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Vape Hardware Vape-Jet

Vape-Jet Compatibility Testing and NEW Hardware Compatibility Resource

This month, we’re talking about an important and necessary process at Vape-Jet, vape cartridge and all-in-one device compatibility testing. Whether you’re a prospective customer or already operate a Vape-Jet machine, testing is beneficial. Compatibility testing confirms whether you can start filling your hardware straight out the box, or if additional Vape-Jet product support is needed. We’ll show you what this process looks like, step-by-step, so you can stay informed and prepared.  

We’re also announcing the official launch of a Vape-Jet resource, the Vape Hardware Compatibility List. This resource page is a free tool to see if your vape cartridge or all-in-one device has been previously tested. If your hardware is listed as fully compatible on the resource page, then you are ready to start filling as soon as it lands. Our crew built this tool so you can avoid delays, launch new products ahead of the competition, and reach your production goals ahead of schedule. 

What is Vape-Jet Compatibility Testing and Why is it Necessary?

Compatibility testing is the process in which the Vape-Jet support team calibrates and dry runs a sample set of hardware through the Vape-Jet fully automatic filling machine and Jet Fueler semi-automatic filling machine. We use this process to determine whether the hardware is out-of-the-box compatible with our products, and to identify any accommodations needed to make the filling process as efficient as possible. We also run capping tests for the Squish-o-Matic if requested on the initial compatibility request ticket. (Note: Once we run a Squish test, your sample hardware will be fully capped and we are unable to return it.)

If the hardware is natively incompatible with our machine vision system, our support team will work with you to custom engineer an occlusion jig to make the filling process run smoothly. This ensures your operators get the most out of your Vape-Jet filling machine and is the first step on your journey to fully automated production. (Note: If your hardware requires a jig for the Vape-Jet, we cannot test for Squish-o-Matic compatibility until that process is complete.

How Does the Compatibility Testing Process Work?

The testing process starts at the Vape-Jet Help Desk where you will open a ticket to initiate a compatibility request. Under the “what can we help you with?” dropdown menu, select ‘Compatibility Request.’ Fill out the provided fields and include photos. (This ensures accurate identification of your hardware once it lands at our facility.)  

After you hit submit, you will receive a ticket number in the form of ‘VJSD-####.’ Your support ticket gives you direct access to a messaging portal with the Vape-Jet product support and engineering team.  

Once you receive your VJSD number, prep your hardware for shipping to our facility. Make sure to write your VJSD number on the box and include it on your shipping label. After shipping, share your tracking number in the Help Desk messaging thread. 

Once the package lands at our facility, the testing process begins. Keep in mind, the Vape-Jet facility does not have a cleanroom. For sanitary reasons, sample hardware used for testing is not returned to the customer.  

If the support team determines your hardware is out-of-the-box compatible, you’ll receive a message in the VJSD portal giving you the green light. If your hardware requires accommodations to make it compatible, the Vape-Jet team will custom design, manufacture, and deliver the necessary jig to ensure it works seamlessly with our machines. (The cost of engineering the jig specific to your hardware depends on the type of jig needed.) 

The most common jigs we provide are: 

  • Occlusion Jig—sits on top of your hardware to streamline the Vape-Jet machine vision system by simplifying needle placement. (This is most often used to accommodate hardware with same sized vapor posts and oil tank openings.) 
  • Stabilization—securely reinforces the spacing and alignment of your hardware to prevent unnecessary movement while filling, particularly if the manufacturers foam is loose or inconsistent between trays. 
  • Loading Jig—a grid bottom plate to vertically align hardware that comes individually or flat packed from the manufacturer. 
  • 510 Booster—our standard 5×10 occlusion jig precision machined from Delrin and designed to super charge the Vape-Jet machine vision system for lightning speed calibration and filling of standard 510 style cartridges.  

And while the thought of engineering a jig sounds daunting, the Vape-Jet support team walks you through every step needed to get you closer to filling. The brand Sessions had a positive experience after they worked with the support team to engineer a jig for their hardware. 

“Your team got that new jig out to us within 24 hours,” Dario remembers. “He came and dropped it off first thing in the morning, and we tested it right there to make sure it worked one hundred percent. We had one of the fastest runs that I’ve ever seen. Like just over two minutes to fill fifty carts.”   

Jump the Queue!

It can take up to three weeks to run a full test and provide compatibility results in your VJSD ticket. But there are a few ways you can move the process along and expedite your results.  

First, ensure you have properly submitted the ticket. If you are submitting multiple hardware types and sizes for testing, you must submit separate requests for each one. That means a 1mL disposable would have a different VJSD ticket number than the 0.5mL 510 cartridge because they are tested separately.  

Another way you can expedite your compatibility results is by ensuring the proper samples are shipped. That means sending a full tray of cartridges or all-in-one devices in the foam exactly as it comes from the hardware manufacturer. Our machines and testing procedures are not designed to test individual hardware, unless you are looking for Jet Fueler results only. 

Lastly, check the Vape Hardware Compatibility List before you submit a compatibility request. We add new results regularly and if your hardware is listed as compatible, then you are ready to roll. (Note: Be sure to compare the hardware samples you have with the photos included with the results. Manufacturers change foam packaging and update hardware designs periodically, which may impact compatibility. If you are unsure, open a ticket with the HelpDesk.) 

Now Live: The Vape Hardware Compatibility List

We understand how important it is to prevent interruptions in the packaging process. The Vape Hardware Compatibility List is a living resource, complete with photos and video. Refer to it first and keep it on hand for when your product line evolves. Check this list for pre-tested hardware, before submitting a new compatibility request. 

What are the benefits of pre-tested hardware? For starters, it is a guarantee that the hardware you are purchasing will pair well with the Vape-Jet fully automatic filling machine. This ensures you don’t end up with a backstock of hardware that can’t be filled with the equipment you have invested in. You also have greater insight into the filling workflow and can proactively prepare for and minimize the effects of common challenges, potentially saving a ton of time and labor cost. Pre-tested hardware also allows for a smoother calibration process with the support team. If a jig is needed, you won’t be sitting on your new hardware before you can start filling.  

Streamline Your Filling Workflow with Vape-Jet

We’ve partnered with several industry trusted hardware manufacturers, including a thorough vetting of the most popular styles from Active (AVD), BOLD, Cilicon, Greentank, and iKrusher. By partnering with these companies, we can work together to ensure success for our customers. Here’s what they had to say:  

CILICON and Vape-Jet have both supported Fernway with excellent customer service by being responsive to issues and proactively working with us to improve our product and processes.” 

— Fernway   

“Every [iKrusher] product is packaged precisely making it easy to replicate and allows the Vape-Jet to quickly move from cart to cart. Vape-Jet support has been fantastic in dialing in so many different hardware types and an ever-changing product list with different concentrate types. Truly an amazing product is going into an amazing machine.”   

— Waypoint Processing 

“[Combining AVD and Vape-Jet products] allow us to fill with precision and provide our customers with an end product that expresses all the qualities we are trying to preserve. I recommend Vape-Jet and AVD hardware for anyone serious about keeping the quality of their product intact, volume filling, and having the best support in the market.”   

— Punch Edibles 

Vape-Jet 4.0 | The Most Advanced Fully-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine - Click to Learn More

For a full list of our hardware partners, check out our partner directory.  

