I recently needed to make some smoke as part of an electronics project. The e-cigarette came to mind and after a little research it seemed very possible to use the same method for generating smoke for my use case.

WARNING: This is a smoke maker for decorative purposes, please do not try to use this thing as an electronic cigarette. I am sure it will be even more unhealthy than normally because of additional fumes released by the 3D printed plastic.

Parts required

+ Vape Coil - Found some MTL Fused Clapton wire at my local vape/e-cigarette shop + Electronic Connector Blocks + B.P. Glycerine - Bought at my local pharmacy, vape juice will also work + 5V Switching Relay Rated for 240V/10A + 10A 12V power supply + AWG20 or thicker wire + Cotton wool

The clapton wire length determines the resistance, you can use a multi-meter to measure the required length or calculate using the resistance per ft on the packaging. I found that 1.8 to 2 Ohm with 12V supply offers a decent amount of smoke and also limits the current required to around 6-7 Amp. The 10 Amp power supply I am using is working great to meet the required demand.

The electric connector blocks are used for the terminals. Take out two copper terminals from a connector block. Solder the wire to one side of the copper terminal. Insert the copper terminals into the element holder, wire first. Heat fit the terminal with a soldering iron if required leaving the top part of the copper terminal with a single screw exposed. This screw is then used to fasten the Vape Coil to the copper terminals.

To make up the Coil I used a peace of steel rod with diameter of about 3mm to wrap the clapton wire around. Ensure the wire is wrapped tightly next to each other and leave two ends of about 10mm on each side in order to tighten to the terminal blocks.

Once the wire is installed take some cotton wool and thread it through the middle of the coil. Now ensure that the cotton is properly soaked with glycerine, the cotton acts like a wick and as long as it is soaked in the glycerine will feed enough glycerine to generate a generous amount of smoke.

I use an Arduino to control the relay, have not tested sustained power to the coil but believed prolonged power to the coil might cause the wire to over heat and burn out. I apply power a few seconds and then turn off for a few seconds before applying power again.

I have included a large and small version. There are three files required to make the smoker, the bottom, terminal holder and cap. Print all three large or all three small parts.