Tag: blog

Why We Invest in American-Made Parts

Post author By VJ Crew
Post date June 6, 2022

Establishing a Manufacturing Network in the United States

At Vape-Jet, we are proud of our relationships with American businesses. While we have—and continue to—work with hand-picked international vendors, every business in our network recognizes Vape-Jet’s commitment to sourcing quality parts and the importance of building strong relationships with fellow US-based manufacturers. Additionally, our customers know that every Vape-Jet and Jet-Fueler are not only hand-built and QA tested on-site, but backed by customized, on-demand support from our team of engineers in Portland, Oregon.

Vape-Jet | The Most Advanced Fully-Automatic Vape Cartridge Filling Machine

Why is this so important? Because using products sourced from the US is not only great for our communities, it also allows us to rapidly develop our vape cartridge-filling solutions. By pushing the limits of what’s possible with our network of partners, we’ve perfected innovation and implementation strategies that keep our equipment on the cutting edge of cartridge-filling automation.

As a result, every investment in Vape-Jet equipment is an investment in a network of US-based manufacturers and suppliers working together to engineer the future of vape cartridge production. Working with this network:

Keeps Us Agile—we can scale our processes, pivot to alternative components, and innovate faster.
Lowers Shipping Costs—with reduced supply chain, shipping, and storage costs, we can pass logistics savings along to our customers.
Creates More Jobs—providing employment, training, and skill development opportunities for Americans looking to break into new industries.
Bolsters Economic Resilience—with supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and logistics challenges, reinvesting in the US economy keeps Vape-Jet durable during turbulent times.
Reduces Our Environmental Impact—less shipping, less emissions (not to mention strict e-cycling standards).

This month, we teamed up with some of our suppliers to discuss the importance of US-based partnerships from a wider perspective. We asked them to tell us about their company, how their relationship with Vape-Jet has grown, and what they thought of American-made manufacturing.

N.B. Oler
Bridgeview Manufacturing
Black Label Metal
IVEK
MK Fluidic Systems
Tutco-Farnam

Brad White, Senior Mechanical Engineer from N.B. Oler

N.B.Oler | High Quality Stainless Equipment | Click to Learn More

N.B. Oler manufactures the stainless-steel reservoirs on our Vape-Jet and Jet-Fueler.

About N.B. Oler

We are an Oregon-based stainless steel fabrication company focused on manufacturing the highest quality products and services. We specialize in pressure vessels, process optimization, and custom fabrication in the pharmaceutical, cannabis, and food and beverage industries.

N.B. Oler & Vape-Jet

We started fabricating components for Vape-Jet in 2019 and have witnessed the progression of their product capabilities through the sophisticated application of engineering and R&D efforts. Vape-Jet is producing some of the most innovative products in the cannabis industry, and it is exciting to be innovating with such a talented team.

Vape-Jet has always been responsive, professional, and fantastic with collaboration.

Why Prioritize American-made?

At N.B. Oler, we know American manufacturers provide some of the most consistent, highest-quality parts available. As a producer of high-end pressure vessels, it’s essential we source the highest quality components not only for functionality but, more importantly, for the safety of our customers. We also fabricate all our vessels in the USA and remain dedicated to working with other US-based businesses.

We believe in supporting American business and the American worker as we continue to drive innovation in the modern economy.

Kevin Hayward, Bridgeview Manufacturing

Bridgeview Manufacturing | Contract Manufacturing | Click to Learn More

Bridgeview Manufacturing makes the cables and electrical components on our Vape-Jet.

About Bridgeview Manufacturing

We assemble wire harnesses, cables, and other electrical assembly services for multiple industries, including the semiconductor and UAV/Aerial surveillance industries.

Our team specializes in helping our customers with product development, ironing out the wrinkles, and getting things just right, which is why we say, “let’s build something together!”

Bridgeview Manufacturing & Vape-Jet

As you have probably guessed, we provide the internal wiring and cabling for Vape-Jet machines. Our experience with the Vape-Jet team has been very collaborative, and we are grateful to be a part of the process. Working with everyone (emphasis on with) at V-J headquarters has allowed us to move collectively toward a polished final product.

Why Prioritize American-made?

At Bridgeview, this is one of our primary concerns. We have a wealth of experience working with overseas manufacturing, and—while that approach might be appropriate for stable, established commodity items—for complex and specialized products, there is no substitute for domestic suppliers who are responsive, communicative, and closeby.

The bottom line—when you are working with time-sensitive products that are continually evolving—there is no substitute for buying local.