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube

Categories
Vape Hardware

Vape-Jet Hardware Partner: BOLD Carts

Introducing BOLD Carts   

The Vape-Jet Crew is elevating innovation with BOLD Carts, our first brand partner of 2024. With a shared commitment to quality, design and functionality, teaming up with a revolutionary company like BOLD translates to an efficient and even more reliable experience for our shared customers.  

At Vape-Jet, vision paired with well-timed execution is one of the formulas that propel us to reach our goals. BOLD does just that by dreaming big and prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and dependability. That’s why they’re the perfect addition to our partner program. Aiming to nurture the industry, their team has always been involved in cultivation projects, focused on customer-centric products and services, and driven by technology.  

By leveraging their collective industry expertise, visionary attunement, and scaling capabilities, BOLD sets themselves apart with cutting-edge hardware. Their ability to be nimble amid stark market shifts empowers customers by providing them with the tools they need for a seamless experience. All of this, while staying true to their values—conscious, responsible and ethical advancement of the cannabis industry. BOLD Carts set out to do it all with a revolutionized industry in mind.  

Vape-Jet Fully Automatic Filling Machine Filling BOLD Drift All-in-One Devices

Vape-Jet x BOLD Benefits 

Verified Compatibility

The R&D is already done! Enjoy a smooth integration of pre-tested BOLD hardware with our fully-automatic and semi-automatic filling and capping solutions. Dedicate more time and resources to filling when you don’t have to worry about testing hardware compatibility.  

Preconfigured Hardware Profiles

We’ve preconfigured BOLD’s compatible hardware profiles, so you don’t have to start from scratch. After installation, the support team can calibrate your hardware and get you filling right away. 

Better Together

As brand partners, we share many of the same goals, including customer success. We believe in teams who inspire and collaborate with one another. Working alongside, instead of in competition with, each other gives everyone a leg up to go further.  

Vape-Jet Fully Automatic Filling Machine Filling BOLD Zirconia 510 Cartridges

The Power to Personalize 

BOLD can streamline your packaging process, providing a one-stop-shop experience. Customize your hardware with vibrant branded colors and tailor each product to exact specifications based on your unique branding needs.  

With BOLD’s premium packing solutions, you can elevate your jars, tins, pre-rolls, vape products and more. Choose from compliant packaging and non-child resistant packaging depending on your needs.

Vape-Jet Fully Automatic Filling Machine Filling BOLD Drift All-in-One Devices

Compatible Hardware 

What’s New? Zirconia!

At Vape-Jet, we understand the importance of quality materials for the best vaping experience. Prepare to be blown away by BOLD’s newest line of cartridges and all-in-ones made with Zirconia. With Zirconia at the core, you get tougher hardware, greater flavor, and residue-free use. BOLD Carts enhance the vape experience by setting their sights on a commitment to purity, consistency, and enjoyment through high-quality cannabis technology.  

Durability & Strength 

Zirconia is strong and lasts longer than regular ceramic and medical-grade steel. Paying premium for a longer-lasting product is an investment in the vaping experience for you and your customers. 

Heat Management 

The surface of Zirconia can withstand rapid temperature shifts. This ensures even heat distribution for a consistent draw. No more overheating and burning up precious terpenes, which is a common problem associated with other materials. With a durable and evenly heated core, you retain more cannabinoids and get to experience the truest representation of the plant. 

Flavor Preservation 

The smooth surface prevents residue buildup, for a fresher and more flavorful inhale without the gunk.  

Vape-Jet Fully Automatic Filling Machine Filling BOLD Zirconia 510 Cartridges

BOLD’s Product Catalog 

BOLD’s hardware is crafted with the highest standards in construction, design and tech innovation. Each cart is carefully constructed for a smoother, fuller draw each and every time.  

Vape-Jet compatible 510 cartridges include the Easy Press Glass, Polycarbonate, and Zirconia. The carts are available in silver, gold, rose gold with custom color ceramic tips. 

For those who seek a more customizable experience, BOLD’s all-in-one devices offer a variety of tank sizes (from 0.3mL to 2mL) for resin and solventless oils. The Trip, Journey and Trek are all Vape-Jet compatible. The Drift, Cruise, and Odyssey are both Vape-Jet and Squish-o-Matic compatible, providing maximum efficiency for your filling and capping workflow. 

Well-engineered batteries are just as critical to the user experience as the oil that goes in each cartridge. BOLD’s 510 compatible batteries are designed for looks, durability, and user comfort.  

Vape-Jet 4.0 | The Most Advanced Fully-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine - Click to Learn More

What’s Next? 

Quality hardware and precision filling solutions make way for a premium user experience pull after pull. If you are interested in taking your production to the next level, while providing a consistent and reliable product for your customers, reach out to our crew to find out how BOLD and Vape-Jet together can provide a seamless solution for your production needs.   

Vape-Jet Fully Automatic Filling Machine Filling BOLD Drift Disposable Devices

To read more about how Vape-Jet helps our customers find success, check out the features below: 

While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, YouTube.  

Categories
Uncategorized Vape Hardware

Vape Cartridges: History & Future of Cannabis Vaping

Vaping has been around for longer than you think, and its use case has morphed drastically from decreasing nicotine consumption to indulging in cannabis products. As the hysteria caused by the lack of facts and misinformation from the recent EVALI crisis subsides – vape cartridges are slated for increased demand as the cannabis industry continues to rev its powerful engine.

What does the inside of a vape cartridge look like?

There’s no better time than now to incorporate industry-leading automated concentrate cartridge filling technology to reap the benefits of tomorrow

Before making your mark on the future of vaping, it’s important to learn about its past. So, here, we’ll catch you up on the history of cannabis vaping, including the answer to the question, when were weed carts invented? and when they were improved upon, too. 

Read along to learn more and understand how to scale up your vape cartridge production process to effectively reduce overhead and increase revenue while improving consumer safety and quality control.

The History Of Vape Pens and Who Invented Them

Joseph Robinson created the first electronic vapes in the 1930s, long before there were vape carts as we know them today. Although it’s unknown whether he created a prototype, he is credited as the first person to come up with the idea.

From that point onward, many iterations of vaping devices came and went. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that vaping became a commercial success, thanks to the invention of the vape cartridge. However, all of these products were geared towards nicotine consumption in the form of e-cigarettes, neglecting the burgeoning market for cannabis oil and THC oil [1]

As we fast-forward through time, vaping became a rapidly rising trend as of 2011, with over 7 million users. It’s since ballooned to over 41 million users as of 2018. [2]

It’s likely that the dramatic rise in use is the culmination of new and more reliable vape products and the convenience of the vape cartridge as a consumption device. Vape devices are unmatched in consumer preference when it comes to form-factor and ease of use.

Modern-Day Inventions of Cannabis Vaping Devices

Currently, oil cartridges can be filled with any type, whether it’s THC, CBD, or nicotine-based. These extracts should be produced according to regulations that demand safe production practices and ingredients. However, taking short cuts during the product formulation stage can have disastrous consequences, as the recent EVALI crisis demonstrated.

