Category: Vape-Jet

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Customer Feature Dab Dispenser Fuel Injector Vape-Jet

Sessions: Customer Feature

In cannabis production, innovation isn’t a choice but a necessity. With a company like Oregon’s Sugar Tree Farm, finding a way to bring sun-grown cannabis from farm-to-nail in the most local and sustainable way requires innovation throughout the production process.  

Luckily, ensuring product integrity through seamless filling operations is critical to our crew at Vape-Jet. That’s why Sugar Tree Farm reached out to us for assistance with their mission: maintaining product quality from seed to dab.  

Now, with Dab Factory and Sessions, their distinguished Butane Hash Oil (BHO) brands, Sugar Tree Farm is leading the charge for smaller mom-and-pop shops with the most well-cultivated, high-quality products available.  

We sat down with General Manager Joy Kintz, and two of their extraction experts Jeremiah Kintz and Dario Flynn to discuss their cannabis automation journey from carts to dabs and to see how they harness the power of Vape-Jet to grow their production processes.  

Launching with Vape-Jet 

Before 

Dario, Joy, and Jeremiah reflect on starting their business and realizing quickly that automation was the only way to compete. 

“It’s 2024, carts have been around for a while,” Dario says. “There’s a lot of companies that are absolutely destroying it, and they make fantastic products.” 

“If we want to even try to compete with [other cannabis companies] we have to use all the tools in our arsenal to bring the highest-quality options to people,” Dario says. 

Knowing they would need to invest in automated equipment for cartridge production to compete in a saturated market, Sugar Tree embarked on an extensive research phase, dedicating close to a year to refine their processes and select the best equipment.  

The turning point came when a neighboring facility upgraded to a Vape-Jet fully automated cartridge-filling machine, allowing Sessions’ crew to test the waters by borrowing their semi-automatic Jet Fueler. “We were like, ‘this is really awesome,’” Joy explains. “We realized we needed to go bigger and faster because we were launching whole new brands. So, we got in contact with Vape-Jet,” Joy says.  

Investing in a Vape-Jet fully automated cartridge filler was the only practical way to scale operations. “Manual filling methods or semi-automated solutions wouldn’t cut it given our growth projections,” Dario explains.  

Joy emphasized the importance of efficiency from the outset. “We understood that starting small wasn’t an option in today’s competitive market. By investing in advanced equipment like the Vape-Jet, we could ensure consistent quality and meet consumer expectations.”  

“We thought, ‘we’re going to launch something new, we need to shoot for the stars.’ So in our mind, we thought, well, we might as well just pull the trigger and go for the big boy. We went straight to the Vape-Jet and just ran from there.”  

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

Growing with Vape-Jet  

After

Sessions’ production capacity grew precipitously. Growing at such an accelerated rate was remarkable for a new product line. Their new Vape-Jet matched Sessions’ mission: achieving a sustainable product workflow that matched their customers’ desire for fresher, more local, and additive-free cannabis products.   

In recent weeks, they’ve added a second Vape-Jet, and are expecting to fill double their current filling rates, a still-massive 2,500 vape cartridges every four hours (with four hours of labor dedicated to labeling and preparing for distribution). With two machines, Sugar Tree expects to produce 8,000-9,000 vape carts per day.   

Their production speed will improve further because, as Joy explains, with a seamless workflow of two Vape-Jets, one running disposables, and one running 510s, “we can run the same strain and get two products at the same time,” Joy explains. That’s less changeover, less waste, and, especially at scale, a great way of reducing production costs.  

What do they fill?  

Sugar Tree Farm specializes in sun-grown cannabis, integrating their Dab Factory and Sessions brands as the core of their full-spectrum hash oil offerings.  

510 (AVD EZ Click) and All-in-One (iKrusher Uzo) 

Vape-Jet Partner equipment works seamlessly with our automated filling machines. 

Vape-Jet partners are vetted by our crew and represent some of the top brands in cannabis production. We precision calibrate our equipment for partners like AVD and iKrusher to ensure seamless, efficient cartridge-filling. 

Butane Hash Oil from 100% cannabis (strain-specific terpenes from cannabis only)  

The Dab Dispenser Semi-Auto helps keep each strain fresh from source to customer. “As the extractor, it’s not my job to be some kind of magician and turn [extracts] into something fantastic,” Dario explains. “It’s my job to showcase what these awesome growers have been working their butts off to bring us.” 

Collaborating with Vape-Jet   

At Vape-Jet, we work closely with brands like AVD and iKrusher to ensure our filling machines work seamlessly with our customers’ hardware.  

“That’s one of the things I’ve been super impressed about, not only have you guys had our back with our facility, but you’ve gone above and beyond to communicate with AVD,” Dario says. 

Vape-Jet’s in-house engineering team worked with AVD to create custom-designed occlusion jigs for both the AVD and iKrusher hardware to maximize the efficiency of our machine vision system and boost throughput rates while filling.  

“In the few months that we’ve been working with you, I’ve personally seen changes from AVD and from [Vape-Jet] to meet in the middle and make some really kick-ass stuff,” Dario says. 

“The occlusion jig you guys created for us has made it hands-down, almost seamless,” Joy explains. “We did experience issues filling [510s] before, but since we’ve gotten the jigs you’ve made, it’s been night and day.” 

“With the [AVD] jig, we cut the time it took to fill 50 carts in half,” Dario says. “It was about six, seven minutes before. Right now, I’m filling 50 cartridges in under three minutes. I almost can’t take them out and put lids on any faster than that.”  

“Ryan Hoitt got that [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.”  

Piloting the Dab Dispenser

The newest member of the filling fleet, our Dab Dispenser Semi-Auto, is the result of countless hours of R&D both in our facility and in our partner labs. Sessions was one of the first test pilots to join our Pilot Program, collaborating with us by providing data and feedback to improve the design of our products.  

As a witness to the evolution of the Dab Dispenser, Dario recalls changes to the machine based on feedback from their lab team. “I’ve been super impressed about [the Pilot Program] every step of the way. We’ve seen several different variations and modifications.” 

“It seems like every single day, you guys came in here and tweaked the [Dab Dispenser] a little bit,” Dario says. “You might have had a new piece of hardware, a software update, cutting down fill times, cutting down load times—just adding new things.” 

“I was actually very happy with the product that you all brought to us two, three months ago, but Ryan and Devon said, ‘We’re not even close to done there’ and they’ve kept going.” 

How did the Dab Dispenser do?  

Speed  

By hand, their team can fill and package 400 to 600 jars a day, a number dependent on operator experience and a host of other variables in a very manual process. With the initial prototype of the Dab Dispenser Semi-Auto? They are gramming 300-350 jars an hour. “Right now, my extraction teams are making 5,000-7,000 grams a day,” Dario says.  

Labor  

“[The Dab Dispenser] helps reduce the amount of burnout that the packagers feel from sitting there and repetitively gramming by hand,” Joy explains. 

Simplifying production and saving on labor is also a huge competitive advantage. “[Vape-Jet] gives us the opportunity to compete with larger corporations or companies that have [more] money to spend on labor. For us to be a small company and be able to, put out that much product in such a short amount of time is a game-changer.” 

Preserving Product Quality  

Sessions’ extracts consists of outdoor-grown flower, varying in viscosity and thickness, meaning their semi-auto machine is dialed in for each strain. Producing less terpene-heavy strains, the Dab Dispenser is a perfect platform to nail that batter, budder and sauce consistency. 

“For the good majority of our strains, [the Dab Dispenser] is freakin’ perfect,” Dario says. 

Accounting for the ideal filling variables of each strain, the Dab Dispenser can preserve strain-specific characteristics while weight-checking each individual jar, allowing operators to package products quickly, preserving flavor and quality. 

Every gram looks good, too: “The gram presentation is fantastic,” Dario says. “You get a nice little gram right in the center of the jar. There’s nothing on the sidewalls, nothing on the lids.”  

“We haven’t really had any issues with jamming, blowing motors, or putting too much pressure—[the Dab Dispenser is] a pretty seamless process,” Dario says. 

The Sugar Tree Farm team has also been test piloting our Fuel Injector pre-roll infusion kit.

Vape-Jet Support  

Communication  

When it comes to getting the support you need, quick communication is the best way to limit downtime. “[Vape-Jet] support has been great on any questions we asked,” Jeremiah says.   

Support Tickets  

“I really liked how you can access tickets and support requests right from the machine,” Dario says. “Throughout the day, I’ve had questions and reached out to the Vape-Jet team, and while I’m doing my workflow without having to stop, I’ll get a notification and message right on the screen. So that’s really cool—just because it’s so instant.”  

Technical Support Professionals  

“Everybody is so respectful,” Joy says. “You never get the feeling that like you’re bothering them, or they think they’re above you.”  

“You guys have given us the opportunity to grow as a company, given us the ability to survive as a small mom-and-pop operation. And, in my opinion, I think some of the mom-and-pop operations have some of the highest quality products in this industry.”  

