How to Make a Pre-Roll Machine
The rise of the cannabis industry is largely due to innovation and the technological advancements that have replaced traditional practices. Pre-roll machines provide an automated way of producing joints, which is commonly considered difficult to do, whether by hand or other methods. At Sorting Robotics, our mission revolves around simplifying processes for fellow businesses. With our already-designed automatic machines, we offer a seamless solution for crafting pre-rolls while reducing labor costs.
However, some express interest in developing their own pre-roll machines. If you are among them, we are here to explain the steps and requirements it takes on how to make a pre-roll machine.
Making pre-roll machines can be of great value for businesses in the industry as it allows for customization of the production process and a significant cost reduction.
What Is a Pre-Roll Machine?
A pre-roll machine is a device that aims to streamline the process of rolling and assembling joints. It has profoundly impacted the cannabis industry as it’s vital to producing and consuming pre-rolled joints.
As a technological advancement, it has elevated production rates to incredible levels while it has improved product consistency and quality. Another way the pre-roll machines have elevated production is through labor savings, which reduces the need for manual labor. It has reduced costs while adding scalability, allowing businesses to respond to increased demands.
What Are the Different Types of Rolling Machines?
There are various types of pre-roll machines that cater to different types of demands on the market. The different machines are categorized by how they’re designed to operate and their respective function.
As a reflection of the market demands, some machines have received a wider adoption than others. The more widely used machines tend to be those that have provided more versatile solutions while solving common problems in the industry in regard to quality control and consistency.
These are the most common pre-roll machines:
Source: shutterstock.com
Manual pre-roll filling machine
A manual pre-roll filling machine helps in the process of rolling papers and filling them with cannabis. They’re labeled as manual because they require interventions from the operator in different steps of the filling process. Despite this reliance on the operator to fulfilling certain tasks, they still offer increased efficiency and consistency compared to manual hand rolling.
How it works
The operator places the cannabis into the loading chamber and uses a spreader to even out the distribution. Then, the operator guides the rolling paper onto the material and uses a lever to roll the material inside.
Afterwards, the operator addresses the density of the material inside the joints using a compaction device that allows them to tamp down the material and create a firm joint. In the end, the operator seals the pre-roll by manually twisting or folding the paper.
Main components
The main components of a manual rolling machine include:
Loading chamber
Spreader
Rolling area
Filling mechanism
Guides and rails for proper alignment
Features
Manual machines have various features that make them a better option than completely manual rolling. Here’s what sets them apart:
Compactness feature
Adjustable guides and rails for customizable size and consistency
Portability
User-friendly
Easy to clean
Automated cone filling machine
The cone is the most recognizable shape of a cannabis joint, and the cone-filling machines are responsible for its shape. Newcomers who haven’t mastered this rolling technique can benefit greatly from these machines and enjoy a consistent, high-quality end product.
How it works
Cone-filling machines work by filling pre-rolled cones with cannabis material. They achieve this by controlling the movement of material from the hopper to the cones, ensuring accurate dosing and distribution.
The pre-rolled cones get placed into the cone holders while the cannabis material is loaded into the hopper. The machine dispenses the required amount into each cone and compresses the material to improve density.
Some machines have a rolling and sealing mechanism to make the product complete. With those that don’t have that feature, the operator has to perform that task by hand.
Main components
The components of a cone filling machine include:
Hopper
Vibrating plate
Filling mechanism
Cone holder
Compaction mechanism
Control panel
Features
These machines are a reliable solution that saves time, reduces waste, and ensures a high level of quality of the pre-rolled joint. Some of their features include:
Dosing accuracy
Speed control
Multiple cone sizes for customization
Quality control sensors
Safety mechanisms
Rolling and sealing
Source: shutterstock.com
Industrial pre-roll machines
The growing consumer base of the cannabis industry has made manufacturers pursue machine designs that would be able to keep up. Such machines are engineered to answer to mass production demands and contribute to a successful business.
The rolling and filling is fully automated, eliminating the need for manual labor and delivering fast production. Moreover, these pre-roll machines come with advanced features that allow for customization of size, and density, and offer precise dosing.
How it works
The operation of these machines doesn’t differ greatly from the normal automated filling machines. The cannabis gets loaded into the feeder while the conveyor distributes the pre-rolled cones or rolling papers to the filling station.
From there, the machine dispenses a precise amount into each cone or rolling paper, after which the mechanism for compassion gets activated. Finally, the joints are sealed and sent for quality control.