Aside from the vape oil itself, vaping hardware and filling techniques are the most widely scrutinized aspects of vape cartridges. The reason behind this is the prevalence of the black market, which continues to distribute faulty and ill-equipped vaping cartridges, or utilize filling processes that expose the oil to toxic materials. Poor handling techniques during the filling process can lead to product contamination, illness, and, in severe cases, injury and death.

The vaping scandal of 2019 was the result of the black market selling tainted THC cartridges, which are widely believed to be the compound vitamin E acetate, a significant health risk when inhaled. Vitamin E was used to ‘cut’ the THC distillate, reducing the potency and reducing production costs. [3]

Since the EVALI crisis, the FDA and federal regulators have tightened their grip on the vaping industry, which means everything if your business incorporates or produces vape products.

Vaporizers and the Cannabis Community: A Growing Demand Despite Hesitations

According to Grand View Research, a leading market analysis group, the vape industry will reach over $67 billion by 2027.

Global Vape Cartridge Users by Year
The vape industry, which is tied with both the tobacco and cannabis industry, is currently worth $12 billion as of 2019. Source: Euromonitor International via BBC

While the EVALI health crisis caused a public perception hit to the perceived safety of the vape cartridge, it is a good idea to remember why consumers chose them in the first place. Even though personal vaporizer devices for nicotine consumption list health and safety as their primary motivating factors in purchasing decisions, those consumers consuming cannabis and hemp-derived products overwhelmingly select them for convenience and form factor, not perceived health effects.

In fact, companies in the cannabis vape tech space, like KandyPens and Dr. Dabber, recorded between 350 and 500 percent growth in 2017. [6] Even more, former Apple product developers and Silicon Valley types are credited with launching some of the highest-tech and most successful vape devices on the cannabis market today. [7]

As consumer confidence rebounds and proper QA techniques are adopted, the potential is sky-high for your vape-based businesses.

What Is A 510 Thread Cartridge?

If you’re now wondering, when did cannabis carts become popular? It’s around the time 510 thread cartridges launched in legal markets. So, for the industry newbies, next let’s answer the question: What is a 510 thread cartridge exactly? 

A 510-threaded cartridge is a universal vapor product that’s filled with cannabis oil. When attached to a vape battery, and powered on or activated by draw, the oil is heated and inhaled by the consumer. 

In today’s world of weed, 510 thread cartridges are available in .5 gram and 1 gram and are viable vestibules for a wide variety of extract types from distillate, to live resin and rosin.

The Future of the Vape Market & What Does This Mean for Your Business?

With increased regulations and rapidly rising demand, your vape business is looking towards a crossroads. How will you incorporate heightened quality control checks while managing the pressure of increasing demand?

The answer lies in consolidation and scalability. However, the idea of revamping your entire production process may sound daunting and, quite frankly, difficult to incorporate.

However, consolidation and scalability are accomplished with the help of automation. Automation can take many forms, but typically, when we think of automation, we think of production and manufacturing devices such as the Vape Jet automatic distillate cartridge filling machine.

The process of filling and checking the quality of cartridges is incredibly time-consuming when done manually. However, automated systems, such as the Vape-Jet, incorporate a pharmaceutical-grade fluid handling system and advanced machine vision alignment capabilities.

With the use of an automated vape cartridge filler, multiple tasks are accomplished effectively and up to regulatory standards. By using a cartridge filler for CO2, rosin, or distillate, your business can quickly consolidate resources and scale according to the demands of the market.

No longer will your business suffer from the love-hate relationship of increased demand. Instead, an industrial vape pod filler  will streamline the production process while simultaneously ensuring quality control and the integrity of vapor products.

Vape Cartridge Users Projections
Source: Grand View Research

The Future of Cannabis: Reduce Your Cartridge Production Overhead Through Automation

If you have yet to incorporate automation into your vape business, you’re likely paying more than you have to. Without automation, your payroll is dedicated to individuals who are hard-capped as to the number of vape pods they can fill per day.

Automation opens the horizon to thousands of carts filled per day in comparison. This means that you’ll never miss out on a large order because you aren’t producing at scale. Instead, your clients will never lose confidence in your company’s ability to generate any amount of vape cartridges at any time, ensuring a consistent supply for consumers looking to vaporize.

The result of producing products at scale is that you’ll never miss a profitable opportunity. Furthermore, your overhead will plummet as you incorporate automation into your oil cartridge filling process.

Let’s take a look at how your business can reduce overhead while increasing revenue with Vape Jet.

  • Reduce labor cost
  • Increase production of vape cartridges
  • Decrease the cost of each cartridge
  • Reduce overall operational cost
  • Decrease the number of wasted cartridges
  • Find defective cartridges before the filling process

As you can see, the Vape Jet system single-handedly reduces the need for a large workforce while simultaneously increasing output. Overall, the Vape Jet system consolidates your entire vape cartridge filling workforce under a single automated machine. In other words, pure efficiency.

Distillate Vape Cartridges
Distillate Vape Cartridges from Highland Provisions filled with Vape-Jet

Further Reading

Categories
Vape Hardware

Vape-Jet Hardware Partner: iKrusher

In a rapidly growing market like the vaping industry, it is essential to dial in filling processes to ensure quality user experiences every time. That may sound daunting, but that’s why the Vape-Jet crew is always looking for ways to provide advanced cartridge-filling solutions for customers through our Partner Program. Our newest partner, iKrusher, expands our one-stop shop for customer success even more, certifying an extensive selection of compatible products that will work seamlessly with your Vape-Jet fully automatic cartridge-filling machine.  

Read on to see how combing iKrusher’s innovative hardware combined with our vape cart filling expertise offers customers a complete turnkey solution for their vaping needs:  

Vape-Jet automatic filling machine filling the iKrusher Uzo disposable hardware.
Vape-Jet automatic filling machine filling the iKrusher Uzo disposable hardware.

iKrusher at a Glance  

Engineered out of California since 2017, iKrusher is a widely trusted vape hardware leader. With over 1,500 brand associations, iKrusher provides millions of vape users with reliable, cutting-edge products, including disposables, vaporizers, pods, batteries, and vaping accessories. With a dual base in the US and China to conduct in-depth research and development on atomization technology, iKrusher is committed to local lab testing to ensure that their products offer the best taste for oils and concentrates.   

With numerous technical patents and revolutionary products on the market, iKrusher continues to lead the trend in vaping experiences. They certainly haven’t shied away from this role either, opening multiple fulfillment distribution centers across the US to stay on top of their supply chain and provide reliable distribution. iKrusher’s wide network also provides local lab testing for oils and concentrates to design premium vaping experiences.  

iKrusher Technology  

OMNI 

If you couldn’t already tell, at Vape-Jet, we’re huge fans of innovation. As the largest custom OEM and ODM vaporizer provider in the US, iKrusher is all-in on creating new, custom vaporizer technologies. OMNI intelligent control technology is an excellent example of their dedication to high-performance vaping, enabling pure, multi-viscosity vaping experiences. With increased battery performance and superior flavor profiles thanks to the OMNI App and OMNI Smart Hub, iKrusher’s vaping technology has created a new industry standard. 

iKonic Ceramic Coil 

Utilizing a porous ceramic material, the iKonic coil locks in oils for better taste and purity, maximizing each draw for users. 

Vape-Jet x iKrusher: Partnership Benefits  

  • Rapid Deployment — leverage Vape-Jet and iKrusher’s in-house R&D teams for expedited hardware prototyping, ensuring repeatable vape cartridge-filling experiences.  
  • Verified Compatibility — pretested hardware means you don’t have to waste time testing different hardware or money using non-optimized components.  
  • Custom-Built Hardware Profiles — pre-configured hardware profiles are available for installation on your new Vape-Jet filling machine, so you can start no-waste filling right away.  
Vape-Jet 4.0 | The Most Advanced Fully-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine - Click to Learn More

Reliably Compatible Hardware  

Fill with confidence using qualified Vape-Jet Partners in conjunction with your Vape-Jet filling machine. Remember: all of our partners and products are thoroughly vetted by our crew and extensively QA-tested in the field by our customers.  

 Disposables  

iKrusher disposable vapes handle any viscosity: distillate, concentrates, or live resin. All disposables use compliant, durable, and sustainable materials while boasting long battery life and anti-clogging, zero-leak tanks. 

Cartridges  

iKrusher cartridges use award-winning, proprietary designed 510 thread cartridges engineered for even oil vaporization, maximizing consumption. iKrusher’s durable 510 oil cartridges are paired with ceramic quartz heating technology to provide superior taste and quality.   

Note: Not all hardware listed above is compatible with our Squish-o-Matic 1000 capping machine. For more detailed information on compatibility please reach out to our crew for more info. 

Vape-Jet automatic filling machine filling the iKrusher Uzo disposable hardware.
Vape-Jet automatic filling machine filling the iKrusher Uzo disposable hardware.

Tested in the Field 

The best part about our hardware partnership with iKrusher is that the results speak for themselves. Customers are already enjoying the synergy of Vape-Jet x iKrusher, including Joe Fabrizio, Lab Manager and Owner of Soil to Oil Montana.  

So far, Joe’s team has filled the Tik Pro Mini, 0.5mL disposable with their Jet Fueler semi-automatic vape cart filler, and they’ve had loads of success. Asked if he would recommend using Vape-Jet cart filling technology with iKrusher hardware, Joe says, “Absolutely! I’ve been filling carts for about 7 years. I’ve used dozens of different carts, all while filling by hand with a metered syringe. The Tik Pro is, by far, the most reliable vape I have ever used. It has an extremely low fail rate, rarely leaks or clogs, and the vape experience is exactly what I’ve been looking for. The mellow temperature keeps the terpenes preserved, yet it still puffs clouds with ease. Filling with the Jet Fueler ensures every vape is filled exactly the same with precise temperature controls and temperature settings. Low temp cart filling is easily achieved with the use of Nitrogen head pressure.” 

Or ask Jesse from Waypoint Processing, who says, “Every [iKrusher] product is packaged precisely making it easy to replicate and allows the Vape-Jet to quickly move from cart to cart. Vape-Jet support has been fantastic in dialing in so many different hardware types and an ever-changing product list with different concentrate types. Truly an amazing product is going into an amazing machine.” 

Let’s Get Started

We designed our Vape-Jet Partner Program to provide customers with the best possible vape cartridge-filling experience. Our partnership with iKrusher expands our one-stop shop, certifying an extensive selection of compatible products that will work seamlessly with your Vape-Jet fully automatic cartridge-filling machine. Take advantage of custom-built hardware profiles, verified compatibility, and pre-tested hardware so you can fill vape cartridges with confidence.   

If you want to become a Vape-Jet success story, reach out to our crew, and we’ll find the best solution for your business.   

Check out these success stories:   

While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube

Categories
Uncategorized Vape Hardware

Vape-Jet Hardware Partner: AVD

Cutting Edge Filling Technology Meets Hardware Innovation with Vape-Jet’s Latest Collaboration

Early on, our team at Vape-Jet recognized that developing superior products for our customers meant working with like-minded companies who prioritize cannabis expertise. That’s why we structured our Vape-Jet Partner Program to provide customers with seamless hardware solutions that maximize the efficiency of their fully-automatic Vape-Jet or semi-automatic Jet Fueler workflow. Teaming up with Advanced Vapor Devices (AVD) was an obvious choice. This partnership creates a streamlined vape and cartridge filling system that makes it easier than ever to produce at scale. AVD cartridges are among Vape-Jet’s most frequently filled vape cartridges. We also share core company values like equipment accessibility, advanced customer support, and hardware reliability.

“AVD’s commitment to consistency, innovation, and quality control is the reason all Vape-Jet systems get pre-shipped with AVD profiles. Their hardware is what we use for final validation because we can count on it to be reliable.”  

Ryan Hoitt, Vape-Jet CEO

AVD: Industry-Leading Technology that Delivers Flavor and Reliability   

Innovation backed by expertise. After cultivating decades of cannabis knowledge, AVD understands the relationship between cannabis extraction, formulation, absorption, and heating. This allows them to develop a superior vaporization delivery experience trusted by hundreds of cannabis oil brands across North America.  

As a leading vaporizer technology company, AVD provides:  

No-Burn Technology™ — designed exclusively for the cannabis extract industry for true-to-strain flavor, terpene and cannabinoid preservation

Reliable Technology — with an almost zero failure rate. 

Cannabis Expertise — 20+ years of cannabis industry experience and extensive QA protocols for premium user experiences.

Rapid Stock Replenishment – stock orders fulfilled in 1-3 days and custom orders in 4-6 weeks.

Post-Sales Support — the industry’s longest 180-day end-user warranty backed by knowledgeable North American-based support.

Quit burning your oil with carts that run too hot.  

Overheating cannabis obliterates the terpenes and the very essence of the plant that makes each strain unique and flavorful.  

AVD recognized that live resins, sauces, and full-spectrum extracts need consistent low heat to prevent burning and preserve terpenes. That’s why AVD cartridges and batteries are crafted with No-Burn Technology™.

Every AVD cart and battery is specifically engineered to provide consistent heat to deliver incredible flavor and keep terpenes and cannabinoids intact. Delivering this type of quality for their customers has secured AVD’s reputation as one of the most trusted vape cartridge providers in the market.  In addition to their products’ incredible reliability, AVD’s total control over their raw material supply chain ensures that inventory shortages and long lead times are a thing of the past. That’s a huge win during an era of global supply chain disruptions.

Driven by Innovation

No-Burn Technology™ 

After thousands of hours of R&D, testing, and quality control, AVD’s patented No-Burn Technology™ is at the heart of every AVD cartridge. This industry-leading science creates a safe and superior sensory experience with every hit. With SmartPulse™ Power Control, even long smoking sessions are heated smoothly from the first hit to the last. 

AVD EZ Click™ Solutions 

EZ Click™ hardware represents one of the proprietary technologies that make AVD so special. With this 50-at-a-time, snap-on filling and capping system, EZ Click™ cartridges are designed for rapid high-end, automated vape cartridge production at scale. Because our Vape-Jet works extensively with the EZ Click™ line, no capper is required, meaning lower costs for end-users. In short, when you pair AVD EZ Click™ cartridges with Vape-Jet automation, you have one of the most optimized vape cartridge productions on the planet.  