“For consumers as a whole, the opportunity to try products from all kinds of companies and not just big conglomerates—you’ve really saved the little guy by creating products that streamline our business and help us to compete on the same level as bigger companies.” 

“Another company might see us as not that big of a deal. Or like we don’t deserve as much attention as somebody else because we’re smaller, but you never get that feeling with Vape-Jet. You always feel like [Vape-Jet] really care about their customers genuinely.” 

Elevating Production with Vape-Jet

Was the team at Sessions able to exceed their production goals and expand operations?   

“Tenfold,” Joy confirms. “We had no idea what we were going to be capable of. And now that we have two Vape-Jets and a Dab Dispenser…”  

“It took us about a month to realize that one Vape-Jet wasn’t going to be enough,” Dario says.   

“Joy can tell you that she gets phone calls every single day, asking, ‘When are more carts going to be on the menu? Do we have more? How many more do we have?’”   

“We’re pumping out almost double the amount of units that we were doing six months ago. And we thought we were doing pretty good six months ago, and we’re not even at full speed yet.”  

Looking Ahead with Sugar Tree Farm  

By harnessing the power of automated vape-filling and dab dispensing technology, Sugar Tree Farm, Sessions, and Dab Factory have elevated their production processes and set new standards in quality and scalability. We look forward to seeing what the future has in store for this amazing team.  

Other Vape-Jet Success Stories: 

Proper Brands  
Ration, Blue Box Brands & BeGreen Supply  
Fernway 
True North Collective MI  
C3 Industries 
Terrapin Care Station  

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 Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter and YouTube for regular updates. 

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Automation Vape-Jet

Vape-Jet on SciPhy Systems’ ‘Plants to Plants’ Interview Series

Episode 18: Cartridge Filling Innovation, Automation, and Customer-Centric Design

We had the honor of being featured on SciPhy Systems’ “Plants to Plants” interview series, where we delved deep into the evolution and impact of our cartridge filling automation technology.

Vape-Jet’s Journey

Our inception is a story of innovation born from necessity. Witnessing firsthand the labor-intensive process of manual cartridge filling, our CEO, Developer and Founder Ryan Hoitt recognized a glaring need for efficiency and precision. This led to the creation of Vape-Jet, our answer to the industry’s need for flexible automated solutions. Through our development, we have stayed laser-focused on continually evolving our cartridge filling machines, making significant strides in reducing labor while increasing output.

Revolutionizing the Industry with Machine Vision

The main differentiator of our fully automatic cartridge filling machine is the integration of advanced camera and machine vision systems. This technology has been a game-changer, eliminating major manual labor steps and streamlining the entire process. Our approach allows for real-time adjustments and ensures unparalleled accuracy, setting a new standard in the industry.

“What really was the key differentiator was that camera and machine vision system, which eliminated a major labor step, even though it’s an automated machine. If you have to spend two to three minutes per tray transferring everything over, you’re just shifting your labor from one place to another. So what really differentiated us from the competition was the ability to get the box from UPS dropping off the box, opening up the box, slicing it open, grabbing the tray, putting it directly on the machine, and not have that be pre-programmed in. Have that be figured out on the fly by the system.” – Ryan Hoitt

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

Navigating Industry Shifts

The cannabis landscape is ever-evolving, with consumer preferences shifting towards more sophisticated products like live resins and rosin. Vape-Jet’s cartridge filling automation systems are designed with adaptability in mind, allowing us to swiftly respond to changing market demands and maintain our position at the forefront of the industry.

“We do see the live resin market really picking up and doing well, especially in the established states. You’re seeing the distillate carts do really well in new markets. People are discovering, people are finding out the brands they like, they’re discovering the product. But over time, what we do see–the California’s, the Oregon’s, the Washington’s, the Colorado’s–definitely see more of a focus on craft and live and not taking stuff all the way down to distillate.” – Ryan Hoitt

Automation: A Solution to Customer Challenges

In facing labor shortages and high turnover, our automated solutions have proven invaluable. By reducing dependency on manual labor, Vape-Jet’s cartridge filling automation not only addresses immediate operational challenges but also sets the stage for sustainable growth and scalability within the cannabis sector.

“The key thing for us when we look at companies that have adopted automation versus companies that rely on the brute force of labor hours, is labor shortage. Turnover is a big risk; you might have somebody that could fill a lot of cartridges very quickly and is highly skilled. But your chances of losing that person and then losing their expertise, and falling behind on your production targets, is always a higher risk. And when you have a machine that has great support that’s fully automated and just requires a person to supervise it, and to change out trays and can do something else at the same time–packaging probably–then you’ve greatly reduced your risk. So not onl are you actually saving money because you’re no longer paying for a person, but you’re also dramatically reduce the chance of turnover and the costs of re-skilling, a huge, huge factor for a lot of companies either makes the business or breaks the business.” – Emmett McGregor

Looking Ahead: The Future of Automation in Cannabis

As we continue to evolve and adapt, our focus remains on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this industry. The insights shared during our discussion on “Plants to Plants” are just a glimpse into the future we envision—a future where efficiency, precision, and customer-centric design lead the way.

Vape-Jet’s filling solutions, alongside other forward-thinking companies like SciPhy Systems, are shaping a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable future. For a closer look at how SciPhy Systems can transform your cannabis processing capabilities, visit their website and join us in embracing the next wave of cannabis industry evolution.

We’re committed to not only meeting but exceeding the needs of today’s producers and consumers. Stay ahead of the curve with Vape-Jet’s fully automatic and semi-automatic vape filling machines. Explore how our innovative solutions can streamline your operations and elevate your product offerings.

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, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and X (Twitter) for real-time updates. 

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Vape-Jet

Vape-Jet 2023 Company Review 

Vape-Jet Exec Team

Letter from Vape-Jet CEO Ryan Hoitt  

Looking back at 2023, I am happy to reflect on the incredible journey Vape-Jet has undertaken over the past year. Despite the challenges faced by the cannabis industry, Vape-Jet has not only persevered but thrived. Our commitment to innovation, customer-focused solutions, and strategic growth have propelled us to new heights. Join me as we revisit the key milestones and achievements that defined our success in 2023.  

A Year of Innovation: Key Achievements

Jet Fueler 3.0 Machine Upgrade  

In early 2023, we unveiled the Jet Fueler 3.0, a testament to our dedication to continuous improvement. The new high-force pump resulted in an average 20% boost to throughput, along with a sleeker interface, multi-dose dispensing, and LED indicator—making operators’ work smoother.  

Dab Dispenser Pilot Program  

Breaking new ground, we announced the Vape-Jet Dab Dispenser, revolutionizing extract production. Designed to automate the processes of dispensing concentrates into jars, the Dab Dispenser offers customers the same Vape-Jet standard of innovation to replace another traditionally manual process.

What sets us apart is our commitment to involving customers in the final testing phase. Our exclusive Pilot Program, where five hand selected participants collaborate with our engineers, reflects our belief in co-creating the future of cannabis automation. Most importantly, “the Test Pilots love the Dab Dispenser!” CSO Devon Reid says. “People can’t express how happy they are that this machine exists; it finally makes concentrate packaging a scalable business. Expect improved employee retention plus better margins.”  

Unified Software and Product Enhancements  

Focusing on user convenience, we unified software across all our products, ensuring future enhancements benefit all filling machines and any additional products. Notable product enhancements include improved operator views with LED lighting for Vape-Jet syringes, and separated formulation and hardware configuration profiles.  

“One key to our success is listening,” CFO Brian Kuo explains. “We’re not about one-time releases. We evolve with your feedback, pushing out improvements seamlessly. It’s not just about the product; it’s about a continuous partnership with our clients.”

Creative Response to Challenges  

In true Vape-Jet fashion, we faced challenges head-on, responding to our first cease-and-desist letter with a touch of humor—a cat meme! Our ability to navigate challenges creatively reflects the resilient spirit of our crew.

State of the Industry  

The state of the cannabis industry in 2023 is a nuanced panorama, revealing a sector marked by challenges and resilience. The financial landscape has undergone a notable shift, with 34% of participants reporting revenue decreases, surpassing the 20% reporting revenue increases. A significant 53% admitted to being unprofitable in the most recent fiscal year. However, amidst these challenges, 39% reported profitability, showcasing the industry’s capacity to adapt. The diverse nature of U.S. state-legal cannabis markets contribute to distinct outlooks for companies in various regions. Insights from various states, such as accounts of the stress faced by permitted farms in California and oversupply’s impact in Arizona, underscore the diverse challenges encountered.   

Collectively, these insights depict an industry in flux, contending with financial challenges, oversupply issues, and evolving regulatory landscapes. However, the resilience and adaptability of cannabis businesses, coupled with ongoing legislative efforts, set the stage for a transformative 2024. As the industry steps into this new year, it stands at a crossroads, embodying both progress and persisting challenges, with legislative efforts, evolving regulations, and public support shaping its trajectory.  

