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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.

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101: Types of Cannabis Vape Cartridge Filling Machines

The Cannabis Industry’s Need for Vape Cartridge Filling Machines

As consumer behaviors continue to shift sales away from traditional categories such as flower and tinctures, and towards packaged products such as vapes, pre-rolls and edibles it’s clear that consumers are looking for more portable and convenient recreational products. Vapes in particular are popular for their portability and ease of use, reflected by sales more than doubling from $1 billion in 2018 to $2.8 billion as of November 2022. 

To sustain this growth in popularity without sacrificing quality, many producers are investing in automated filling machines. If you are new to the world of vape cartridge and device filling equipment, join us as we break down the different types of filling machines along with their advantages, disadvantages, and the best use cases for each. 

Manual Cannabis Vape Cartridge Filling Machines and Equipment

Manual vape cartridge and device filling machines are the simplest type of filling machines. They are operated by hand with tools such as syringes and heaters, and the operator is responsible for the entire filling process. These machines are inexpensive and easy to use, making them a good choice for small-scale operations. However, they are not suitable for large-scale production due to their slow production speed and reliance on manual labor.  

Examples of manual filling machines: 

  • Manual syringe 
  • Handheld repeater syringe 
  • Multi-shot style hand dispensers 

Advantages of using manual filling machines: 

  • Lowest equipment cost 
  • Easy to use 
  • Simple setup 
  • Small physical footprint 

Disadvantages of using manual filling machines: 

  • Highest labor cost 
  • Slowest production speed 
  • Inconsistent fill volume 
  • Operator-dependent 
  • Easy to damage oil with heat 
  • Susceptible to operator error 
  • Syringe lubricant can affect cartridge 
  • Risk of operator injury from manual labor 
  • High maintenance requirements 

Best use cases for manual filling machines: 

  • Small-scale production 
  • Limited budget 
  • Non-technical operators 

Semi-Automatic Cannabis Vape Cartridge Filling Machines

Semi-automatic filling machines such as the Jet Fueler are an intermediate between manual and fully-automatic filling machines. They require some manual operation by lifting the cartridge or device to the needle for dispensation, but they automate the pumping portion of the filling process. These machines are suitable for mid-scale production and offer a good balance between cost and efficiency. 

Example of semi-automatic filling machines: 

  • Automatic recharging repeater syringe systems 
  • Pneumatic systems 
  • Syringe pump systems 

Advantages of using semi-automatic filling machines: 

  • Faster production speed than manual filling machines 
  • More consistent fill volume 
  • More consistent heat application 
  • Lower labor cost than manual filling machines 

Disadvantages of using semi-automatic filling machines: 

  • Higher equipment cost than manual filling machines 
  • More complex than manual filling machines 
  • Not suitable for large-scale production 
  • Operator still has to cap cartridges separately 

Best use cases for semi-automatic filling machines: 

  • Mid-scale production 
  • Low to mid-range budget 
  • Entry level technical operators 

Fully-Automatic Cannabis Vape Cartridge Filling Machines

Fully-automatic filling machines such as the Vape-Jet are the most advanced class of filling machines. They automate and control the pumping, dispensing and heating processes. Some even automate the capping process while others are designed to work with a separate capping machine. These machines offer the highest production capacity and consistency in fill volume. However, they are also the most expensive and may require specialized accessories such as hardware jigs or additional operator training. Despite the cost and additional expenses, in the long term these machines result in the lowest total cost of ownership. 

Example of fully-automatic filling machines: 

  • Robotic assisted recharging repeater syringe systems 
  • Robotic assisted pneumatic systems 
  • Robotic assisted syringe pump systems 

Advantages of using fully-automatic filling machines 

  • Lowest labor cost 
  • Highest production capacity 
  • Consistent and accurate fill volume 
  • Flexibility in handling a wide range of fill volumes and viscosities 
  • Increased reliability with minimal room for operator error 
  • Limited exposure to environmental contaminants 
  • Operator can multitask during filling process 

Disadvantages of using fully-automatic filling machines 

  • Highest equipment cost 
  • Largest physical footprint 
  • Requires additional operator training 

Best use cases for fully-automatic filling machines: 

  • Large-scale production 
  • Mid to high-range budget 
  • Experienced technical operators 

What Else to Consider When Shopping for a Cartridge Filling Machine

The right filling machine can help to increase production efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure consistent and accurate fill volumes. Choosing the right machine will depend primarily on your production volume and available budget, but we encourage you to consider a few other key factors: 

Adaptability  

Some fully-automatic filling machines lock you into a limited number of cartridge and device styles you can fill without investing in physical retooling or additional custom hardware. Look for systems that can adapt to your hardware, not the other way around. 

Product Support 

Complicated filling machines may require more complicated training and repairs. As you vet equipment manufacturers be sure to ask how they provide product support, how long you can expect to wait on replacement parts, or how quickly they can get on site support technicians to your facility should the need arise. 

Data Reporting 

As states continue to pass additional regulations on the cannabis industry, it’s crucial to consider where you can implement data collection in your production process. Some fully-automatic filling machines have data reporting features built in, giving you insight into production trends as well as an additional quality management checkpoint.  

Cleaning Process 

A key part of the cartridge filling process is the cleaning procedure between strains or at the end of the day. Producers new to automated filling equipment often overlook the importance of this feature. Look for machines with an efficient and automated clean in place process to save on time and labor. 

Still not sure what type of filling machine is right for your operation? 

Contact our crew to find out if a Jet Fueler or Vape-Jet would be the right fit for you. Still growing? We offer an upgrade path from our semi-automatic to fully-automatic systems. 

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

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.