AVD EZ Click™ Cartridges 
  • AVD Glass EZ Click™ — The industry’s first glass cartridge designed for rapid filling and capping.  
  • AVD Polyresin EZ Click™ — Powerful, durable, and true-to-strain flavor.  
  • AVD All-Ceramic EZ Click™ — Using Zirconia medical-grade ceramic, AVD’s all-ceramic cartridge is designed for premium oils and chemically inert for exceptionally clean flavors.   
  • GoodCarts by AVDBuilt for less complex oils like distillates, botanical terpene blends, Delta-8, and other novelty cannabinoids. GoodCarts Glass and Polyresin EZ Click™ Cartridges come pre-racked in two trays of 50 units each and are put through the same rigorous quality control practices that you would expect from AVD.
    • GoodCarts Glass EZ Click™ Cartridge
    • GoodCarts Polyresin EZ Click™ Cartridge

Once capped, all AVD and GoodCart vape cartridges are non-refillable and tamper-resistant, which is critical for selling to highly regulated markets. 

Mouthpieces 

Choose from 20 distinctive mouthpieces to create a unique vaping experience and set the tone for your brand. AVD mouthpieces are compatible with all AVD cartridges.

Disposables  

AVD all-in-one cartridges offer discretion and convenience to users, but they also let you take control over the way your oils are heated for the best vaping experience possible.

Batteries  

Your consumers will enjoy a superior vaping experience by pairing AVD’s cartridges with their universal 510-thread batteries.

  • AVD Stik Battery with SmartPulsetechnology, high / low voltage switch that allows users to prioritize big clouds or flavor, and universal 510 thread.
  • AVD Seed Battery with SmartPulse, high / low voltage switch that allows users to prioritize big clouds or flavor, and haptic vibration feedback for intuitive use.
  • AVD Alpha Pen with SmartPulse,high / low voltage switch that allows users to prioritize big clouds or flavor, and a discrete removable cap.
  • AVD Stik Button Battery with SmartPulse, pushbutton activation, and three voltage settings for flavor, well-rounded, and cloud experiences.
Make it Your Own with AVD Design House  
  • AVD Design House offers superior customization options to match your unique brand personality.  
  • Classic Customizations — finishes, colors, and textures that make your product(s) pop.  
  • Premium Customizations — exclusive form factors that differentiate your brand to stand out on the dispensary shelf.   

Vape-Jet x AVD 

As two tech-driven companies at the leading edge of the cannabis vaporizer industry, our partnership with AVD has many benefits for our customers:  

  • Seamless Cartridge Production — unlock end-to-end efficiency with Vape-Jet filling and capping automation and AVD’s reliable, designed-to-scale hardware.
  • Proprietary Technology — backed by decades of cannabis, chemistry, and engineering knowledge, Vape-Jet and AVD both navigate the cannabis space with innovation and quality at the forefront.
  • Expert Support — both the Vape-Jet and AVD teams are available for expert product support and guidance with superior customer service.
  • Tested in the Field — Vape-Jet partners are thoroughly vetted for hardware compliance and integration with our products. Just ask our customers.
  • Precision Calibrated — protect your oil with two companies that don’t take shortcuts. Rigorous R&D and quality testing goes into every product delivered by both AVD and Vape-Jet to ensure the best possible end product.
  • Dependable Supply — Vape-Jet and AVD emphasize strict inventory management and in-house development, allowing total control of stock inventory. Exceptional lead times and reduced product delays decreases your stock outage risks and maintains your products consistently on the shelf.

Customer Success  

True North Collective MI  

Maybe you’ve read our customer feature with the good folks in Michigan at True North Collective. For those who haven’t, True North’s dedication to safety, compliance, and consistency makes their cannabis flower, edibles, and concentrates some of the highest quality products out there.   

The team at True North Collective are devoted users of Vape-Jet’s vape cartridge-filling machines – not only for their reliability and speed, but for their ability to scale. This allows them to meet demand at a moment’s notice.

With their move to Vape-Jet cartridge-filling automation, True North also switched to AVD EZ Click™ cartridges for a seamless production workflow.

Distillation Director Joey Stutz reports, “We did R&D on a bunch of different disposables, pods, and other carts that aren’t EZ Click™. Ultimately the best flavor came from the EZ Click™ AVD [cartridges].”

So, if you were still on the fence about combining Vape-Jet and AVD hardware, True North’s success might help ease your mind. After all, True North Collective couldn’t be happier with the quality oil they can offer their customers, which allows them to scale in a highly competitive market.  

Punch Edibles  

At Punch Edibles, the partnership potential of Vape-Jet x AVD quality is no secret either. To get the inside scoop, we spoke with Lab Director Brennan Beasley, who uses AVD EZ Click™ Cartridges, combined with AVD’s EZ Click™ jig, a Vape-Jet fully-automatic for filling, and the Squish-o-Matic 1000 for capping. 

“Vape-Jet makes filling our AVD cartridges seamless,” Brennan says. The technology of the two together provides an elevated filling experience with little to zero downtime.”  

As Brennan explains, “[Combining AVD and Vape-Jet products] allow us to fill with precision and provide our customers with an end product that expresses all the qualities we are trying to preserve. I recommend Vape-Jet and AVD hardware for anyone serious about keeping the quality of their product intact, volume filling, and having the best support in the market.” 

Perfect Your Production Process

If you are interested in taking your production to the next level, while providing a premium product for your customers, reach out to our crew to find out how AVD and Vape-Jet together provide a seamless solution for your production needs. 

While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.   

Categories
Uncategorized Vape Hardware

Vape-Jet Hardware Partner: CILICON 

Introducing the Vape-Jet Hardware Partner Program 

At Vape-Jet, our team has spent the last four years developing our filling technology to create the most versatile, advanced vape cartridge-filling machine on the market. With compatibility being a major demand in the industry, we’ve focused on delivering the ultimate freedom of choice for our customers. That’s why our filling machines work with many styles of 510 cartridges, pods, and disposables, so our customers can make their vape hardware selections with confidence. 

But why stop there

So far, we’ve chosen to recommend hardware manufacturers based solely on our customers’ experiences. And while our customers provide valuable feedback, we decided to take things a step further and really dial in compatible hardware vendors to assure the highest quality filling operation for Vape-Jet users. With the new Vape-Jet Partner Program, we’ve done just that.  

Vape-Jet hardware partners are thoroughly vetted by our team, extensively QA-tested in the field, and are dedicated to optimizing their hardware to run seamlessly on our equipment. With this program, we will provide a comprehensive, one-stop solution for all your vape production needs, from hardware to filling to capping. This is the future of vape cartridge production. 

Our First Official Vape Hardware Partner: CILICON  

What makes a true partnership work? A shared set of values and the desire to achieve more together. By partnering with CILICON, we recognize a company with a similar drive for innovation and technology that made our equipment so successful in the field. Equally as important, CILICON shares our belief that by working together, rather than competing, we can do more to help our customers achieve success.  

By focusing our efforts on collaboration, we combine our industry-leading automated filling machines with CILICON’s extensive product catalog and enhanced market analysis to inform future hardware designs. But that’s not all. With guaranteed hardware compatibility and standard operating procedures, your vape-filling experience has never been easier or more efficient. 

Together, CILICON and Vape-Jet provide an Integrated Vape-Filling Solution.  