—Ryan Hoitt, CEO  

2023 Financial Growth with CFO Brian Kuo  

In 2023, our theme was growth and expansion. We moved to a 9,000+ sq ft facility, introduced new products to the market, and grew our team. 2023 was still a tumultuous year for the cannabis industry, and the economy as a whole with the interest rate environment making it challenging for Companies to find funding. Luckily, we were “default alive” and cash flow positive/profitable and continued the trend from 2022 by having its best year ever in 2023, including several company record-breaking months throughout the year.    

Our continued mission of innovation (in a space that often grows stale with retrofits and dated equipment) continues to build value for our clients and pushes us to innovate to pass even more benefits to our customers. This mission emphasizes growth alongside our customers, crew diversity and experience, heavy investments in R&D, and local manufacturing, assembly, and support of our filling machines.   

As we look to the new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of our accomplishments:    

  • In 2023, our YoY (year-over-year) revenue grew by almost 53%*    
  • We have been profitable and cash flow positive since 2020, with an approximate 236% growth in profitability YoY in 2023*    
  • We have simultaneously increased our total assets by more than 22% with no new long-term debt while also rewarding our stakeholders  
  • Our crew crushed it this year, so we rewarded their hard work by increasing our employee profit share bonus by approximately 63% from the prior year  

—Brian Kuo, CFO    

*Financial data included in this blog is unaudited and not to be relied upon for investment decisions. 2023 has not been closed at the time this blog was written. Some figures are estimates.   

2023 Operational Growth with CSO Devon Reid and Operations Manager Chuck Rouse 

In 2023, Vape-Jet experienced significant operational growth. First, we increased production capacity substantially, reflecting our commitment to meeting the escalating demand for our products. This expansion allowed us to shatter previous records, achieving a noteworthy milestone—ZERO lead time on Jet Fueler and Vape-Jet filling machines for the first time in company history.   

The move to a larger warehouse marked a pivotal moment in our journey. Formerly scattered across three separate two-story units, our entire team now operates cohesively under one expansive roof, boasting over 9,000 square feet of space. “Our new warehouse accommodates virtually all of manufacturing, shipping, receiving, technical support, and research and development functions,” Devon says. “The reduction in wasted steps and touch points enabled the R&D process to transfer two new products into manufacturing, launching the Flight Deck accessory for Vape-Jet and the Dab Dispenser for extract packaging.”

“The operational efficiencies of the single-roof-facility are born out in the numbers,” Operations Manager Chuck Rouse says. “Year over year we produced 41% more Vape-Jets, 11% more Jet-Fuelers, and saw total units completed (including Squish-O-Matic, Flight Deck, and the new Dab Dispenser) rise 13%.” 

Moreover, our local team has grown over 30%, with expansion across our on site manufacturing and product support departments. This infusion of new talent not only reflects our dedication to bolstering internal capabilities but also underscores our pursuit of excellence in every aspect of our operation.

2023 Customer Support and Engagement 

At Vape-Jet, our commitment to customer satisfaction goes beyond delivering cutting-edge products; it extends to the ongoing support and engagement we provide to our customers. In 2023, we continued to elevate our customer support initiatives, ensuring that our clients experience seamless post-sales service.  

Updates to Documentation and Self-Guided Resources  

We updated our documentation and introduced self-guided resources on our HelpDesk. 

Expansion of Product Support Team  

We expanded our product support team to provide timely assistance and troubleshooting.  

Product support also means assisting our customers with ramping up their production. “We were a 3000-4000 package a week lab, now, we’re a 12,000-15,000 package a week lab,” Larry Decristofaro, Proper Brands’ Director of Processing says. “[Vape-Jet] is not just helping us grow by the numbers, it’s helping us grow in our thought processes.” 

Rapid Response Times   

We maintained our same-day response commitment, with response times as little as 15 minutes.  

“I’ve had nothing but good experiences,” Bobby from ElevatedRX says, “[The support team has] always been there for us any time we need anything. I’ve never encountered someone where I’ve felt like they were having a ‘bad day.’” 

Automation for Faster Responses  

We implemented automation in our internal systems not only to expedite product support response times but also to streamline scheduling processes.  

Refined Hardware Compatibility Testing  

We refined our hardware compatibility testing process, assuring that our products work harmoniously with various hardware setups. 

Coming Soon: As part of our ongoing commitment to customer support, we’re excited to announce a new hardware compatibility resource set to be released in Q1 2024. This comprehensive resource aims to provide customers and potential clients with valuable insights into hardware compatibility and usage optimization. Stay informed about this upcoming release by signing up for our newsletter and joining us on our journey of continuous improvement and innovation at Vape-Jet.  

2023 Community and Industry Engagement with Creative Director Carly Hoitt  

At Vape-Jet, we don’t just create cutting-edge automation solutions; we actively engage with the cannabis industry, forming partnerships, participating in events, and collaborating with like-minded innovators. Here’s a glimpse into our involvement in 2023:  

“We’re not about chasing the hype,’” adds Ryan Hoitt. “Our collaborations are all about genuine connections. It’s not about appearances; it’s about building real relationships.”  

New Partners and an Expanded Partner Program  

We are proud to announce the addition of new partners to our growing network. As part of our commitment to collaboration, we’ve expanded our partner program, welcoming brands that share our vision for excellence in cannabis production.  

“In 2023, our Partner Program and participation in several collaborative events demonstrated the undeniable power of social proof,” Carly says. “Working collaboratively with our partner brands has not only fortified our industry relationships but has also significantly enhanced our ability to serve and support our existing customers, cementing our role as leaders in innovation and customer satisfaction.”  

2023 Partners:   

  • Greentank – provides high-quality, reliable vaporizers that surpass industry standards.   
  • iKrusher – a trailblazer in disposable vapes, 510 thread batteries, cartridges, vape pod systems, and portable vaporizers.  
  • N.N. Analytics – built to serve the rapidly developing vaping industry with honest and effective consulting, N.N. Analytics supports their customer’s efforts in achieving national and international regulation standards.   
  • Abstrax – the only U.S. licensed company for in-house study, extraction, and formulation of botanical terpene profiles. With proprietary GCxGC technology, Abstrax tests for over 400 compounds, surpassing industry standards.  
  • Media Bros – bring a scientifically engineered approach to improve extraction technologies, focusing on quality and throughput.   
  • Luna Tech – introduces patented automated systems for easier extraction and better extracts.   
  • 2 Bridges Cannabis Design – provides expert advice for new and existing cannabis companies in facility design and operation.  

If you’re interested in joining our program, apply here!  

Coming Up: NECANN Boston 2024  

Looking ahead, Vape-Jet is gearing up for NECANN Boston March 22-23, 2024. This event is another exciting opportunity to engage with our customers, share our industry insights, and explore potential collaborations. Stay tuned for updates and stop by booth #1215 to meet the crew and see our tech for yourself.

2024 Growth Goals and Vision  

Reflecting on 2023  

Entering 2024, we recognize the importance of establishing clear benchmarks to sustain our growth and keep our crew accountable. Before we dive into our goals for 2024, let’s look at how we did with our goals for 2023.

  • Major Product Upgrade – Achieved with Jet Fueler 3.0
    The release of Jet Fueler 3.0 in the first quarter showcased our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. 
  • New Product Launch – Achieved with Dab Dispenser  
    The unveiling of the Vape-Jet Dab Dispenser, in tandem with our exclusive Pilot Program, allowed customers to actively participate in product testing. 
  • International Certifications – Achieved with CSA Certification  
    Obtaining CSA certification for both Vape-Jet and Jet Fueler was a crucial milestone. Now, we can enter new international markets, particularly in Canada.  
  • Enhanced Support – Achieved with Improved Response Times  
    Our commitment to customer support reached new heights in 2023. Achieving our goal of increased support hours and improved response times ensures that our customers receive prompt and effective assistance whenever needed.  

Looking Ahead to 2024  

As we embark on our journey in 2024, Vape-Jet remains committed to innovation, customer satisfaction, and collaborative ventures that will shape the future of cannabis automation.

  • Continued Software Innovation
    Vape-Jet is poised to continue innovating on the software front. With a dedicated focus on refining and expanding our software capabilities, we aim to provide our customers with cutting-edge solutions that enhance the performance of our machines.
  • Customer Support Excellence
    Our dedication to customer support remains a cornerstone of our ethos. In the coming year, we will further our efforts to ensure that every customer receives unparalleled assistance.
  • Leveraging AI for Efficiency
    Vape-Jet is set to leverage additional artificial intelligence (AI) tools to optimize internal processes and increase efficiency. Customers can anticipate encountering these AI features within our machine software, representing a seamless integration of advanced technology into our offerings.
  • Collaborative Ventures with IoT Technology
    Looking beyond our immediate sphere, Vape-Jet is eager to collaborate with other companies interested in implementing our IoT technology and product support processes into their cannabis automation offerings. If you’re developing something groundbreaking, reach out to us, and let’s explore the possibilities together.  

