@thm_w
On the first link the pictured ones look like clones though!
The one which has been grounded shows a small void - not great but at least the rest of the tip seems to be bonded well.
Yes the first link is clones demonstrating the same thing you've seen here.
Thats the question though, is it bonded via compression in the same way the clone does it? Or are they using some superior method.
@elektryk
no, it looks like there are two pieces pushed in together for even worse thermal performance. No wonder that tip performed so poorly.
But the real JBC tip is the same no? It has an outer wrap of silver metal, then an inner core of plated copper. Though the clone appears silver colored inside, which may mean they plated the entire tip, which makes thermal conductivity between the core and the heater a bit worse.
Maybe you can grind the tip down a bit if you feel like looking into it further.