HEF – APEHEX vs. Hefestus AuraX
If you’re weighing the APEHEX pre-roll machine against the Hefestus AuraX, you’re already looking beyond entry-level semi-automatic systems and are ready to scale.
The APEHEX is a capable system built for mid-volume producers who want to automate without breaking the bank.
But if you’ve got your eyes on real scale – new SKUs, infused products, and long-term ROI – the AuraX is built for that next stage.
The truth is, APEHEX can take you part of the way.
It’s efficient, compact, and delivers consistent quality for boutique and lower-mid volume producers. But it also caps out fast.
The AuraX does everything APEHEX does, and a lot more, at higher speed, with more formats, and without boxing in your growth potential.
In this article, we’ll compare the two machines in-depth to help you choose the right one for your business.
APEHEX vs. Hefestus AuraX: Quick Comparison
| Machine | Estimated Production Volume | Production Capabilities | Training & Support | Estimated Price | Notable Customers |
| Hefestus AuraX | 2,000+/hr | Cones, straight rolls, and every other pre-roll shape and size; every kind of infused pre-roll | Full week of on-site training and SOP development; 24/7 support from technicians in US and abroad | $230k | AWH, Verano, Lowell Herb Co, STIIZY, MUNCHIES!, Juicy Joints, Jetleaf, High Grade |
| APEHEX Pre-Roll Machine | 1,200/hr | