Heating elements, cartridges for use with a vaporizer device, vaporizer devices for generating an inhalable aerosol, and methods of manufacturing thereof, are provided. The heating element can include a substrate configured to heat a vaporizable material. The substrate can include a first region, a second region, and a third region. The third region can be disposed between the first region and the second region, and the third region can include a first plurality of break structures configured to direct a thermal path, an electric current path, or both across the third region in a predetermined direction. Vaporizer cartridges and devices and methods of manufacturing thereof are also provided.