Onward and Upward!

As the crew embarks on another exciting year, we express our deepest gratitude to our partners, customers, and the entire Vape-Jet community for their unwavering support in 2023. “This year our growth at Vape-Jet has been nothing short of outstanding, and this is thanks to our partners, customers, and incredible operators in the field,” Sales Lead Sawyer Sheppard says. “We can’t wait to continue to innovate, support, and create better tools for our partners in 2024!” 

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 for real-time updates. 

Categories
Uncategorized Vape-Jet

Proper Brands: Customer Feature

Where do cultivation, manufacturing, and retail intertwine to create a comprehensive cannabis experience? Proper Brands, a fully vertical marijuana company in Missouri, handles all three, offering a diverse product range that few can match. With product variety, quality, and volume being the most important, Proper trusted Vape-Jet filling machines to do what they do best—fill vape cartridges with industry-leading accuracy.  

Proper Brands at a Glance 

With an extensive brand catalog consisting of Proper Cannabis, Ratio Vapes & Microdose Mints, Honeybee Edibles, Goodnight gummies and vapes, and vape cartridge operations powered by our semi-automated Jet Fueler 3.0 and fully automated Vape-Jet 4.0, we checked in with Larry Decristofaro, Proper’s Director of Processing, to see how things were going. 

See what we learned:  

Before Vape-Jet  Filling Machines

Before they switched to Vape-Jet, Proper used an A10-Hotshot semi-auto filler. As they began manufacturing live resin and rosin, Larry recognized they would have to increase volume.   

“On a good day, during an 8-hour shift, we were doing around 2,000 pens for a distillate product,” Larry says. As far as capping, Larry recalls using screw tops for a short time, but switching to AVD Eazy Press has made everything easier. “AVD has really changed the game with the Eazy Press,” he says.  

Switching to Vape-Jet

After switching to Vape-Jet, Proper fills and caps up to 7,500 vape cartridges per shift, with a single operator. That’s right, one person using a Vape-Jet (for distillate or live resin SKUs) and a Jet Fueler (for rosin) more than tripled their daily throughput.  “The Vape-Jet has been a huge asset in our lab, it’s almost like a team member.”

What is Proper currently filling?  

  • Distillate with botanical terpene blends   
  • 100% live resin blends   
  • Distillate live resin hybrids   
  • 100% rosin blends   
  • Distillate and isolate hybrids   

What has improved?   

“Everything from volume to overall quality, to shot size,” Larry says. “Our workers are happier working with [your] machinery. It’s also an easier piece of equipment to learn, so I can have more people using it.”  

“We have really high fill volumes, in my opinion; our shot sizes are super accurate. And our batches are always within 2-3% of what we’re reflecting, which is great.”   

What are Larry’s favorite features?  

“You can clean the machine with a solvent easily.” And the reservoir size, Larry mentions—compared to their last filler, ”it’s huge by comparison.” Larry also notes the nitrogen-pressurized fluid path is helpful for limiting oxidation and assisting with temperature control. 

“The amount of work that goes unnoticed on the Vape-Jet vs. the competition is unmatched. Especially being able to hot swap reservoirs on the Vape-Jet; you can fly,” Larry says. “We have the Drop Tank, and it’s well worth it if you’re a high-volume producer.”   

Growing with Vape-Jet Filling Machines

As Proper transitioned from strictly medical markets to recreational cannabis markets, Vape-Jet emerged as the ultimate growth catalyst for expanding production capacity. “We were a 3000-4000 package a week lab,” Larry reflects. “Now, we’re a 12,000-15,000 package a week lab.” 

This transition wasn’t just about increased production volume; it also empowered Proper with precise control over their vape cartridge automation, allowing for fine-tuned formulations and improved operational procedures. “It’s really interesting how [Vape-Jet] has helped us grow. And it’s not just helping us grow by the numbers, it’s helping us grow in our thought processes,” Larry says. “The Vape-Jet really helped put us over the top.” 

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

Vape-Jet Support

Vape-Jet’s commitment to technical support is critical for bolstering production volume, especially as companies transition to recreational markets. The accessibility of Vape-Jet Support played a crucial role in getting Proper up-to-speed, from machine training to rapid troubleshooting. 

Accessible Support 

“[With Vape-Jet] you get this incredible support team, which is very valuable,” Larry says. “Our whole lab has interacted with most of your team when we were getting trained on the machine.”  

“So many of these companies are huge one day, then they’re not answering phones the next. Vape-Jet’s service has been phenomenal. They’re going to overnight a part, and they’re going to work through it with you.”  

Remote Installation

“[Vape-Jet] sends you all the tools, stays on the phone the entire time, and has techs that will go out and physically show what you’re trying to do.”  

Improved Uptime

“The other fillers I’ve had, you had to ship back to the manufacturer if you wanted anything done,” Larry says. “You could be out for weeks if they were backed up or if something got messed up in the mail. Vape-Jet overnights you parts, gets you a technician immediately, and you’re able to do it yourself.”  

The Vape-Jet crew understands the potential loss that comes when your vape cartridge filler is down. For example, if you’re filling 7,500 vape pens a day and you’re down for two weeks, that’s 75,000 pens worth of profit lost. Vape-Jet gets you back up and running in no time.  

Feedback, Tips, & Tricks from Proper Brands

Since repeatability is at the core of Vape-Jet filling machines, we turn to the expertise of experienced operators like Larry to share insights and time-tested strategies that can be universally applied to elevate your vape cartridge production. 

Bubbling 

“A lot of people blame their fillers [for] bubbling,” Larry begins. “[The issue] often lies in the processes before getting to the filler. The Vape-Jet comes with the nitrogen boost, that’s going to kill a lot of those bubbles for you if your oil is right and it’s been exposed to temperatures similar to what you’re filling at.”  

Heating  

Temperature control plays a pivotal role in the oil filling process, and different oil types require precise temperature controls for premium quality. 

  • In general, the longer your oil is exposed to heat, the more variability.    
  • Distillate, on the other hand, maintains a more consistent viscosity across a range of temperatures. 

Vape-Jet Tips

“Our rosin gets put into the Jet Fueler at a higher temperature than we produce the rosin pens at. We’ve realized that if we put the hopper below the 350g mark, we’re able to fill [carts] fast enough that it does not decarb more in the hopper.”  

“Listen to the people that are teaching you how to use this equipment. A great example I have is on the Vape-Jet when we were first getting started,” Larry explains. “One of our techs was using the machine, and we had to take the oil out of the machine for whatever reason. That person disconnected the fluid line before the nitrogen. If you listen, you won’t run into major issues.”   

Optimize Your Filling Operations

Whether it’s improving from 10,000 vape carts a week to 37,500 or the consistent quality of Vape-Jet filling machines, Larry is excited for what the future holds. “We’ve only started optimizing processes over the last two weeks,” he says. “We haven’t fully utilized the Vape-Jet to its fullest extent.”  

How likely are you to recommend Vape-Jet? “I have always recommended Vape-Jet and will continue to do so,” Larry says.  

If you want to ramp up production and maintain premium quality products, reach out to our crew, and we’ll find the best solution for your business.   

Like our customer features? Check out these other success stories:   

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. 

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Vape-Jet

101: What Can You Fill with a Vape-Jet?

Discover the Versatility of the Vape-Jet Filling Machine

Whether you are new to our products, or you have been a loyal follower of our brand since day one, you may find yourself surprised by the versatility of our filling machines. We’ve put countless hours into research and development to design a machine that can handle a wide range of oils and hardware styles. But our dedication doesn’t stop there. Our team continuously strives to improve our products and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. 

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the unique functionalities and capabilities of our fully automatic filling machine. We’ll cover everything from the various oil types it can handle to the myriad of hardware styles it can accommodate. We hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of the machine’s workings and capabilities, making it easier for you to decide if our solution is the right fit for you. 

Vape-Jet
Precision filled 510 vape cartridges.

Explore Vape-Jet’s Oil Handling Capabilities 

The Vape-Jet’s pharmaceutical-grade syringe pump is designed to handle an extensive range of oil viscosities and formulations. How do we achieve this? With the help of closed-loop feedback motors for the syringe pump, our software has the ability to detect any stalling caused by particularly thick fluids. Instead of halting, the system internally slows down, applies more torque, and finishes the dispense accurately each time. 

Our system integrates nitrogen assistance to push the oil through the fluid path, eliminating the need for it to be pulled through by the pump. This function allows the machine to operate at the lowest possible temperatures across the three independent heating zones located at the reservoir, pump chamber, and needle. 

By keeping heat to a minimum during the filling process, your oil is shielded from oxidation, degradation, and contamination. The outcome? A more authentic, flavorful vaping experience that remains true to the original oil formulation. 

