The vape industry has experienced meteoric growth in popularity among enthusiasts and business-minded individuals alike. And while the vaping industry continues to flourish, there is an increasing importance for precise and efficient vape cartridge filling machines.
These vape filling machines affect the entire vaping experience including production efficiency, product quality and general business success. As a result, it is paramount to select the right vape cartridge filling machine that aligns with your personal and business goals.
This article will guide you on the factors you’ll need to consider before purchasing a vape cartridge filling machine. Here, you will also discover the types of vape filling machines available in the market, and the benefits of owning these machines. We hope that you will be able to use the information below to guide your purchase.
Read on to discover more:
What is a Vape Cartridge Filling Machine?
A vape cartridge filling machine is a contraption that can efficiently fill vape cartridges with exact quantities of concentrates in their hundreds or thousands within a few hours.
These concentrates can be THC oils, live resin or CBD oils, which are inhaled as vapour by consumers who attach their cartridges to batteries.
Vape cartridge filling machines exist in different forms and sizes. They vary in characteristics depending on the brand manufacturer, preferred configuration and business requirements.
For instance, some machines comprise a heating element that allows for easy distribution of viscous oils while others obtain the same results by using a piston to inject enough force into the line.
Types of Vape Filling Machines
In the vape industry, there are three different kinds of vape filling machines; manual, automatic and semi-automatic filling machines.
a.Manual Vape Filling Machines
These are the simplest types of filling machines as they are operated by hand. The operator supervises the entire filling process and uses hand tools like heaters and syringes to aid the process.
Manual type filling machines are cost-friendly, easy to use and have a small physical footprint. This makes them suitable for use in small scale operations.
However, these advantages end in large scale businesses because they have slow production speeds, huge labour costs and are highly susceptible to human error.
This makes them unsuitable for mass-scale productions because there will be continuous inconsistencies in fill volume, cases of workplace injuries and frequent damage of products, among other drawbacks.
b.Semi-Automatic Vape Filling Machines
This type of vape cartridge filling machine is the happy medium between manual and automatic filling contraptions. They are perfect for mid-scale operations that want to meet large demands quickly with limited space or budget.
Semi-automatic filling machines require human operation in certain areas; like raising the cartridge to the needle for dispensation and capping the filled cart.
This machine is the perfect balance between cost and efficiency since it is not as expensive as automated filling machines and is more consistent in production than its manual counterpart.
But like every device, semi-automated fillers come with certain drawbacks. Some of which include their complex mode of operation and incompatibility with larger scale productions.
c.Automatic Vape Filling Machines
Automatic vape filling machines are the most advanced kind of vape filler. They offer an entirely automated process from the pumping to the dispensing and even the heating processes.
Some of these machines can even automate the capping process while others are configured to work with a different capping machine.
Among all three types of vape filling machines, automatic fillers have the highest manufacturing capacity and offer the most precise fill volume. They also have the lowest labour cost and have limited exposure of the oil to environmental contaminants.
These automated machines are the best choice for large companies that want to meet their monumental demands and have the budget to purchase an automatic vape filling device.
However, the drawbacks of this kind of vape filler include the need for extra operator training, a large physical footprint, and its high price and maintenance.
Factors to Consider Before Purchase
Like every major, tide-changing purchase, certain parameters must be considered before buying a vape cartridge filling machine. By undergoing substantial research, you will be able to make informed choices about the product you desire.
Before purchasing your filling machine, bear in mind factors like product type, machine cost, maintenance fees, available space and production volume. These parameters should influence your decision to buy a vape filling machine.
Your choice depends mainly on production volume and the existing budget; however, it will be best to acknowledge a few other factors:
1.Automation and Simplicity
Having a simple user interface plays a critical role in maximizing operational efficiency, especially in semi-automatic and automatic vape filling machines. A user-friendly interface with intuitive controls and touchscreen features simplifies the setup and operation of the device.
Therefore, you should be on the lookout for filling machines that have configurable settings that allow the operator to adjust the filling process to fit company requirements.
Additionally, you should account for routine cleaning and maintenance before choosing your preferred filler. Search for a filling device that can be easily deconstructed and put together for thorough cleaning.
This feature allows you to reduce downtime and ensure continuous product quality because a well-assembled machine guarantees the manufacture of top quality products.
2.Technical Specifications
When evaluating vape filling machines, it is important to check the technical specifications to determine how compatible they are with your production needs.
Consider the range of cartridge sizes and types that the machine can accommodate, especially if you settle for an automatic vape filler. Choose a device with a system that can adapt to your needs, not the opposite.
In addition, bear the filling capacity of the filling device in mind. Your production volume will determine the kind of vape cartridge filling machine that will fit your operations.
3.Safety and Compliance
The components of your preferred vape cartridge filling machine must be constructed with premium quality, food-grade and non-reactive materials, particularly in the parts that come in contact with the product.
Get filling machines that are resistant to corrosion and wear because apart from ensuring long-term use, it will also impact the quality of your finished product.
The last thing you want after distributing your products is to receive complaints from consumers over several health and safety violations.
4.Production Scalability
A growing enterprise must be able to foresee the future growth of its business and take the necessary steps to guarantee the desired outcome.
In the same vein, when purchasing your vape filling device, first evaluate the machine’s expansion capability, including its ability to work with existing production lines. Go for a filling machine that enables continuous production as your demands evolve.
Also, consider the rate of the machine’s output to determine if it will meet your present and expected manufacturing demands while preserving product quality.
5.Precision and Consistency
One of the most important aspects of a vape device is the amount of E-liquid present in the cartridge.
Too little will incur consumer dissatisfaction, and too much will lead to wastage of valuable product and company resources.
Therefore, before your final decision, make sure that the vape filling machine has a working dosage accuracy function that fills each cartridge with the intended amount of liquid.
Apart from the quantity of the vape liquid, the presence of air bubbles in the cartridge also impacts the consumer vape experience.
Hence, you should prioritize a filling device that guarantees precision and air removal, because these features will ensure that your end product comes out error-free.
6. Cost Considerations
Thinking about the cost of a vape cartridge filling machine is vital in the vaping industry. One reason is that it prevents a buyer from making wrong purchases that could impact the future growth of the company.
However, instead of viewing your purchase as an expense, you should see it as an investment.
Before making your purchase, evaluate the initial cost you need for the filling machine and weigh the long-term effects of this decision.
Will this investment bring in favourable returns or will it just be a waste of funds? If you arrive at an acceptable deduction, you can proceed with your purchase or proceed regardless if you are ready to take a risk.
Select a device that has high efficiency. The machine will be pricier upfront but, it will help you to save up on operational expenses in the long run.
7.User Reviews and Recommendations
Another factor to consider before buying a vape cartridge filling machine is the online and offline product reviews from real customers.
Let your research encompass every vital aspect, including the reputation of the product manufacturers and the real-world performance of the machine.
You should request feedback from your peers in the vaping industry, especially from current filling machine owners, as their insight and experience will provide you with up-to-date information about the product you have an interest in.
Benefits of Buying Vape Filling Machines
The benefits of owning a vape cartridge filling machine are evident to business owners. However, purchasing all your equipment from a single trusted supplier grants certain advantages over just buying separate equipment from random suppliers. Here are some of the benefits;
- The equipment will be compatible with each other since they were designed to work together
- Faster and more efficient filling process
- Expect uniform quality of equipment
- Reliable support in case of machine failure
- Saves costs due to possible bulk discounts