Elevating Your Vape Cartridge Production Together 

Vape-Jet 

  • Premier vape-filling automation technology 
  • Innovation driven product design and development  
  • Industry-leading proactive product support, data analytics, and fleet management  

CILICON 

Vape-Jet x CILICON 

  • Driven by Technology—two businesses built on a foundation of independently-developed equipment and informed by real-world data analysis. 
  • Cannabis Synergy—end-to-end vape cartridge services. 
  • Customer Focus—market research and hardware alignment solve equipment problems faster and make your life easier. 

Work Smarter by Working Together 

Integrated Services: Comprehensive product solutions

Optimize your vape-filling process with confidence using Vape-Jet x CILICON as a one-stop solution for all your production needs, from filling to capping, with the flexibility of choosing a fully-automatic Vape-Jet or semi-automatic Jet Fueler

Streamlined Workflow: Reduced communication, manufacturing, and labor costs

Cutting out the middleman and working together directly creates the ultimate cost-effective workflow with fewer delays and lower communication, manufacturing, and labor costs. 

Guaranteed Compatibility: Confirmed hardware integration

Our teams have worked tirelessly to set and confirm optimal hardware compatibility, so you don’t have to. See compatible hardware

Standardized Operating Procedures: Tailored hardware support

Effortless filling begins with automated workflows and precise documentation specifically for each hardware type.  

Unified Mission: Collaboration over competition

Why waste time and energy competing when we can achieve better results together? As strategic partners, our sole focus is customer success. 

Cutting-Edge Innovation: Driven by technology

Two businesses built on a foundation of independently developed equipment and informed by real-world data analysis.

How Vape-Jet x CILICON Supported Fernway’s “Traveler Collection”  

At Vape-Jet, we want the best results for our customers. That’s why real-world success is one of the most important components of our new Hardware Partner Program. Recently, we worked with CILICON on the successful release of Fernway’s new Traveler collection

Who is Fernway? Fernway is a cannabis oil and hardware provider located in Northampton, Massachusetts. Partnering with CILICON to design the ultimate recyclable, all-in-one cannabis vape makes perfect sense when you consider Fernway’s emphasis on providing high-quality cannabis products. Since Fernway is also a devoted Vape-Jet user (we said they ‘emphasized providing high-quality cannabis products,’ right?), we reached out to get the inside scoop. 

Q. What product launch did you develop with CILICON and Vape-Jet?
A. “This month, Fernway launched the Traveler Collection, Massachusetts’ first recyclable all-in-one vape product, available in 0.3g and 0.7g sizes.” 

Q. What challenges did you face during this process, and how did these brands work together to help you overcome them?
A. “Despite the new form factor, the CILICON and Vape-Jet teams worked together to rapidly design and produce a custom filling solution that allows us to fill the TRAVELER devices just as efficiently as our 510 cartridges.” 

Q. What was your customer experience while bringing this product to market?
A. “CILICON and Vape-Jet have both supported Fernway with excellent customer service by being responsive to issues and proactively working with us to improve our product and processes. Any time we have an issue with our equipment, the Vape-Jet team is just a phone call/video call away to resolve our issues, and their ability to remote into the machines from their office has proved invaluable to diagnose new issues.” 

“By having Vape-Jet and CILICON work together to launch the Traveler, we were able to shorten our launch schedule by more than 6 weeks.” 

#notadroptowaste 

As your integrated vape-filling solution provider, CILICON x Vape-Jet are determined to protect your oil with the finest hardware because, when it comes to filling oil, there is #notadroptowaste.  

If you are interested in becoming another success story and providing the highest-quality product for your customers, reach out to our crew to learn how CILICON and Vape-Jet can work together to elevate your vape-filling operation.  

While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements including more CILICON x Vape-Jet customer features to come. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Categories
Vape Hardware Vape-Jet

What Vape Hardware Do We Fill Most?

One of the most common questions we receive is: 

So, what carts can I fill with a Vape-Jet?” 

Although the simple answer—‘most of them!’—is not unacceptable, we realize it is important that consumers and cartridge-filling companies understand how Vape-Jet technology is contributing to our customers’ success in the field. While these stories of collaborative growth and 2x production boosts have been shared before, we know that compatible hardware information is crucial when making an investment decision. 

So, without further ado, here are the five vape cartridge manufacturers that Vape-Jet and Jet Fueler operators are most commonly filling: 

Cilicon vape hardware lineup.

Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 

Who is Cilicon? 

Cilicon provides OBM/OEM/ODM hardware directly to cannabis companies or through its network of US-based partners. One of Cilicon’s core strengths is the comprehensive approach they take to industry chain management. From R&D and manufacturing to sales, Cilcon’s hardware quality is the result of precise control over their products. 

Cilicon vape cartridges and disposables are some of our most frequently filled products.  

Cilicon Product Categories

Cilicon offers a variety of competitive product solutions, including, but not limited to: 

Review Cilicon’s complete product page for more information. 

What Makes Cilicon Unique?

Cilicon is deeply invested in research and development, providing innovative products with unique design capabilities to a vast, diverse customer base. With 4 patented ceramic technologies and 40+ vape products on the market, Cilicon continues to craft solutions that drive industry trends.  

Customized Options

Along with custom hardware styles, colors, and other options for end-users, Cilicon also develops tailored ODM products with fully-custom external aesthetics and innovative technologies (like, BioBaleen™ modules and Duair™ technology) for brands including Vessel, Kalibloom, and Bloom.  

AVD vape hardware

Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA 

Who is AVD? 

AVD prides themselves on reliability and flavor technology. Before starting AVD, they were growers, extractors, and processors, with decades of cannabis experience. AVD excels at manufacturing vape hardware grounded on engineered principles specifically tailored to cannabis and the nuanced interplay between absorption, heating, and vaporization. AVD’s Eazy-Press Glass and Eazy-Press Polyresin Cartridges represent some of the highest total quantity of cartridges filled by Vape-Jet because of their ease of filling and capping with one of, if not the lowest failure rate in the industry.   

AVD Product Categories 

AVD offers a variety of competitive product solutions, renowned for retaining true-to-strain flavors, based on their pioneering No-Burn Technology™, including:  

You can review AVD’s complete product listing here for more information.   

What Makes AVD Unique? 

With budget and premium options, AVD is a go-to source for oil brands and processors. Manufacturing out of their own state-of-the-art factory with control over their raw material supply and in-country inventory, AVD quickly ships high-quality stock inventory in 1-3 days.  

Customized Options 

AVD’s Design House collaborates with their client partners to achieve standout customizations. From classic (custom Pantone colors, finishes printing, and compliancy engraving) to premium customizations (including one-of-a-kind unique mouthpiece covers and unique form factors). 

Jupiter vape hardware

Headquarters: Phoenix, Arizona, USA 

Who is Jupiter Research? 

Jupiter Research is the distributor of CCELL® cartridges, a specialty heating technology for natural plant-based extracts. Jupiter half and full gram carts are some of our most frequently filled products. 

Jupiter Research Product Categories 

Jupiter Research offers a variety of competitive product solutions, including, but not limited to: 

Review Jupiter Research’s complete product listing for more information. 

What Makes Jupiter Research Unique? 

As one of four US-based distributors of CCELL® cartridges, Jupiter Research represents one of the original providers who sparked the mass production of vape cartridges nationwide. 

Customized Options 

Jupiter Research offers custom branding options for all their products, from colors and printing to customized vape specifications. 