The types of oil that our Vape-Jet fully automatic filling machine can handle include, but are not limited to: 

  • Delta 9 THC Distillate (Botanical terpenes, Cannabis-derived terpenes, or Sauce) 
  • Live Resin (Liquid Diamonds and Sauce, BHO, Liquid Shatter) 
  • Rosin (Solventless Hash Oil) 
  • CO2 Extract 
  • Delta 8 THC Distillate (Botanical or Hemp-derived terpenes) 
  • CRD (Crystal Resistant Distillate) 
  • Minor Cannabinoids (HHC, THCv, THC-O, CBN) 
  • Full-Extract Cannabis Oil (RSO) 
  • Tincture 

We have developed a detailed recommended settings guide to help Vape-Jet operators identify the optimal parameters for filling different oil viscosities. If you ever find yourself in need of assistance, our support team is always standing by to guide you through the process of configuring your machine for a new type of oil. 

Vape-Jet fully automatic oil filling machine filling AVD Eazy-Press cartridges.

Redefine Adaptability with Vape-Jet’s Hardware Solutions 

Our Vape-Jet fully automatic filling machine features an automated machine vision system. This advanced technology analyzes the hardware, aligns the needle over the ideal filling position, and fills each piece of hardware with unparalleled accuracy and repeatability, to within ±0.25%. 

This system relies on a software-based machine vision algorithm that uses the shape of the hardware and operator-provided information to accurately insert the needle into the specified opening. (Ex. The widest point between the center post and the outer wall of a circular cartridge, inside one or both of the oil tank openings of a double-sided pod, the center of a bottle or capsule) Thanks to the machine vision system and adjustable camera and needle heights, the Vape-Jet can be configured to fill a wide array of products of varying sizes and shapes without the need for physical retooling or additional alignment jigs. 

Types of hardware that our Vape-Jet fully automatic filling machine can accommodate include:  

  • Vape Cartridges  
  • Vape All-in-One Devices (Disposables) 
  • Vape Pod Systems 
  • Syringes 
  • Dablicator Oil Applicators* 
  • Capsules 
  • Sauce Jars 
  • Tincture Bottles 
  • COMING SOON Pre-Roll Infusion (details below) 

With our third-party calibrated and certified pumping mechanism, we can swiftly and accurately fill any volume from 0.001ml to 5.0ml into your chosen hardware. Most cartridges and all-in-one devices come in trays of 50-100 from the manufacturer that can be placed directly onto the filling platform, eliminating the need for manual transfer and saving hundreds of touch points per tray. 

Vape-Jet fully automatic filling machine filling iKrusher all-in-one hardware.
Filled Dablicator oil applicator pens.
Filled Greentank 510 cartridges.

Coming Soon: The Fuel Injector, Vape Jet’s Joint Infusion Solution 

Exciting developments are underway at Vape-Jet. Get ready for the Fuel Injector, our pre-roll alignment device. This innovative solution utilizes custom 3D printed components and a food-grade silicone jig to secure 24 pre-packed and twisted cones in place. The standard Vape-Jet needle is swapped out for a sharp stainless-steel needle which pierces and injects oil into each joint using the same machine vision technology deployed during cartridge filling. During the dispense, the needle retracts to evenly distribute oil throughout, leaving a precise line of oil down the center. The newest addition to our line of Vape-Jet accessories delivers on our goal to offer the most adaptable and robust filling solution available. 

As the Fuel Injector is nearing the end of the research and development stage, we will be sharing more details and specifications in the coming weeks. Be sure to stay tuned to our blog and sign up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to be the first to know when new products drop. 

The Fuel Injector in a Vape-Jet filling machine.
Vape-Jet injecting oil into a pre-roll.

Confirm Your Hardware Compatibility 

Want to know if your hardware is compatible with ours? Our support team offers complimentary testing to ensure our machines can accommodate your products. Simply open a ticket at the Vape-Jet HelpDesk, send a full tray to the specified address, and we’ll send back a detailed report. If an occlusion jig is needed, our engineers can design, fabricate and validate one in house for your specific hardware. 

*Requires Dablicator alignment jig for filling, available to purchase directly from Vape-Jet (Current Vape-Jet customers save $90) 

Embrace the Future of Vape Cartridge Production 

As the industry continues to evolve, consumer habits change, and new vape products are developed, we assure you that our team will keep pace with these changes. Our software-based platform and unique ability to actively deploy updates to our machines in the field ensure our fully automatic fleet will continue to adapt and innovate. 

If your operation isn’t quite ready to invest in a fully automated system, we provide an upgrade path from our semi-automatic filling machine. By purchasing a Jet Fueler now, we offer a discount on a Vape-Jet machine when your business is ready to scale. The best part is that you get to keep your Jet Fueler unit and expand your fleet for ultimate filling flexibility. 

Have Questions? We’ve Got the Answers 

Curious to find out if your hardware is compatible with ours? Submit a ticket to our HelpDesk for complimentary testing. 

Interested in hearing from customers who are actively using our machines? Browse our blog. 

Want to learn more about our filling solutions and their features and benefits? Reach out to our sales team. 

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. 

Think Automation is a Thing of the Future? 

This article was developed by an AI copywriter. The future is now, so join the revolution or risk getting stuck in the past. If you’re ready to integrate automation into your workflow reach out to our crew with your questions to see what Vape-Jet automation solutions can do for you.

Categories
Vape-Jet

Vape-Jet Hardware Partner: Greentank

The Vape-Jet crew is thrilled to announce our newest hardware partnership with Greentank, a leading vape hardware manufacturer in the cannabis industry. Recognized as an industry powerhouse with a proven track record of 200+ successful vape brand launches across the US and Canada, Greentank won a Red Dot Design award and Cannabis Independent’s Vape Tank and Single-Use Vaporizer of the Year distinctions. Now trusted by millions, Greentank is at the forefront of vaping innovation and customization. 

See how you can benefit from the Vape-Jet x Greentank partnership: 

  • Greentank at a Glance 
  • Vape-Jet x Greentank: Partnership Benefits 
  • Compatible Hardware

Greentank at a Glance

Greentank was built to revolutionize the cannabis vape market by providing high quality, reliable vaporizers that surpassed anything available. Today, Greentank collaborates with prominent cannabis brands worldwide, offering innovative and reliable vape hardware. 

Hardware Expertise and New Cannabis Markets 

Greentank’s team boasts over 100 experts—engineers, designers, material scientists, and product development specialists—all working together to create the most reliable high-performance vape hardware. With the help of market specialists who identify selling trends, Greentank works with brands to select fitting hardware best positioned for success.  

By working with Greentank, Vape-Jet customers unlock a vault of vape market knowledge that can accelerate their growth. With huge investments in R&D and manufacturing capabilities, Greentank has the hardware, people, and strategy to succeed in new cannabis markets and find opportunities in more developed markets.

Download Greentank's FREE 2022 Vape Industry Report

Vape-Jet x Greentank: Partnership Benefits

Together, Vape-Jet and Greentank provide: 

  1. Comprehensive Hardware Solutions — One-stop shop for cutting-edge hardware, filling, and retail-compliant cannabis packaging solutions.  
  1. Extensive Customization Options — From surface finishes and colors to mouthpieces, chargers, and packaging options, create unique hardware that perfectly matches your brand’s aesthetics. 
  1. High-Quality, Compatible Hardware — Seamlessly integrate your Greentank hardware with fully-automatic and semi-automatic Vape-Jet filling and capping solutions. 
Vape-Jet 4.0 | The Most Advanced Fully-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine - Click to Learn More

Compatible Hardware

Our partnership’s dedication to hardware quality and user satisfaction sets new standards for vaping excellence. 

We are excited to present four styles of hardware that are fully compatible with Vape-Jet filling systems:  

GT GO Cartridge — A Class of its Own 

After six years of meticulous research and development, the GTGO Cartridge combines all the industry-leading qualities a premium 510 cartridge should possess while setting new standards for reliability, flavor, and vapor quality. 

Key Features: 

  • Upgraded 316-stainless steel offers safety and performance. 
  • Push-down mouthpiece assembly reduces labor costs. 
  • 0.5ml and 1.0ml reservoir capacity sizes. 
  • Market-leading flavor output, eliciting pinpoint terpene profiles. 
  • Customizable finishes, treatments, and mouthpiece options. 
  • Available with revolutionary automated pre-loaded tray solution, reducing costs by up to $0.60c per unit. 

GT DX Cartridge — From the Rest to the Best 

This Cartridge offers a perfect blend of quality and affordability. Designed to enhance fill efficiencies, the GTDX features easy press-down mouthpiece technology that eliminates the need for a cumbersome arbor press.  

Key Features: 

  • Premium-built cartridge at an extremely competitive price point. 
  • 0.5ml and 1.0ml reservoir capacity sizes. 
  • FDA-certified ceramics, stainless steel, and cotton componentry. 
  • Push-down tamper-proof mouthpieces reduce labor costs. 
  • The most customizable 510 cartridge in the industry. 
  • Borosilicate glass housing. 

