How to Add Terpenes to a Cartridge Filler Machine
As cannabis consumers clamor for efficient, convenient and potent cartridges, manufacturers must ramp up their production to keep pace. Cartridge filler machines offer immense benefits for producers and expedite the entire cartridge manufacturing process.
To fill a vape cartridge, you will need pure distillate, thinning agents, and terpenes for flavor. Using a syringe, you will then inject the oil into an empty cartridge.
1. Warm Your Distillate
Once your distillate is in a liquid form, you can add your chosen terpene blend to bring back the aromas & flavors that were lost during the extraction process. Start with a low ratio of terpenes to distillate, typically around 5% to 15%. Depending on the viscosity of your distillate, you may need to warm it again to melt the terpenes before mixing. The ideal temperature range for this step is between 100 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
A few drops of terpenes will go a long way! Use a syringe to inject the desired amount of terpene into your distillate. Since the terpenes will add their own volatile compounds to the oil, you should avoid adding too much so that the overall smell & flavor aren’t altered too significantly.
Distillate is one of the most common concentrates used to fill cartridges, as it’s a pure product with a very low viscosity that works well with most cartridge filling machines. Unlike live resin, distillate removes all materials & compounds from the final product leaving only cartridge filling gun a single cannabinoid – making it the perfect base ingredient for any cannabis extract.
The process for using a cart filling machine to make THC or CBD distillate cartridges is similar to working with wax, but a little more involved due to the vaporization of the extract. To begin, you’ll need to have an empty cartridge, an injection syringe & a heat source to help with the injection process. The heat will warm the oil to make it more fluid so that you can easily inject it into your cartridge.
2. Add Your Terpenes
Adding terpenes to your distillate products helps to create flavor, aroma, and specific effects. These essential oils can enhance the experience of a specific strain, or help you to create new experiences that will resonate with your consumers.
During the short path distillation process, the terpenes that give flower extracts their mouthwatering aromas and flavors are typically lost. Mixing terpene blends back into curative distillate is a simple way to fine-tune the flavor and aroma of your product.
This process can be a bit technical, and requires careful attention to prevent clogs or overly heated oil. The key is to heat your oil until it’s a liquid, then add your terpene slowly while stirring. You’ll want to use a glass mixing container or jar that can be reheated easily, and is non-reactive with terpenes. You’ll also need a digital scale to measure out your ingredients (most digital scales can read down to 0.1 grams) and a magnetic stirrer to ensure that the mixture is mixed thoroughly.
Once you’ve weighed out your essential terpene blend, remove it from the heat and set it aside in preparation for the next step. To avoid clogs, you’ll also want to have a wide-mouthed disposable plastic pipette on hand, as well as a small measuring spoon. You may need to experiment cannabis oil filling machine with different ratios of terpene blend to find the best balance for your distillate.
3. Extract the Oil
When filling cartridges with distillates, or even live resin, a few extra steps are necessary for success. First, the oil must be heated to a liquid consistency. This step is especially important for distillate, as it can clog a manual filler easily when not warmed up properly. Live resin is more sensitive to heat, as it contains cannabis-derived terpenes that are vulnerable to burning when coming into contact with too much direct heat.
When working with a manual cartridge filler, it is important to use a thermometer and a scale to monitor the temperature of your oil and ensure compliance with state laws regarding maximum potency levels. It is also a good idea to use a syringe for the transfer process. Syringes come in a variety of sizes, but industrial grade packaged 3-10ml syringes are popular amongst manual refillers.
The next step is to add your terpenes to the pure distillate and stir until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed. The ratio of terpenes to distillate can vary depending on your preferences and the specific products you are creating, so experimentation is key.
Once your terpenes have been added, it is time to extract the oil. Distillate will need to be heated again until it is in a fluid form, and it is important to pay close attention to how long the distillate is exposed to heat in order to avoid over-heating and ruining your product.
4. Fill Your Carts
Whether you’re a distillate artisan looking to make your own carts or simply interested in a quick and reliable way to refill your existing cartridges, this simple step-by-step process is sure to help.
Start with a small, heat resistant mixing container (such as a glass beaker) and your distillate. Add your terpenes (if applicable) and stir thoroughly. This will help blend your terpenes and distillate together and also help with the overall viscosity of your oil.
Once your oil is warm enough, you can use a syringe to insert it into your empty cartridge. It’s important not to overfill your carts and not to push the distillate through the center post. This could damage the coil and render the cartridge unusable.
If you find your oil is too thick to inject with a syringe, try warming it up a little more for a short amount of time before trying again. Just remember to keep an eye on the temperature, as it will cool down quickly.
As with all work involving concentrated cannabis or other hazardous materials, always prioritize safety and follow proper precautions when working with these types of substances. Working in a well-ventilated area and using caution will go a long way in keeping you safe and ensuring a quality product. With the right tools and some practice, making your own carts with distillate is a quick and simple process that will save you both money and effort in the long run.