BBTank vape hardware

Headquarters: Dongguan, Guangdong, China  

Who is BBTank? 

BBTank provides vape hardware directly to cannabis companies, supporting its high-volume manufacturing facilities with a robust R&D department. 

BBTank Product Categories 

BBTank offers a variety of competitive product solutions, including, but not limited to: 

Review BBTank’s complete product listing for more information. 

What Makes BBTank Unique?  

By fostering direct relationships with cannabis companies, BBTank has shorter development times on new products. Also, with more than 2,500 workers, 20 workshops, and 100 production lines, BBTank can quickly scale to meet demand while investing resources in following the latest trends in the cannabis market. 

Customized Options 

BBTank supports many customized options from small-scale color finishes and mouthpieces to fully custom ODM hardware and custom packaging. 

Greentank vape hardware

Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada  

Who is Greentank? 

Working directly with cannabis companies, Greentank has successfully launched over 200 vape brands across the US and Canada. 

Greentank Product Categories 

Greentank offers a variety of competitive product solutions, including, but not limited to: 

Review GreenTank’s complete product listing for more information. 

What Makes Greentank Unique?  

With locations in the US and Canada, Greentank’s products have a broad reach. Along with a plethora of customized options (which we will get to shortly), Greentank focuses on finding innovative solutions for its customers. 

Customized Options 

Stressing the importance of ‘bringing brands to life,’ Greentank supports a comprehensive library of finishes, mouthpieces, chargers, and packaging. 

Other Brands 

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include these fantastic companies below, who are not only developing exceptional products but using Vape-Jet technology to ensure quality cartridge control: 

Learn More About Vape-Jet    

As this list of vape cartridge manufacturers indicates, Vape-Jet and Jet Fueler cartridge-filling machines are at the center of a rapidly growing industry. With precision and quality being the most important similarity between these successful manufacturers, it has never been more essential to manage filling variables and handle your cartridges with consistency. 

If you’re interested in learning more, browse one of our other informational blogs: 

If you want to experience the greatness of your own Vape-Jet, all you need to do is drop us a line. While you’re at it, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  

Categories
Uncategorized Vape Hardware

Vape Hardware Safety Concerns for Your Business

Beginning in June 2019, doctors in a small city of Wisconsin noticed a sudden rise in lung-related illnesses. Each of the cases was similar, yet they did not follow the same path of other documented lung illnesses, such as pneumonia. This was something new – and they were right.

Vape Cartridges and Cannabis Extracts

After 54 deaths and over 2,400 people sent to the hospital, federal authorities and researchers honed in on the culprit – vitamin E acetate.(1) More importantly, it was found that this compound tested positive in illicit THC vape products that were purchased on the street or via online shops.

The vape industry for cannabis and tobacco products came to a screeching halt. What was once a multi-billion dollar sector was now poised for a complete collapse as legislators and lawmakers began pointing fingers as the vape scare raged on.

However, once the CDC pinpointed the cause of the outbreak and concluded that illicit manufacturers were to blame, the vape industry is experiencing a rise to its former heights – and beyond.

However, the latest vape scare came with a price. The industry must collectively change to ensure compliance with state and federal regulators. Aside from the vape product itself, vape hardware must change to keep consumers safe and to keep your business out of the iron-sights of regulators.

If you own a cannabis extraction facility or manage a vape production facility – read along.

Get Your Cartridges Tested

Testing THC vape carts for heavy metal contaminants such as lead.

There’s no better time than now to get your cartridges tested to ensure that your vape company remains in compliance with regulations. Unless your business has the capacity to do quality control checks in-house, then you’ll need the help of a third-party to ensure your cartridges are free of contaminants and are faultless. 

Not only does it mean a better and safer experience for the end-user, but it also reduces the instance of returns/recalls. By reducing the rate of returns, your business will turn a quicker profit.
The balance of regulation, client satisfaction, and consumer safety is met by having your cartridges tested.

Enhance Quality Control Measures

Quality control is beyond necessary across every manufacturing channel. From the tiniest screw to an intricate piece of hardware – everything must undergo a safety test that meets specific standards.

The standards for the vape industry are continuously changing, however, regulators all agree that they want to ensure that vape manufacturers are producing clean cannabis extracts without additives into cartridges that work.

There have been many instances where vape cartridges break, leak, or overheat prematurely. The time is now to step up your cartridge safety before you’re forced to.

Upgrade Your Vape Cartridge Hardware

Vape Cartridges and Pods Filled with Oil

The vape scare left many consumers and regulators on the edge of their seats. Although the vast majority of vape products were legitimate and untainted by vitamin E acetate – the damage was done.

Upgrading your vape products with enhanced hardware is an incredible way to recapture the confidence that so many vape companies once enjoyed. As a business owner or manager of a cannabis extraction facility, you want to ensure your product is enjoyed safely and carried by legal marijuana dispensaries.

If consumers are weary of your product because they contain “old” parts, then you may see a drastic drop in sales. Any business-minded individual knows that change is necessary, and we’re currently in a transitional phase.

Switch to Tamper-Proof Mouthpieces

Aside from keeping your clients happy and the end-user absolutely safe – what about from a legal standpoint?

The revelation from the CDC spurred the FDA to come down hard on all vape companies – not just those related to cannabis.

One of the most notable changes from the FDA is that from this point on, all vape companies must comply with preventing access by minors. (2)

If you’re wondering how you can prevent minors from accessing vape cartridges filled with potent THC, it’s through the use of press-fit mouthpieces that are entirely tamper-proof. The overall vape industry is quickly moving away from twist-top mouthpieces and transitioning to the press-fit design because it prevents content exposure.

Once a manufacturer installs the press-fit mouthpiece, the end-user cannot remove it. This is seen as a child-safe and tamper-proof method that complies entirely with the wishes of the FDA.

Furthermore, this method stops end-users from removing the mouthpiece easily to add additional ingredients into the vape product. In other words, the press-fit design is a protective measure for end-users and for your business.

The last thing your cannabis extraction or vape company needs is a sudden report that your product made someone sick – although they added additional “flavorings” to the cannabis extract.

The Success of Your Business Relies on Compliance

Compliance is essential to a successful vape cartridge company.

Ultimately, the vape scare has changed the cannabis extraction and vape industry forever. Some may argue that it was better before; however, the end result is a focus on consumer safety.

Overall, upgrading your vape hardware should be seen in a positive light because it only adds to your company’s value. Legal cannabis dispensaries were also affected by the vape scare heavily. Therefore, it only makes sense that they will want to only carry safe, reliable, and high-quality vape cartridges that are made from compliant hardware.

With the help of a few uncomplicated hardware upgrades for your cannabis or vape business, you’ll find success quickly by staying ahead of the curve.

Categories
Uncategorized Vape Hardware

Why are There so Many People?

It was 2016 when I found myself walking through a cannabis extraction lab. It was my first experience behind the scenes of the nascent legal cannabis industry, and I vividly recall my intense fascination surrounding the inner workings of this new world.

The science and technical aspects of the production process captivated me. The extraction company finished giving me their grand tour, and I’ll admit, I was left in a daze after all that I had seen. Of course, this made them even more proud of what they had accomplished.

However, remembering the purpose for my visit, I rose to my position and asked

“Why are there so many people working on filling these cartridges?”