GT M3 All-in-One — Perfect Wasn’t Good Enough

Offers breakthrough performance and a familiar design that captures your customer’s attention. The M3 Cartridge can be precisely calibrated for a wide range of cannabis extract viscosities, ensuring precise flavor profiles. 

Key Features: 

  • Engineered for both high-viscosity and low-viscosity. 
  • Stainless steel internal frame. 
  • FDA-certified ceramics, stainless steel, and cotton componentry. 
  • Various reservoir capacities, including 0.35ml, 0.5ml, and 1.0ml. 
  • Customized finishes, silkscreening, LED options, logo placement, and mouthpiece options. 

GT M8 All-in-One — The Premium Rechargeable Disposable

This lightweight, rechargeable stainless-steel disposable offers rapid response heating with its short-path airflow design. It is completely customizable and ready to go at any time, providing convenience and flexibility. 

Key Features: 

  • Premium-feel stainless steel frame. 
  • Rechargeable micro-USB options with a branded cap. 
  • FDA-certified ceramics, stainless steel, and cotton componentry. 
  • 0.5ml and 1.0ml reservoir capacity options. 
  • Customized finishes, electroplating, silkscreening, LED options, logo placements, and mouthpiece options. 
  • No additional occlusion jigs needed. 
  • Note: The GT M8 is the only Greentank hardware listed that is not compatible with the Squish-o-Matic 1000 capping machine.

Get Started with Vape-Jet x Greentank

With a range of versatile hardware options, our partnership with Greentank empowers brands to elevate vaping experiences and meet market demands. By partnering with Greentank, Vape-Jet customers can expect seamless compatibility with supported hardware, allowing brands to streamline their production process and ensure optimal end-user satisfaction.

Greentank | Extraordinary performance. Extraordinary reliability. Learn More

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:  

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. 

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Uncategorized Vape-Jet

Filling Smarter: The Do’s and Don’ts of Vape-Jet Operation 

Vape-Jet specializes in automated vape-cart filling machines specifically designed for the cannabis industry. Our advanced technology ensures efficient, reliable, and precise filling with various cannabis extracts. In this blog post, we will go over Do’s and Don’ts for the successful operation of a Vape-Jet fully-automatic vape cartridge filling machine. The purpose of this blog post is to help our customers get the most out of their machine operation. By following these tips, you can ensure that your machine operates smoothly and efficiently, and that you get the best possible results. 

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

The Do’s of Vape-Jet Operation 

1. Review the Vape-Jet 4.0 user manual. 

Before you start using your Vape-Jet fully-automatic vape cartridge filling machine, it’s important to review the user manual. This will give you a better understanding of how the machine works, and how to operate it safely and effectively. 

2. Use the recommended settings. 

Different cannabis extracts require different settings to achieve the best results. Make sure to use the recommended settings for each extract to ensure that you get the best possible results. Check out this comprehensive guide from our HelpDesk. It’s important to note that the recommended settings will vary based on the style of pump included in your machine. 

3. Regularly clean and maintain the machine. 

To keep your Vape-Jet running smoothly, it’s important to clean and maintain it regularly. This will help prevent clogs and malfunctions, as well as prevent cross-contamination between strains and oil types. All of our filling machines come with a clean in place SOP built into the software. It is fully automated, only takes 10-20 minutes and requires no disassembly. 

4. Use high-quality cannabis extracts to ensure high-quality results. 

The quality of the cannabis extract you use can have a big impact on the performance of your Vape-Jet fully-automatic vape cartridge filling machine. Make sure to use high-quality, consistently produced extracts to ensure the most reliable results. 

5. Never let your operator fly solo. 

If you encounter any issues or errors while using your Vape-Jet machine, don’t hesitate to contact Vape-Jet’s support team via the Help Desk. We can help you troubleshoot the issue and get your machine back up and running as quickly as possible. 

Once you receive your new machine, you will use the Help Desk for all questions and requests moving forward. Please note that your points of contact from the sales process do not have remote machine access or the technical insight required to provide product support. 

Learn more about Vape-Jet support.
Click to learn more about Vape-Jet product support.

The Don’ts of Vape-Jet Operation 

1. Don’t power on your new machine without Vape-Jet support. 

Before you turn on your new filling machine for the first time, it’s important to schedule a remote training session with Vape-Jet product support. This will help ensure that you know how to operate the machine safely and effectively. 

2. Don’t begin filling without configuration and calibration. 

Before you start producing vape cartridges, it’s important to properly configure and calibrate your Vape-Jet fully-automatic vape cartridge filling machine. This will help ensure that you get the best possible results. 

Initial needle and physical camera calibration will happen at installation with a remote support technician. The individual hardware configuration process includes software adjustments made to camera, height, speed, etc. This can be done during a consultation support call and saved as a configuration profile for later use. 

3. Don’t underestimate the importance of heating. 

To ensure the best possible results, it’s important to properly pre-heat the oil and configure the three machine heaters based on Vape-Jet recommended temperatures before initiating filling. Find our recommended heat settings in this comprehensive guide from our HelpDesk. If you want to hot swap your reservoirs to save time between batches, check out our Drop Tank reservoir pre-heating accessory. 

4. Don’t physically interfere with the machine while in operation. 

During the filling process, it’s crucial not to interfere with the machine. This includes not moving the hardware during dispense to correct the alignment, and not putting your hands inside the machine while in motion. If operation needs to be stopped immediately, operators can find a “stop” button on the user interface built into the front of the machine.  

Bonus Don’t: Don’t use the physical emergency stop button on the front of the machine unless there is a true emergency such as evacuation due to fire. 

5. Don’t forget to follow “first in, last out.” 

When connecting and disconnecting the reservoir to the fluid path and Nitrogen supply, it’s important to follow the “first in, last out order of operations.” If done out of order, heated oil will leak out of the upper fluid path, through the heat box and onto the dispensing platform below. This can waste valuable oil, damage your machine, and pose a safety hazard to operators. 

Connecting Reservoir: 

  • Place Reservoir in Holder 
  • Connect Fluid Path to Reservoir 
  • Connect Power Cable 
  • Connect Nitrogen Line 

Disconnecting Reservoir: 

  • Disconnect Nitrogen Pressure 
  • Toggle Reservoir Heater Off 
  • Disconnect CPC Power Adapter 
  • Disconnect Fluid Path 
  • Remove Reservoir from Holder 
Learn more about the Vape-Jet fully-automatic filling machine.
Click to learn more about the Vape-Jet fully-automatic filling machine.

Fill Smarter with Vape-Jet 

Operating a Vape-Jet fully-automatic vape cartridge filling machine requires attention to detail and adherence to best practices. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your machine operates smoothly and efficiently, and that you get the best possible results. Remember to review the user manual, use recommended settings, clean and maintain the machine, use high-quality extracts, and contact support when needed. By following these tips, you can maximize the potential of your Vape-Jet filling machine and truly “Fill Smarter”. 

Think Automation is a Thing of the Future? 

This article was developed by an AI copywriter. The future is now, so join the revolution or risk getting stuck in the past. If you’re ready to integrate automation into your workflow reach out to our crew with your questions to see what Vape-Jet automation solutions can do for you.  

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
Automation Uncategorized Vape-Jet

Industry Insight: A Look at Automation in Cannabis

Automation in the Cannabis Industry

The cannabis industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and as it continues to expand and mature, automation is becoming an increasingly important aspect of production. Automation not only allows for more efficient and precise operations, but it also has the potential to significantly reduce labor costs and improve overall profitability. One area of cannabis production where automation is particularly promising is in the filling of vape cartridges, pods, disposables and other devices. 

The vape cartridge market has exploded in recent years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Vape cartridges offer consumers a convenient and discreet way to consume cannabis, and as a result, they have become a popular choice for both recreational and medical users. However, filling vape cartridges by hand can be time-consuming and prone to errors, which is where automated vape cartridge filling machines like the Vape-Jet and Jet Fueler come in. 

Vape-Jet fully automated vape cartridge filling machine
Jet Fueler semi-automated vape cartridge filling machine

The Benefits of Automated Vape Cartridge Filling Machines 

Automated vape cartridge filling machines are designed to fill vape cartridges with a precise amount of cannabis oil including distillate, live resin, rosin, and more. These machines are equipped with a range of advanced features to ensure accuracy and consistency. With the Vape-Jet 4.0 specifically, this includes precision dispensing, multi-zone temperature control, and the ability to adapt to a variety of different oil viscosities and formulations. 

One of the primary benefits of automated vape cartridge filling machines is increased efficiency. These machines can fill cartridges much faster than manual methods, allowing producers to fill a higher volume of cartridges in a shorter amount of time. This can be particularly beneficial for companies looking to meet high demand or to quickly ramp up production for new product launches. 