Trisha Turner, Black Label Metal

Black Label Metal | World-Class Fabrication & Finishing | Click to Learn More

Black Label Metal manufactures the all-metal heat box and external panels on our Vape-Jet.

About Black Label Metal

Located at the center of Hillsboro’s technology community, Black Label Metal serves the retail industry and the needs of Pacific Northwest high-tech, creative agencies with world-class fabrication and finishing. From international leaders to smaller, local businesses, we show our customers the same level of respect and attention.

There are many ways to describe what we do, but the truth is: we simply specialize in getting the job done. For us, that means delivering high-quality products on schedule and on budget every time. No variation, no excuses. At Black Label Metal, the success of our clients is more important than winning another job ticket. We won’t take a job if we can’t complete it the right way.

Our skills run deep, so we take projects from concept to completion. We find that this process reduces the burden on our customers, who shouldn’t have to manage the complex workflow of a fabrication project.

Black Label Metal & Vape-Jet

In October, Vape-Jet came to us looking for a partner to help make their concepts a reality. With our expertise and Vape-Jet’s vision, we worked together to streamline and improve existing designs. It was a perfect match! Black Label delivered what Vape-Jet was looking for in the timeline they desired. That’s a team win.

We know that the Vape-Jet team is always looking to improve their existing products and, just as adamantly, develop new ones. It has been impressive to witness and be a part of Vape-Jet’s growth, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their process.

At Black Label Metal, we look forward to continuing to build our relationship and grow with Vape-Jet in the coming years.

Jim Bruno, Global Director at IVEK

IVEK | Manufacturing Small Volume Precision Liquid Metering and Dispensing | Click to Learn More

IVEK manufacturers the valves that ensure fast flow rates on our Vape-Jet.

About IVEK

IVEK provides products and solutions for applications requiring high precision fluidic capabilities. In business since 1979, IVEK serves both production dispensing automation companies and a broad range of fluidic-based OEM instrument companies.

IVEK & Vape-Jet

Our experience working with Vape-Jet over the past 2.5 years has been terrific. Vape-Jet came to IVEK with a new valve idea (that was certainly in our wheelhouse), and working together, we designed the optimal component for IVEK to manufacture. Even though the prototypes took a bit longer than anticipated, the Vape-Jet Team was extremely cooperative and understanding. Now we are in full production with this valve, and its performance to date has been a great improvement over the previous version.

Why Prioritize American-made?

As a global supplier, we are proud to meet the demands of our worldwide customer base. However, since we are a Vermont-based company—founded on the principle of entrepreneurship and working hard to fulfill the ideals we believe in—it is great working with companies like Vape-Jet, who are also eager to push forward with products they are passionate about. With so much pressure to outsource ideas and designs, working with start-ups that decide to build their own products in-house is very rewarding for IVEK.

We are proud to be a key vendor for Vape-Jet.

Chase Kloehn, Vice President of MK Fluidic Systems

MK Fluidic Systems | Manufacturing OEM Syringes, Valves, Tubing Kits and Probes | Click to Learn More

MK Fluidics manufactures the syringe on our Vape-Jet.

About MK Fluidic Systems

At MK, we partner with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to help engineer and manufacture high-quality fluid control components. Our products include precision glass barrel syringes, rotary valves, tubing assemblies, probes, and complete service kits used with laboratory equipment.

MK Fluidic Systems & Vape-Jet

We worked with the Vape-Jet team to engineer some custom syringes for their cartridge filling machines. Vape-Jet’s team members were a fantastic group to work with. We’ve been working together since 2020, and it’s been a very smooth and productive process.

Why Prioritize American-made?

Our company is glad to have the opportunity to both buy from and sell to other US-based businesses. We find that not only is it sound business to have near and robust supply chains, but it’s socially responsible to keep valuable skills and jobs in the US market that might otherwise be lost.

Jeremy Golden, Design Engineer from Tutco–Farnam

TUTCO | Heating Solutions Group | Click to Learn More

Tutco-Farnam manufactures the environmental control heaters on our Vape-Jet.

About Tutco-Farnam

Here at Tutco-Farnam Custom Products we have had the opportunity to provide customized heating solutions to a wide range of customers: everyone from NASA to back-yard innovators. If it gets hot, Tutco-Farnam probably had something to do with it.

Tutco-Farnam & Vape-Jet

With any project, communication is key. Vape-Jet has always had a good open line of communication. I was assigned to this particular project about two years ago. This is not the first project we have collaborated with Vape-Jet on, and it surely will not be the last. Vape-Jet is organized, resourceful, and a great partner to have.

