You put all your love into your plants, feed them as if they were your actual children, tend to them, and take care of all their needs to let them bloom to their full potential. You watch them go into the processing room, and when they come out, all that beauty is gone. Tripping over the finish line can be a catastrophic mistake for cannabis growers. Crop waste isn't an option - margins are too thin, and this is not tomatoes or peppers. One kilo of tomatoes is unimaginably cheaper than one kilo of cannabis. It's therefore essential that every single flower receives top-notch treatment, and seeing all that ruined right before they're about to leave the facility is a sorry sight, on top of being economically damaging.
"A common complaint of processors is that the trimmer may either over-trim or under-trim their flowers, as well as concerns about the quality of the trim itself," says JJ Fabian from Mobius. "One of the most common objections is actually a myth. The myth is that mechanical trimmers will damage the product and reduce potency. We have lab results from a number of Mobius Trimmer users that prove this is incorrect. For instance, the Mobius M108S Trimmer has no negative impact on either the cannabinoid content or the terpene profile of cannabis flowers."
Things to consider when selecting the trimming process
It's clear, then, that it is crucial to carefully select the type of trimmer a grower incorporates into their operation. "There are a few things to consider when choosing the right trimmer for you: processing capacity, scalability, trim quality, trim ratios, consistency of both throughput and trim quality, labor costs, and other cost-reduction goals," Fabian explains.
Another thing to consider is whether one wants their flowers to be dry or wet trimmed. "Wet trimming is performed right when the plant is harvested, with drying and curing taking place afterward. Dry trimming is performed after drying and curing have taken place. The moisture content of material for dry trimming can vary but is usually in the range of 9–14%."
It is precisely to meet that need that the company developed the Mobius M108S Trimmer. "This flagship trimmer can trim flower at any moisture content, but it is best suited for either wet or dry trimming on material at 11–14% moisture content. Mobius recognized the need among cultivators for a fully dedicated dry trimmer that meets the cleanliness and quality standards of premium producers who may be trimming at a lower moisture level or who want to use a batch-style device. The dedicated Mobius dry trimmer series can process flower with up to 12% moisture content in batches between 10–24 lbs per hour."
On the other hand, the company has also developed a dry trimmer with a special feature. "The Mobius MD48 is the only dry trimmer in its class that has an oscillating drum and a touchscreen HMI that allows the operator to create and run recipes specific to their post-harvest needs." The commercial batch-style dry trimmer also features an auto-tensioning system, reducing machine downtime and boosting efficiency."
Considering the increasing importance of GMP certifications in the industry, it's no surprise that Mobius has paid special attention to this. "All models in the Mobius dry trimmer series boast stainless steel construction, food-grade materials, and washdown-compatible motors and electrical components. Mobius Dry Trimmers easily satisfy GMP requirements for producing clean, pure, and consistent flowers."
Quality is always a major concern
This is all the more important in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive, where demand is always present, but quality remains a major concern. "Cannabis growers in North America are facing a tough challenge as consumer demands for quality are going up while prices are going down. Mobius post-harvest automation equipment can help cultivators process efficiently without having to compromise on quality."
That level of quality can be achieved with relative ease when installing a trimmer is a matter of plug and play. "That's how the Mobius dry trimmer series is," Fabian points out. "Users are able to get up and running in a matter of minutes. On top of that, every machine comes with full instructions and user guides, as well as helpful resources and content about each machine and process. Mobius hosts weekly office hours, along with full access to our team of Automation Specialists for additional support throughout the setup and continued use of the machines. If growers need extra assistance while setting up or using the trimmer, we have experts available to guide them through the operation of the machine and provide helpful material preparation tips for optimal trim results."
With continued growth in the cannabis industry, Mobius has also branched out further to support various other industries with their processing needs. In addition to the standard Infeed, Outfeed, and Autofeed conveyors, Mobius now offers custom light-duty automation conveyors, built to meet the exact needs of each facility. "These light-duty conveyors are beneficial for industry applications such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food & beverage, and packaging processes, creating more streamlined workflows and better-quality products," Fabian concludes.
For more information:
Mobius[email protected]
mobiustrimmer.com