In addition to increased efficiency, automated vape cartridge filling machines can also significantly reduce labor costs. These machines can operate continuously with minimal supervision, allowing producers to significantly reduce their labor force or to reassign employees to other manual tasks. For example, one operator can simultaneously run up to four Vape-Jet units. This can be particularly beneficial for companies operating in states where labor costs are high, as automation can help to offset these costs and improve overall profitability. 

Fernway facility: Vape-Jet fully automated vape cartridge filling machine
Learn more about how brands like Fernway have scaled quickly and efficiently with Vape-Jet.
Fernway facility: Vape-Jet fully automated vape cartridge filling machine

Automated vape cartridge filling machines are also able to improve the accuracy and consistency of the filling process. Vape-Jet filling machines are equipped with precise dispensing mechanisms that ensure that each cartridge is filled with the exact same amount of liquid, with an unmatched repeatability rate of ±0.25%. This can be particularly important for companies producing vape cartridges for the medical market, where precise dosing is critical. 

Another benefit of automated vape cartridge filling machines is the ability to handle a wide range of oil viscosities and formulations. Many cannabis oils and concentrates have different viscosities and require specialized filling equipment to ensure that they are accurately and consistently dispensed. Vape-Jet automated filling machines can handle a wide range of viscosities and formulations, allowing producers to expand their product line without the need for multiple filling systems. In fact, with Vape-Jet‘s configuration profile feature operators can save premade settings for each formulation, batch or hardware and simply load it from the library to begin filling. This saves them even more time and ensures a consistent and reliable fill. 

Potential Challenges of Cartridge Filling Automation 

As with any new technology, there are also potential challenges to the adoption of automated vape cartridge filling machines. One of the main challenges is the initial cost of purchasing and installing the equipment. These machines can be expensive, and producers may need to invest in additional equipment such as packaging machinery to fully automate their production process. (If the initial investment is a financial concern, we offer an upgrade path from our semi-automatic Jet Fueler to our fully-automatic Vape-Jet so you can grow your automation as you scale your operation. Reach out to our crew for more information on this offer.) 

Click to Learn More About Jet Fueler 2.0 Semi-Automated Vape Cartridge Filling Machine
Click to Learn More About Vape-Jet Fully Automated Vape Cartridge Filling Machine

Another potential challenge is the learning curve associated with operating and maintaining automated filling machines. These machines can be complex, and producers may need to invest in training and support to ensure that they are able to effectively operate and maintain the equipment. Vape-Jet CEO Ryan Hoitt calls training one of the “hidden costs” of automation. He says “The cost of training personnel on complex mechanical automation machines can be high. However, Vape-Jet overcomes this hidden cost by building the operating procedure into the user interface. Users always have the most up-to-date reference information available immediately, lessening the need for extensive training.” Our machines also come backed by our industry-leading product support, including a one-year renewable warranty that covers installation, training and support.  

Click to Learn More About Vape-Jet's Six Star Service & Product Support
Read more about our product support on our blog.

Despite these potential challenges, the future of automation in cannabis production looks bright, and automated vape cartridge filling machines are likely to play a significant role. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and mature, automation will become increasingly important for improving efficiency, reducing labor costs, and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of products. Producers who can effectively integrate automation like Vape-Jet into their operations will be well-positioned to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry. 

To learn more about how embracing Vape-Jet automation can bring success to your operation, check out these customer features: 

Think Automation is a Thing of the Future? 

This article was written by an AI copywriter. The future is now, so join the revolution or risk getting stuck in the past. If you’re ready to integrate automation into your workflow reach out to our crew with your questions to see what Vape-Jet automation solutions can do for you. 

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-Jet

Vape-Jet 2022 Company Review

As we kick off the new year, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the growth of Vape-Jet in 2022. From expanding our on-site operations to growing our international network of developers, designers, and engineers, we’ve made huge strides in refining our products and providing industry-leading support to our customers. We even traveled across the U.S. to visit with customers and learn about their needs and experiences. In short, it was a productive year at Vape-Jet!  

Join us as we celebrate the progress of Vape-Jet and look forward to an even brighter future: 

2022 Overall Growth with CEO Ryan Hoitt

As we begin 2023, I am proud to reflect on another incredible year for the Vape-Jet team. The year was full of growth and progress, highlighting the importance of prioritizing innovation and building value for our customers. Throughout 2022, we remained committed to these goals, releasing an upgraded, fully-automatic Vape-Jet 4.0, and a new software platform, MARVIN, to improve our already industry-leading products.  

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

Another highlight in 2022 was the launch of our partner program. Designed to provide a one-stop shop for our customers’ vape cartridge production needs, we thoroughly vetted several vape hardware companies, a terpene supplier, and an equipment manufacturing team to establish a solid foundation for quality vape solutions. 

At MJBizCon 2022, we were thrilled to see the evolution of our brand into a recognized and highly respected company within the cannabis industry. We have come a long way from being a small, relatively unknown company striving for recognition to a crew that people went out of their way to see in person. If any event could signify the growth of our company at a glance, this was it. 

Last but not least, we doubled our manufacturing crew and customer service team in 2022, providing our customers with quick support and troubleshooting options with more room to expand in 2023.  

—Ryan Hoitt, CEO  

2022 Financial Growth with CFO Brian Kuo 

In 2022, our strategy was to continue the organic, sustainable growth that made 2021 so strong. While the backdrop of the industry was dire, with many companies experiencing low to negative growth, Vape-Jet bucked that trend by having its best year ever, including record-breaking months in the fourth quarter.  

Our mission of innovation (in a space that has grown stale with retrofits and dated equipment) continues to build value for our clients and pushes us to innovate to pass even more benefits to our customers. This mission emphasizes growth alongside our customers, crew diversity and experience, heavy investments in R&D, and local manufacturing, assembly, and support. 

As we look to the new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of our accomplishments:  

  • In 2022, our YoY (year-over-year) revenue grew by almost 200%*  
  • We have been profitable and cash flow positive since 2020, with an approximate 428% growth in profitability YoY in 2022*  
  • We have simultaneously increased our total assets by more than 200% with no new long-term debt  
  • Our crew crushed it this year, so we rewarded their hard work by increasing our employee profit share bonus approximately 200%  

—Brian Kuo, CFO  

*Financial data included in this blog is unaudited and not to be relied upon for investment decisions. 2022 has not been closed at the time this blog was written. Some figures are estimates.   

2022 Operational Growth with COO Devon Reid

In 2022, our vape cart filling machines maintained 2021’s stellar growth numbers, allowing us to continue reinvesting in improving the manufacturability of our Vape-Jet cart filler. Now, with the release of our 4.0 model, we can build and ship units much faster than before. Notably, despite the increase in units shipped, remote support handled greater than 99% of customer tickets, with only four issues requiring on-site assistance.  

With increased efficiency on the manufacturing end and scaling product support to maintain our goals, we set our sights on electrical safety certifications for international sales. In that regard, we are pleased to report that the Vape-Jet 4.0 passed its electrical safety inspection on the first attempt (conforming to UL-61010 via CSA SPE-1000); this will enable ETL and CE marks to be obtained in early 2023.   

—Devon Reid, COO  

2023 Vape-Jet Growth Goals 

Entering 2023, we know the importance of setting clear and achievable goals to drive growth and stay on track. However, before we dive into our goals for 2023, how did we fare in 2022?  

✓ Maintained our dedication to post-sales support by increasing accessibility with more written and video resources, troubleshooting guides, in-application assistance programs, and software-based SOPs.  

✓ Stuck to our innovative roots with continued software and hardware improvements.  

✓ Scaled with our customers by adding operational capacity and maintaining inventory buffers by adding office space and on-site storage.  

Having met our goals for 2022, here are our goals for 2023:  

  • Release a major product upgrade in the first quarter 
  • Release a new Vape-Jet product
  • Obtain necessary certifications for Vape-Jet and Jet Fueler to expand into new international markets 
  • Increase support hours and improve response times ever further 

Get Ready for 2023 

As we wrap up 2022 at Vape-Jet HQ, we hope you’ve gained a better understanding of the hard work, dedication, and innovation that went into making this year a success. From expanding our operations and establishing an international network of partners to refining our products and providing industry-leading support to our customers, we’ve continued to build a strong and sustainable business.   

Looking ahead to 2023, we’re excited to focus on new growth goals and continue building on the progress we’ve made. Most importantly, thank you for joining us on this journey, and here’s to another year of growth and success for Vape-Jet!  

If you are interested in partnering with us, reach out to our crew to learn how Vape-Jet can provide next-level products for your customers.   

Read our customer features:  

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 upcoming product announcements. Follow us on the essentials, too: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. 

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Customer Feature: Ration, Blue Box Brands & BeGreen Supply

At Vape-Jet, we are always inspired by the innovative ways our customers use our products to drive success in their businesses. That’s why we’re excited to share our interview with a man who truly does it all, Chris Michaud. As the CEO and Founder of Blue Box Brands, Ration Cannabis, and BeGreen Supply, Chris shared valuable insights on how using our products has helped grow his businesses.  