Why Prioritize American-made?

When dealing with such a diverse customer base from around the world, it is always a challenge to see the final application up close. US-based companies that bring their design a little closer to home give us all the opportunity to take the best steps forward. I guess you could say: feedback is the biggest benefit of working with your neighbors.

Learn More About Vape-Jet

A sincere thanks to all our partners who made this blog and, most importantly, our vision for Vape-Jet a reality. We look forward to continuing to grow together and building the best products for our customers.

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

Tags american, blog, news, us, vape-jet

Uncategorized Vape-Jet

C3 Industries: Customer Feature

Post author By VJ Crew
Post date May 23, 2022

How will you grow with a Vape-Jet?

In the cannabis industry, starting your business with a solid, growth-oriented foundation is critical to your success. With increasing competition and demand, you might only get one shot to impress consumers—that’s why we say every cartridge counts.

In our last customer feature, we saw how Vape-Jet automation is crucial to scalability, even ramping up to produce 5,000-6,000 vape cartridges in a single eight-hour shift. But there’s no point in going fast if you can’t ensure product quality and safety; that’s why our industry-leading fill repeatability (±0.25%) is vital, ensuring every cartridge is uniform while meeting the highest possible standards.

Sounds too good to be true, right? Luckily, our friends C3 Industries are here to back us up. We love C3 because they respect cannabis consumers—no shortcuts, no filler, just premium quality products. Before they became a multi-state business (with locations in Michigan, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Missouri), C3 Industries launched in 2018 in the St. Johns neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Within six months their flower, concentrates and vape cartridge brand, Cloud Cover, became one of the top five indoor flower brands in Oregon. As fellow Oregonians, we were stoked!

Clearly, C3 was something special, so it wasn’t long before they opened a cultivation and manufacturing center in Webberville, Michigan (followed by several High Profile retail stores). With four Vape-Jets in service and a new production facility in Massachusetts on the way, we decided to check in on how things were going.

Enter: the heroes behind C3’s vape cartridge production, Senior Operations Manager Kevin Duplissis, and Inventory & Packaging Technician Jeremy Torrez.

Before and After
The Pain of Hand-Filling
Product Support: Internal & External
Growing Together

Before & After

Although they’ve used Vape-Jet equipment for a long time (since the Vape-Jet 1.0 days), there was a period when hand-filling was the name of the game.

‘How was that experience?’ we asked. “Painful,” Jeremy responds. As a premier, vertically-integrated cannabis cultivator, processor, and retailer, C3 wanted to reduce variability in their workflow from start to finish. This obviously included hand-filling cartridges, so switching to a state-of-the-art vape cartridge-filling machine was the only way forward. Now, “we’re heavily invested in the Vape-Jet ecosystem,” Kevin says. “We have one here [in Michigan], one on its way to Missouri, one in Massachusetts, and one in Oregon.”

As you’d expect, C3 Industries was (and continues to be) a huge influence on our equipment. In fact, C3’s experiences with older Vape-Jet models informed several of the upgrades and changes in the 3.0 they’re running now. As both a witness to—and an integral part of—our evolution as a company, C3’s loyalty to our products is the best endorsement we could receive, showing how a focus on quality cannabis is always a worthwhile endeavor.

Let’s Talk Details

Previously filling 1,000 to 1,500 cartridges across two production days, Kevin says, C3 now targets 4,000 cartridges a week. Usually filling over three days, they mostly focus on 1 gram sauce cartridges with the occasional terpene and dab cartridge run.

As demand grew, production increased; luckily, C3’s Vape-Jets were up to the task. With C3’s highest single shift output reaching 1,976 cartridges, Kevin and Jeremy know they can ramp up production at a moment’s notice. However, simply ripping through vape cartridges is not C3’s goal. Instead, they take a craft approach to producing cannabis products by fitting production to demand. Often producing small batches rather than ramping up, C3 seeks to perfect their craft, process, and calibration, so consumers only get the very best.

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

The Pain of Hand-Filling

The agony of hand filling is well-documented, but it’s worth emphasizing how much of a relief it is to introduce automated filling equipment. Believe us, the physical and mental demands of filling by hand prevent technicians from achieving the same quality control and throughput possible with vape cartridge automation.

But don’t take our word for it.

