Cannabis oils and distillates behave very differently from many other liquid products. Their viscosity changes with temperature, small dosing errors become noticeable, and leftover material at the end of a batch can be expensive. Equipment used for cartridge production therefore has to control dispensing, weighing, and sealing very closely. The BellatRx Constellation Monobloc was developed as a filling and capping machine built around those conditions.
Fully Integrated Cartridge Processing
Cartridges, mouthpieces, and product can be introduced into the system, after which the Constellation carries out the remaining steps automatically.
The machine performs the following operations:
- feeding cartridges
- pre-weighing containers
- filling with cannabis oil or distillate
- post-fill weight verification
- capping
- torquing
- inspection
- unloading finished cartridges to trays
The system can also index unstable formats safely to help prevent tilting or leaking during processing.
Dual Weight Verification for Accurate Filling
Accurate control of fill weight is imperative when working with cannabis oil and distillate. One of the defining features of the Constellation platform is its dual weight verification method before and after filling.
Each cartridge is first weighed to record the tare weight. After dispensing, the system measures the gross weight. Subtracting the tare from the gross value provides the exact net fill weight and verifies the fill amount for every unit.
The dispensing system also maintains controlled product temperature throughout the filling process and helps reduce product loss at the end of each batch.
Robotic Handling and Filling
Robotic pick-and-place stations move cartridges from trays into pucks that guide them through the filling and capping machine during processing. These pucks support the cartridges during handling, and the robotic grippers match the cartridge diameter for controlled transfer.
At the filling station, servo-controlled pumps dispense precise volumes into each cartridge. The nozzles lift during dispensing to reduce contact with the cartridge opening and limit aeration.
Capping and Inspection
Capping stations are also servo controlled. Rotation and downward speed are synchronized with the thread pitch of the mouthpiece, and torque feedback sensors monitor the applied force.
A vision inspection system verifies the presence and placement of the mouthpiece on each cartridge. Robotic arms then return the finished product to trays at the end of the line.
Explore the Constellation Monobloc Filling and Capping Machine
The Constellation Monobloc supports cannabis cartridge production with automated filling, weighing, capping, and inspection. Robotic handling, servo-driven dispensing, and dual weight verification help maintain accurate fills while protecting delicate cartridge formats during processing.
Learn more about the Constellation Monobloc or explore other bottle capping machines from BellatRx.