As our newest hardware partner, Chris’s company BeGreen Supply builds custom-branded cannabis hardware and packaging. Moreover, Chris’s team uses our semi-automatic Jet Fueler to fill vape cartridges and disposables for his consumer brand Ration Cannabis, a cause-based cannabis brand dedicated to supporting military veterans. 

Brands like Ration demonstrate that Chris strives to build businesses that give back to the community. So, along with some valuable operational insights and inspiration for other businesses looking to enhance their own workflows, we hope this customer feature serves as a reminder of how the cannabis industry—and associated industries—can give back. 

Without further ado, let’s dive into our interview with Vape-Jet CEO, Developer, and Founder Ryan Hoitt and Chris Michaud. 

Watch the full interview above or check out the written article below.

Who is Blue Box Brands?

With product lines ranging from vaporizers and smokables to mouth sprays and edibles, Blue Box Brands is a collection of high-quality cannabis businesses curated to support community causes and serve niche consumer audiences. 

Chris describes Blue Box Brands as ‘a curator and creator of brands.’ On the macro level, Chris explains, “we work with a couple of organizations in D.C., making sure that we’re paying attention to where policy sits and where veterans have access or don’t have access, or maybe there’s an education hole.”  

On the micro level, Blue Box Brands gives back to more localized organizations. One example is Swim With a Mission. “It’s a great group,” Chris says. “They work with the Navy SEAL Foundation out of Florida. We co-host events every year—this was our second year this past July—where you have a paintball tournament, every team gets a Navy SEAL, and you go through the whole tournament with them.”  

Chris describes these experiences as immersive and rejuvenating, allowing Blue Box to give back to the community and veterans who have laid it all on the line. “We’re able to give back dollars to things like improving household accessibility, giving money towards billing codes, or direct help and counseling.” 

“That’s awesome,” Ryan says. “As a former Navy guy, go Navy.” 

“Whether Ration’s helping on the philanthropy side or Blue Box is helping a brand that’s adjacent to its own portfolio, we’re really about commercializing brands and preparing them for scale,” Chris explains. “We have a good relationship with our sister company BeGreen Supply which helps provide packaging and hardware, and that’s what brings us together with Vape-Jet.”  

Outreach and Advocacy

With philanthropic outreach and advocacy playing a major part in what Chris and his team do, we wanted to highlight the various initiatives his team is involved in and the ways they work to create lasting positive change. 

“Ration does a lot of outreach and advocacy and a lot of philanthropy,” Ryan begins. “Can you tell me more about that, how you got started down that route, and why did you select veterans’ organizations?”  

“Veterans service organizations (VSOs) do a lot, and I’m never going to suggest that we can do their job better. It was important to me to find and vet good VSOs so we could accomplish what we’d like to from a for-profit business perspective,” Chris says.  

The ways Ration works with different VSOs depends on the scale of each organization, Chris explains. “Our favorite component is really getting to find out what these people need. Before starting Ration, we spent the first year down in D.C. talking to different groups and finding out who was going to make sense to partner with, who was not going to be afraid of cannabis, who was going to speak up about cannabis in their lobby sessions, in their peer groups. And we found some fantastic people through that process, whether they be individuals or organizations.” 

From that first year, Chris and his team identified that what veterans need is true support. “Our business is providing support to individuals, whether that’s getting them involved with therapy plus medication plus alternative medication.” 

Providing support to veterans in this way really hits home for Chris, whose father served in the Air Force. “My father, back in the day, caught a piece of ammunition off of a plane that was very, very large and messed his back up. He’s been very successful since then, but just a couple of years ago, his injuries started to flare up again, and very recently, in the last year, he was prescribed a number of opiates and a nerve suppressant,” Chris says. 

Eventually, Chris got a call from a family member in the clinical community: “She said, ‘what can we do to get your dad off of these things?’” It was an odd call, Chris explains, because this family member is the expert. “So, you know, [I shared] any bit of exposure that we’ve had in this space to help them get through that. Within two weeks, he was off of the entire opiate program. He kept the nerve suppressant, but he was off the opiates, and now he’s, you know, it’s his choice he doesn’t continue to use cannabis, but it got him through that moment, and now he’s clear of everything. Small success stories like that yield great results, and I want to see that continued in that community.”  

Building Brands with Vape-Jet

“I know we were introduced through Vape-Jet,” Ryan says. “I believe it is BeGreen Supply that operated and purchased the machine. Can you tell me more about how you found out about Vape-Jet and how that’s been going for you?” 

“Sure,” Chris says. “I found out about Vape-Jet by walking the floor at MJBizCon a few years ago, but it was totally by chance, and we were super happy to find a great team and you leading that team. I have a background in medical devices and FDA compliance and pushing things forward to the next level, which is why I wanted to build a device company before getting into brands. But I was like, ‘this guy gets it.’” 

“That was a great meeting,” Ryan recalls. “I remember because we didn’t have a booth that year. I believe you and [Vape-Jet COO] Devon started chatting heavily about medical devices and all the insanity of bringing devices through marketing and FDA approval and everything else.”  

“That was fun because the origins of why we started in the cannabis space really followed that track. We were, you know, a couple of friends who wanted to get away from how long it took to bring products to market in the medical device industry. Now, we’re on to onto kind of a faster-paced industry. It’s volatile, but it’s a lot of fun, and there’s a ton of opportunity to help people and brands.”  

“Can you tell me more about what Vape-Jet devices you use and how you’re using them?”  

“My interaction with Vape-Jet is from two different lenses,” Chris says, “whether that’s direct through Ration and some of the other brands that we have in-house or some of the customers that we support from BeGreen Supply. I was truly attracted to Vape-Jet from our origin story, but also the fact that I found real success in my customers’ stories back on the BeGreen front, whether that’s supporting MSOs or direct brands like Ration. [Vape-Jet] has really versatile system[s], whether we’re talking about an individual filler, such as the Jet Fueler or the Vape-Jet, that’s a little bit more comprehensive.” 

Jet Fueler 2.0 The Most Advanced Semi-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine - Click to Learn More
Vape-Jet 4.0 | The Most Advanced Fully-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine - Click to Learn More

“From my perspective, I love being able to recommend a myriad of systems, and Vape-Jet is always number one at the top. And it also has a great capping solution, which is pretty rare to find systems that are designed to work together,” Chris explains. “Internally, I love setting up my partners for our own brands. We go in from a manufacturing assessment standpoint, and we ask, ‘okay, what’s the real capacity of this place and what do we want to get them to?’”  

From there, Chris helps teams understand their labor, infrastructure, and facility needs. “We typically like to start groups with a Jet Fueler and then graduate them to a Vape-Jet, and our multistate approach is really aimed at facilitating that conversation through Vape-Jet. So we’re taking Blue Box Brands as a portfolio and going to all these different states, and we’re requiring Vape Jet to be part of that protocol.”  

Currently Filling

With Chris focused on implementing Vape-Jet filling machines into production across brands, we wanted to get an idea of the devices they’ve filled and are filling currently. 

“From the BeGreen front, most of our customers are filling cartridges. 510 remains a pretty strong player in the world of vaporizers, but we have seen an increase in disposables at a national level. Beyond that, though, we have got some things that are being built internally—that [may] be a proprietary pod system that’s coming out here very soon,” Chris hints.  

“Service is King”

“One of my favorite things about Vape-Jet is that, from an executive level, I can pick up the phone and call Vape-Jet, and [you] can log into our machine,” Chris explains. As a benefit he’s enjoyed over the years, Chris knows that he can troubleshoot any Vape-Jet or Jet Fueler issues with our support team and receive quick assistance so his team can get filling again. 

“On that note,” Ryan says, “not a lot of people know this, but our organizational structure is all built around support from the very beginning. Every single one of our departments, it doesn’t matter who they are, reports to support. Sales reports to our support department, manufacturing reports to our support department… Everything is focused around support because I’ve found that with any device you build, any piece of equipment that has moving parts and some that don’t, something is going to break, and the business processes you build around that fact are incredibly important.”  

“Definitely,” Chris agrees. “Service is king; learned that through manufacturing a long time ago, whether it was setting up a big factory or working with mom and pop, it’s all based on service.”  

Thank You

We’d like to thank Chris for taking the time to speak with us and share his insights. It was a pleasure to learn more about the amazing things Blue Box Brands, Ration Cannabis, and BeGreen Supply are doing in the world besides providing high-quality solutions for other businesses and end-users. We wish Chris and his team continued success and fulfillment in the coming years. Keep up the great work supporting veterans, and thank you for making a positive impact. 

Read more of our customer features: 

If you are interested in partnering with us, reach out to our crew to learn how Vape-Jet can provide next-level products for your customers.  

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.