“Hand filling is a painful process,” Kevin says. “I have been around the team and seen them hand-filling. It is arduous, it is not fun on your fingers, it’s not hyper repeatable, and it’s not temperature controlled, so you’re going to have variability from cart to cart. [There are] too many variables out of your control, which we want to avoid at all costs. We want to make sure our product has a consistent flavor and fill level. Definitely not something you can do with hand filling.”

Moving from a process of hand-filing and manual weight checking with a scale, the workflow with Vape-Jet automation leaves the C3 team much happier. “We save three profiles: a sauce cartridge profile, a terpene profile, and a dab profile,” Kevin says. “If the formulation is a little bit thicker or thinner, we can always adjust minor settings, but for the most part, we don’t have to do too much dialing.”

Don’t worry, we didn’t make Jeremy or Kevin dwell in the negativity of hand-filling too long. “Don’t get me wrong, our team crushed it and flew through hand-filling,” Kevin says. “But again, not something I would want to subject anyone to on a week-to-week basis. I don’t think anyone would want to do that on a week-to-week basis.”

Product Support: Internal & External

Everyone has had a bad experience investing in technology.

For some of us, it was entrusting a big box store with our first major desktop purchase. For others, a revolutionary new coffee maker dispensing something akin to mud. We’ve learned from these experiences and seek trusting relationships with businesses that take pride in their equipment and prioritize technical support.

At Vape-Jet, we take pride in our industry-leading product support. Whether we are reviewing customer data to optimize machine performance or developing our active HelpDesk Support Ticketing System (averaging a 15-minute response time during business hours), we are your partners for the long haul.

Even though they haven’t had any issues with their Vape-Jet 3.0 since installation, having an accessible support service has boosted the C3 team’s confidence. “The support is great,” Jeremy says. “The one time we had a problem [at installation], we got right on a call within fifteen minutes and got it sorted out.”

Imagine waiting days (or even longer) for the necessary support to get things going! The Vape-Jet team realizes that any production disruption has broad implications for your workflow, so we take an all-hands-on-deck approach to addressing technical problems. We even set up product support calls for hardware calibration so you can save optimized filling profiles for increased efficiency. We win when you win.

Uniformity Across Locations

Having the same Vape-Jet model across all locations allowed C3 Industries to build institutional knowledge of our machine. With easier internal training and SOP familiarity, communication and workflow efficiency are much better than in the old hand-filling days. “It’s much easier training our employees across the entire network,” Kevin assures us. “We send out all our profile information. We give everyone the settings that we run on our Vape-Jet 3.0, so they can run the same cartridge profiles.”

With this uniformity in process, training, and filling, Vape-Jet ensures that C3’s quality product isn’t ruined by inferior filling equipment. The C3 cartridge you purchase in Michigan is filled with the same ideal settings as a cartridge in Oregon. In other words, together, we make every vape cartridge count.

A look at the Vape-Jet 3.0 in action from C3 Industries’ Michigan production facility.

Growing Together

As we mentioned earlier, C3 has been a huge part of our growth as a company. The same goes for the other side. During our chat, Kevin and Jeremy mentioned several upgrades that played a vital role in their production (like the stand-alone Drop-Tank reservoir heater that optimizes batch changeovers). C3 knows they can depend on us to innovate for the future while meeting the demands of today. Just knowing they can scale their production at any time is a major reason they continue to invest in Vape-Jet.

“In this facility alone we’ve gone from 1,500-1,600 cartridges a week up to 4,000 a week,” Kevin reflects. “Obviously, we could blow that number out of the water if we went five days and wanted to run it full bore. Not really part of our business model right now, but you know, we have a 70,000 square foot greenhouse coming online this summer, and you can pretty much guarantee that we’re going to scale our operations to account for the increased biomass. We are definitely going to really pump our cartridge numbers towards the tail end of 2022, I can tell you that.” Understanding that their Vape-Jet could fill about 40,000 cartridges per week with a single operator, C3 Industries can look to the future confidently, knowing their filling machine will scale with business needs moving forward.

Don’t you love happy (blog) endings? Anyway, after a sincere apology for bringing up hand-filling, we had to let Kevin and Jeremy get back to production. Currently, they are filling five days a week to prepare for the 2022 Michigan High Times Cannabis Cup. More evidence that there are always cartridges to fill.

Learn More About Vape-Jet

A huge thanks to Jeremy, Kevin, and C3 Industries for their time and for building such a quality business model. Growing with teams like this makes all the hard work worth it, and we look forward to celebrating more wins together in the future.

