Feeder Plays Integral Role in Automated Pre-Roll Cannabis Equipment

“If you do a deep dive on our PRO Modular System, you will see many other features that provide our customers state-of-the-art technology at a price-point that is attractive,” Schuster says. “We have a cloud-based platform that is meeting and exceeding customer expectations.”

The Accelerant modular system allows for capacity expansion as the producer’s market grows. It’s robotic cone loader adapts to sizes ranging from 70 mm to 140 mm offered by brands such as RAW, Elements, JWare, Hara, Futurola and more, according to Schuster.

With the machine’s recipe approach, operators easily adjust specs to different flower strains through compacting (vibration and rod) and twisting (turn and depth) to produce consistent shape with uniform density. The durable design includes a stainless-steel frame and contact parts, a sophisticated scale, quality motors and a modular method that allows swap-outs.

Remote monitoring enables ready data to be sent to Accelerant’s cloud platform for every 10 units. Recipes, weights, configurations, quantities and cycle times are adjusted by station. Real-time remote visuals are integrated using in-line cameras.

Key data insights allow Accelerant’s engineers to assist operators in improving productivity and quality. Maintaining an ideal environment is possible through monitoring humidity and temperature. Production count monitoring ensures compliance. Exception-based weight conformity and key issue alarms act in real-time to address root causes and reduce downtime.

The stigma attached to cannabis-related businesses makes funding difficult for many start-ups, according to Accelerant. These fledgling companies seek partnerships and financial considerations in new and creative forms. Accelerant offers a perfect solution: high-performance equipment under a lease that is based on cost per unit and includes maintenance. Accelerant partnered with Cutting Edge Automation to provide customers with state-of-the-art technology at an attractive price point. The cloud-based platform is exceeding expectations.

“Ours is the first ‘production as a service’ (PaaS) pre-roll machine,” Schuster says. “Because most cannabis operations are start-ups, we provide the machine, maintenance and scale for no upfront costs. We charge on a per unit produced basis at a price that declines based on production levels. We call it a ‘plug, play and prosper’ solution.”

He adds, “We are proud that we are helping United States companies satisfy the market for safe medical and recreational cannabis while contributing financially to their local economies.”

According to Eric Confer, Eriez Light Industry Market Manager, “Pre-rolls are hard to manufacture. The value of a pre-roll is 80 times as valuable as the cannabis itself. Every gram is costly. Labor is difficult and weight inaccuracy is common. Our 6C feeder fits this application and eliminates waste. He noted, “Cycle times that were 30-40 seconds prior to installation are now five seconds.”

Schuster wrapps up the Eriez story, “We needed a reliable vibratory feeder. Eriez provided us a partnership—the kind we want with our clients. Eriez responded right from the start with a prototype product and support to help us produce 10 units immediately. We reduced cycle times and solved other issues with Eriez. We are impressed with the willingness of Eriez to work in the industry and partner with Accelerant.”

According to a recent study by MJBizDaily, the pre-roll market grew 46% in 2020, especially in mature markets such as California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. The innovators at new OEMs like Accelerant Manufacturing really are blazing a path to the future, but using established partners to get there. -PW