The main difference to other machines is that there is an extra step from here, and these pre-rolled joints are directed to packaging stations for labeling and distribution.
Main components
Feeder
Conveyor
Filler
Compressor
Sealing mechanism
Sensors
Power system
User interface
Features
Industrial machines have many advantages over common ones as they are equipped to create products of the highest quality. Here are some of the most notable features:
Capacity for mass production
Full automation
Broad customization options
Sensory quality control
Safety mechanisms
Integration with packaging systems
How to Make a Pre-Roll Machine
Besides the many already-designed pre-roll machines, it’s entirely possible for you to create a DIY pre-roll machine. You can use the machine to streamline your production process or design it for personal use. Considering there are various types of machines, you will need a clear goal for what you want to accomplish and an understanding of the basic mechanics.
To make a simple pre-roll machine, you need to start with various design considerations that will determine its function, level of complexity, and the specific features it will be equipped with.
Machine components and where to buy them
The fastest way is to find a blueprint online for a machine that satisfies your goals and replicates its model. These are the components that you need to acquire for a basic pre-roll machine:
Hopper
Filling mechanism
Spreader
Collection tray
Structure and mechanical parts
Hopper
The role of the hopper is to store the cannabis and prepare it for the filing mechanism. It eliminates the need for manual loading and consequently speeds up the process.
Hoppers are designed to enable a smooth flow of material and deliver efficient dispensing into joints. Hoppers are commonly made out of food-grade plastic and come in different sizes, and you need to choose a size that’s compatible with your target and other available components.
You can buy this component from industrial supply stores, equipment manufacturers, or similar online retailers.
Filling mechanism
The filling mechanism is for an accurate dispensing of the material into the cones. It has to provide an even dosage to all cones, which is crucial in delivering consistency. The filling mechanism measures the material by weight or volume to prevent overfilling or underfilling of the cones.
This component is usually placed under the hopper, and they work together to deliver a good flow of material into the cones. In your design, you should be mindful of the maintenance and prevent the buildup of material.
You can purchase a filling mechanism from industrial suppliers, equipment manufacturers, or online retailers.
Spreader
The spreader ensures that all cones get an even amount when the material is dispersed. This is vital for the end product's density, burning rate, and flavor. Having too much or too little material in the cone will have a negative impact on the smoking experience and create uneven burning or less potency.
Oftentimes the spreader comes in a set together with other components, so the same suppliers will likely sell spreading mechanisms as well.
Collection tray
It’s where the operator will gather the pre-rolls after they have been filled, rolled, and sealed. You can design a custom tray that would cater to your production design.
Structure and mechanical parts
The structure and mechanical parts of the machine provide the framework and support for the entire system. These components determine the machine’s stability, and their proper function determines the machine’s durability and stability in the long term.
Source: shutterstock.com
Safety requirements of a DIY cone-filling machine
When making a custom machine, it’s important to adhere to various safety standards which would ensure a secure process. If your machine involves electrical components, make sure that you use proper wiring, grounding, and protection against shocks.
Choose safe and suitable materials for this specific purpose while ensuring they can withstand the stress from the machine’s operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there legal considerations when building and using pre-roll machines for cannabis production?
When building a DIY machine for this purpose, you must ensure that your design doesn’t infringe on existing patterns, trademarks, and property rights. Moreover, the machine has to adhere to safety standards from the jurisdiction where it is made and planned for operation.
Can a pre-roll machine handle different sizes and types of cones?
Yes, many pre-roll machines are designed to handle different sizes and types of cones. The standard lengths for pre-rolled cones are 109 millimeters, 98 millimeters, 84 millimeters, and 70 millimeters.
Is building a pre-roll machine cost-effective compared to purchasing?
Building a pre-roll machine can be a cost-effective way compared to purchasing, but it can also have a limiting effect on the production quality and size. That’s why careful consideration is needed to make the best move to suit the company’s goals.
What skills and knowledge are required to build a pre-roll machine?
Even building a simple pre-roll machine with limited automation requires a combination of many skills and knowledge. The project requires careful design, material sourcing, and construction to ensure the functionality of the machine.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make a pre-roll machine on your own, along with the required steps and skills for the project, you can see that creating such a machine requires a deep understanding and requirements from the cannabis industry. Pre-roll machines are used for manufacturing cannabis joints with increased efficiency and consistency than the traditional methods. Before starting out, you can get in contact with us, and we’ll try to help you as much as possible.