Tags blog, news

Uncategorized Vape-Jet

Prepare for Launch: Vape-Jet 4.0 Release

Post author By VJ Crew
Post date April 20, 2022

Always Innovating

Vape-Jet has never been about watching change happen. In a fast-paced automation space, we’re always looking for ways to revamp our machines and lead the cutting-edge of vape cartridge production. Our mission is simple: build the best possible product by continually optimizing our software and refining our in-house manufacturing process.

Ever since the release of the first prototype Vape-Jet system in 2019, our team has been in the lab perfecting our process and improving on the best fully-automatic vape cartridge-filling machine on the market. The result of all this work? Introducing the brand new Vape-Jet 4.0.

Powered by our advanced MARVIN software, faster user response times, and an upgraded central processing unit (CPU), the Vape-Jet 4.0 will have you filling carts quicker and more efficiently than ever before. Complemented by upgraded hardware designed to increase longevity and meet ever-growing demand, the 4.0 is truly the future of vape cartridge production.

Let’s initiate the launch countdown:

3—New Software That Smokes the Competition
2—Hardware Straight Off the Millenium Falcon
1—Time Tested Components

3—New Software That Smokes the Competition

Take command. A world-class machine requires the most powerful software available.

Faster Processes: A new CPU makes the Vape-Jet 4.0 run much faster than before, ensuring swifter machine boot-up, better UI response times, and, most importantly, faster processing across the board. Complemented by the power of the MARVIN platform, users can easily customize and fine-tune their production process to run as smooth as budder.
Updated Interface: With an ultra-responsive 11.8” touch screen, you can operate your vape cartridge-filling machine without a secondary device (unless you want to).
Instant Support: Access HelpDesk documentation on the spot from your machine’s display.
Keep with the Times: Simply install software updates from your home screen and get back to filling.

2—Hardware Straight Off the Millenium Falcon

Reimagine production possibilities. Sleek design meets improved modularity.

Superior Electronic Components

Quiet operation with increased temperature stability, all driven by the new upgraded CPU.
Additional inputs and sensors for better operation and fault detection.
Built-in thermostats.

Built to Last

All-metal heat box and powder-coated aluminum external panels by Oregon’s Black Label Metal bring more stability while allowing easier cleanup than the previous HDPE plastic sheeting.
A larger platform accommodates trays and jigs of all sizes so you can fill more vape cartridges in each run.
An improved vertical axis helps you switch between configurations reliably with stable IGUS motion components.
Thermal fuses and thermostats on every heater meet even the most stringent compliance requirements.

Dispensing Optimization

A new long-life syringe from MK Fluidics in Nevada with a specialized UHMWPE plunger reduces the need for repairs.
Ceramic on ceramic valve—specifically manufactured for cannabis oil applications by our friends, IVEK, in New Hampshire—allows higher flow rates.

Improved Modularity

Two-door access makes it easier to swap reservoirs, change trays, and perform repairs. Quicker component swap-outs = less downtime and better workflow.

Click to learn more about the Vape-Jet fully-automatic cartridge filling machine.

1—Time-Tested Components

Built for the future. What makes a Vape-Jet a Vape-Jet? Powerful software and innovative hardware, of course. But it’s also the feeling you get walking into work and knowing that you have the ultimate equipment for the job.

Born in the USA

Stainless steel reservoir by our pals in Oregon, NB Oler.
Idaho-based Bridgeview Manufacturing cables and electrical components
TUTCO environmental control PID heaters from South Carolina.
And, of course, all Vape-Jets are built by hand in Portland, Oregon.

Strict Quality Control

Fully-enclosed operation and filtered air system keeps contaminants out of your vape cartridges.
Fluid path made entirely from fluoropolymers, Viton, Borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and ceramic.
Easy to use clean-in-place procedure.

Renowned Software Capabilities

Machine vision alignment system with optional center post avoidance.
Customizable user configurations and profiles.
Data reporting and analytics to fine-tune your production.

And don’t forget that every Vape-Jet product comes with our industry-leading product support.

Watch the new Vape-Jet 4.0 launch sequence and dry run.

0—Ignition

See what the multiverse is talking about and join the Vape-Jet revolution!

Your Vape-Jet 4.0 is waiting.

Like the idea of obliterating subpar production standards? So do we. Keep the conversation going by signing up for our monthly Re:Fill newsletter to get early access to company updates, product releases, and other exciting announcements. While you’re at it, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin for updates, friendship, and cats.

Tags 4.0, blog, fully automatic, news, vape-jet

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