple days= Carto
Super bic = atty
Zippo that can be refilled and flint replaced etc - genesis or ato

 

[FantWriter]

The reason I was wondering is because I've already refilled some of them a dozen times, and from what I can tell, they're still like new (well, the Royal Smokers aren't, but that's because they tasted burnt when they were new but they grew out of it).