Aside from the myriad of otherworldly devices that move concentrated liquid from one container to another, I noticed the multitude of workers doing the same monotonous job. Countless individuals were filling cartridges with a cannabis concentrate. Peering at each of them, you could see many different attitudes – some of which were making jokes while others looked entirely frustrated.

It was at that moment that I realized there was a glaring problem with this cannabis extraction facility. It was my job to find inefficiencies – and find them I did. My mind began to race, and I saw clearly that the nascent legal cannabis industry was still experiencing crucial growing pains. How could a multi-billion dollar industry even allow a handful of employees to hand-fill cartridges?

Immediately, I resolved that, as an individual that strives to create efficiency, that automation was the key. Without it, cannabis extraction facilities like this would be left behind as others would implement it.

It was from that moment that automation in the cannabis industry became my primary focal point.

The main idea behind automation is to increase efficiency while reducing manual labor time. Although it sounds simple, many companies in the legal cannabis sector have yet to implement it.

Filling cartridges by hand is highly difficult and incredibly expensive. It costs roughly $31,200 for a yearly employee that makes $15 per hour. Once you add payroll taxes (6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare), the total jumps to $33,586.80.

However, compare that to an automated cartridge filler, such as the Vape-Jet, which can fill approximately 4000 carts per day. Compared to an individual using a hand-held filler can reasonably fill just 1000 per day.

Yearly, the Vape-Jet can produce approximately 1,040,000 cartridges. An employee filling cartridges by hand can only complete 260,000 per year. This equates to a per cart cost of $0.002 for the Vape-Jet, versus $0.13 for human labor. That is a $0.12 cost per cart! The number of carts to breakeven here is approximately 250,000, and the return on investment is reached within 65 days.

In the case of the Vape-Jet, scalability is possible as well. A single person could reasonably operate up to 5 Vape-Jet automatic cartridge filling machines at once. Whereas with human labor, the scale is linear. This creates another problem, as many of the current solutions require a single operator working a single machine.

In the case of the Vape-Jet, due to its machine vision technology, the company employing a Vape-Jet can take the foam trays that cartridges are shipped in, and then directly put them on the machine. Other devices use jigs that need to be loaded, requiring human labor to remove each cartridge and put them in the jig. These are then removed from the jig and put back into the foam trays for safe transportation.

As you can see, this method is far less streamlined when compared to the Vape-Jet.

The primary consideration is the cost when deciding on manual labor or automated cartridge fillers.

In some cases, such as small companies, hand-filling is still optimal. However, as a company begins to grow, it’s far better to implement efficient operations sooner rather than later. However, industrial-size cannabis extraction facilities will increase their efficiency exponentially by utilizing an automated cartridge filler, such as the Vape-Jet.

Other key considerations are:

  • Quality Assurance and Quality Control: Our auto-cartridge filler can sense if the cartridge is defective.
  • Decrease Injury: Repetitive stress from hand filling can occur and does not when utilizing an auto-cartridge filler.
  • Reduce Damage to the Product: Hand-held cartridge fillers with high-heat can cause damage to the final product.
  • Reduce Down Time: Automated cartridge fillers do not experience downtime due to sickness or holiday.

As the cannabis industry matures, so will the technology that provides the backbone of the production process.

Automation in cartridge filling is the first step towards more efficiency, cost-savings, and quality standards.  For more information on automation technology for cartridge filling and the future of automation innovations – drop us a line.

Categories
Uncategorized Vape Hardware

Quality Assurance Considerations

The design and operating conditions of Vape-Jet 3.0 enable the reliable manufacture of high-quality vaporization cartridges which maintain the intended cannabinoid and terpene profiles until the point of consumption. No other automated filling solution has the degrees of freedom necessary to control dispensing accuracy whilst simultaneously preserving product integrity and quality.

Overview: Fluid Dynamics and Thermal Degradation

The problem of fluid dynamics is the primary obstacle to reliably filling a vaporization cartridge. The dynamics of cannabis derived fluids varies greatly from highly viscous to free-flowing, with every possibility in between depending primarily upon the concentration of cannabinoids (THC, CBD) relative to terpenes (linalool, myrcene, etc.). Fluid viscosity generally decreases with increasing temperature, and increases with decreasing temperature; i.e. warm fluids flow more easily than cool fluids.

The problem of thermal degradation is often an afterthought in the task of filling vaporization cartridges. Both cannabinoids and terpenes are susceptible to thermal degradation, with terpenes being especially vulnerable to heat in the presence of oxygen. McGraw, Hemingway, et al reported in a 1999 study of terpene thermal degradation that 23-37% of α-pinene is destroyed at temperatures between 90-120C, other terpenes exhibited degradation of as little as 7% or as much as 100% under the same conditions. Coffman and Gentner reported that THC degradation of 8-14% occurs at temperatures above 85C, with similar figures for CBD degradation; the result is a dramatically increased proportion of CBN, the oxidized product. By comparison, THC degradation at 65C resulted in only 3.4% loss, or 159% less degradation than 85C, or 300% less degradation than 105C.

Profile Preservation

The desire for ever increasing throughput has resulted in the adoption of extreme operating conditions by competing vaporization cartridge filling solutions. Competitors routinely make claims of filling 100 cartridges in as little as 2-5 minutes, which is completely achievable with operating temperatures in the neighborhood of 90C-120C. However, as has been illustrated, these temperatures will invariably result in thermal degradation of both cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a not-true-to-strain effect for the end user of vaporization cartridges filled in this manner. Not only is the profile different from the originating whole flower, the batch-to-batch and inter-batch variability will also be higher since these extreme temperatures create time-dependent changes in the overall profile. For example, the cartridges filled at Time-0 at 90C will be substantially different than the cartridges filled at the end of that batch.

Vape-Jet is designed to maintain strain specific profiles of cannabinoids and terpenes, whilst striking a balance in throughput via increased automation and gentler operating conditions. Vape-Jet is able to operate at 50C-70C due to the utilization of pressurized Modified Atmosphere Processing (MAP) techniques. With the assistance of pressurized nitrogen, mixed cannabinoids and terpenes are able to be accurately dispensed into vaporization cartridges with significantly reduced thermal degradation and oxidation products. The pressurized product line results in a modified fluid dynamic system, enabling reduced heating to create flow from reservoir to cartridge.

Quality Control and Assurance

The reduced operating temperature of Vape-Jet has the added manufacturing benefit of decreased cartridge leakage, since the product cools immediately upon filling, the atomizer doesn’t become over-saturated before the cap can be installed. Together with pre-fill inspection, Vape-Jet provides unrivaled reduction in waste and batchwise variability. Cartridges filled with Vape-Jet are more true to strain for the end user than any cartridge filled by a competing device. The filling accuracy of Vape-Jet, both in terms of quantity and quality, is unrivaled and assures that the customer receives exactly what was purchased, no more or less.

References:

G.W. McGraw, R.W. Hemingway, et al. United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Thermal Degradation of Terpenes: Camphene, Δ-Carene, Limonene, and α-Terpinene. Retrieved from: https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/1366

C.B. Coffman, W.A. Gentner. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Cannabis Sativa L.: Effect of Drying Time and Temperature on Cannabinoid Profile of Stored Leaf Tissue. Retrieved from: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/bulletin/bulletin_1974-01-01_1_page006.html

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