Automate the Final Step of Pre-Roll Production
Closing is the final hurdle between filled cones and a saleable product. A dedicated closer machine transforms this manual choke point into a streamlined, repeatable process. By standardizing the closing density and shape, you ensure a consistent airflow and burn rate for the end user, elevating your brand's reputation for quality.
Why Automation Matters for Finishing
Manual twisting not only slows down production but often results in "canoeing" due to uneven packing near the tip. Automated closers apply precise mechanical pressure to create uniform seals that secure the flower without over-compressing it.
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Professional Aesthetics: Achieve the highly sought-after "Dutch Crown" finish that signifies a premium product, or a perfectly flat fold for efficient packaging. Systems like the
Futurola Dutch Crown Device integrate seamlessly with existing fillers to produce dispensary-grade results.
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Labor Reduction: Reassign staff from the monotonous task of twisting ends to higher-value tasks like harvesting or packaging.
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Scalability: Process thousands of units per day. Machines like the Atomic Closer can crown 72 joints in just 45 seconds, matching the output of high-volume industrial fillers.
Selecting the Right Closing Solution
Choosing a closer depends on your current equipment ecosystem and your desired production volume. You must match the machine's capacity to your upstream filling speed to maintain a balanced workflow.
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For Knockbox Users: If you already utilize Futurola's ecosystem, the
Futurola Dutch Crown Device is an essential add-on. It attaches directly to the Knockbox base, allowing you to close batches immediately after filling without transferring cones to a separate station.
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For High-Volume Commercial Ops: Facilities producing over 10,000 units weekly need a standalone beast like the
STM Canna Atomic Closer. It operates independently of the filler, allowing one operator to close batches while another operator keeps the filler running continuously.
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Complete Your Workflow: A closer is only as fast as the machine feeding it. Ensure you have a reliable
Pre-Roll Cone Filling Machine to keep up with the rapid pace of automated finishing.
Optimizing Your Finishing Process
To get the best results from your closing machine, you must control the variables leading up to the final seal. Even the best automation cannot fix a poorly filled cone.
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Control Moisture Content: Ensure your flower is stored at optimal humidity levels (58-62%). Too dry, and the material will crumble during compression; too wet, and the closer may jam or fail to fold the paper crisply.
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Leave Adequate Headspace: Calibrate your filling machine to leave the exact amount of free paper required by your closer (typically 8-10mm). Overfilling prevents a secure seal, while underfilling leaves a loose, floppy tip.
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Consistent Grind Size: Use a precision
Commercial Grinder to ensure particle uniformity. Large stems or uneven chunks can obstruct the closing mechanism and tear the cone paper.
By integrating a closer, you standardize the last mile of production. For a deeper dive into building a complete automated workflow, read our guide on the
Best Pre-Roll Machines to see how these components work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Dutch crown and a flat fold finish?
A flat fold simply folds the excess paper over the top of the pre-roll, similar to a coin wrapper. A Dutch crown folds the paper inward creates a flat rim around the edge with the center recessed, often leaving the flower slightly visible or neatly tucked. Dutch crowns are generally considered a more premium, aesthetic finish that promotes an even light.
Do I need a specific filling machine to use a closer?
It depends on the model. Add-on devices like the Futurola Dutch Crown are proprietary and must be used with specific Futurola Knockbox bases. Standalone units like the STM Canna Atomic Closer are compatible with standard industry trays and can work downstream from most filling machines, provided the cone sizes match.
How fast can these machines close joints?
Throughput varies by model, but commercial units are designed for speed. For example, the STM Canna Atomic Closer can close a tray of 72 joints in approximately 45 seconds. This allows a single operator to finish thousands of pre-rolls in a single shift.
Can one machine handle different cone sizes?
Yes, but they typically require size-specific drums or trays. Most professional closing machines can adapt to standard 84mm, 98mm, and 109mm cones by swapping out the compatible components. Always verify which sizing kits are included or available separately before purchasing.
Does the machine compress the flower?
Yes, closing machines apply a specific amount of pressure to the top of the flower material to ensure the joint is tight enough to burn evenly but loose enough to have good airflow. Proper calibration of the fill level is crucial to ensure the machine compresses the material correctly without crushing it.
Why is my closer tearing the paper?
Paper tearing usually occurs if the cone is overfilled, leaving insufficient headspace for the fold, or if the machine's height settings are not calibrated to the specific cone length. Using high-quality cones and ensuring a consistent grind consistency can also reduce tearing issues.
