Choosing the Right Vape Filling Machine
With the vast array of different oil cartridge and vaporizer devices on the market, there are several considerations to make when it comes to choosing the right filling machine.
Manual equipment is typically less expensive upfront but can cause more contamination and inconsistency in volume distribution than semi or fully automatic machines.
Vape Cartridges
Cartridges are pre-filled with a cannabis oil which contains various cannabinoids and terpenes. Many are high in THC, but CBD-dominant and 1:1 THC:CBD products are emerging in the market. The oil inside is held within a glass cartridge with a 510-threaded mouthpiece and a removable top. The bottom of the cartridge is usually flat to allow for a secure hold on a battery. A typical cartridge holds 1 gram or half a gram of oil.
A vapor is inhaled from the wicks inside the cartridge, and the cannabinoids and terpenes are absorbed through the lungs. The vapor is then exhaled and the process repeats. Vapors are a much healthier alternative to smoking marijuana, and they can be enjoyed in private without the stigma associated with a joint.
Manual refilling methods utilize tools like syringes, hotplates and a scale to keep oils at the proper temperatures. However, this method increases the likelihood of contaminants entering the cartridges and can be quite time consuming.
Automatic refill machine designs allow the operator to simply place an empty cart into one of the provided slots and press a button, allowing for 1000s of cartridges to be filled in just a few hours. Using the Thompson Duke distillate cartridge filling machine for example, you can expect to have 100 cartridges filled, capped and ready to be sold in a single hour. The machine is also equipped with a premium air cylinder which helps prevent heat loss.
Vape Oil
Vaporizer cartridges are used to store oil in a Vape Filling Machine device that uses radiant heat to convert the liquid into a vapor that is then inhaled. Vape oils can be made from either vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol. Veggie glycerin is the most popular choice, and it produces the visible aerosol clouds that are characteristic of vaping. Propylene glycol is the second most common, and it has a lower boiling point than vegetable glycerin, so it’s able to produce a higher volume of vapor.
The best way to fill a vape cartridge is with an automatic or semi-automatic cartridge filling machine. These machines are designed to speed up the cartridge refill process, and they can often work at a rate of up to 1,600 cartridges per hour. These machines are the most efficient option for mass cartridge refilling, but they’re not ideal for smaller batches. For smaller batch production, it’s a better idea to use a dab syringe with a tip attachment.
A quality cartridge filling machine is also essential for cannabis vaporizer manufacturers because it can help them stay ahead of demand and increase productivity without increasing labor costs. A top-quality machine can also help reduce the risk of contaminating products. The best machines will use peristaltic technology to prevent contact between the product and the pump, which can minimize contamination.
Vape Cartridge Filling Machines
If you want to mass produce cartridges, the most efficient way is through a cartridge filling machine. These machines can fill hundreds of carts per hour, which significantly increases productivity for your business. They are a much automated cartridge filling & capping more cost effective method of cartridge refilling than using traditional methods such as dab syringes.
The main hardware that makes up a cartridge filling machine varies from brand to brand but is typically comprised of an oil tank that holds the oils, a needle plate that dispenses the concentrate, and a holding tray for the cartridges that are filled during production. The bigger machines also come with an automatic capping feature that reduces the chance of oxidation and leakage once the cartridge is capped.
The most popular cartridge-filling machine in the industry is the 710 Shark from Convectium, which can fill approximately 100 cartridges per minute. Other manufacturers offer a variety of options based on your business needs. For example, Thompson and Duke’s fully-automated machine (see Figure 5.0) is capable of handling virtually any type of cartridge, POD, capsule, syringe or sauce jar. Their semi-automatic option, on the other hand, can only handle up to 8,000 cartridges per 8hr shift. This is due to the smaller reservoir size of the semi-automatic cartridge filler. This doesn’t mean the machine is less reliable or high-performing though.
Vape Filling Process
For larger companies that need to keep their daily production numbers high and up to standard, a fully automated industrial filling machine is the best option. These machines can automate all of the pumping, dispensing and heating processes and work with a separate capping machine to reduce labor costs. They also provide the highest level of consistency and accuracy in terms of fill volume, but are often the most expensive.
The Thompson Duke ACF1 Automatic Vaporizer Cartridge Filling Machine is versatile enough to handle cartridges, PODs, jars and syringes, and comes with an easy-to-use touch screen to control temperature, speed and real time diagnostics. These types of machine require more maintenance than manual equipment but are more efficient in the long run.
Despite the higher initial investment, these types of machines can significantly lower your company’s operating costs in the long run. They also have a much smaller footprint than manual machinery and allow for faster product turnover.
In order to achieve consistent results, it’s important to calibrate your machine. A few minor adjustments can make all the difference in maintaining your company’s quality standards. For example, if you’re working with distillate, it’s critical to keep the machine heated at all times, whereas living resins and rosins must be treated more delicately. Using a heat gun to warm the oil in advance of insertion can prevent damage from excessive temperatures and ensure the integrity of the terpenes.
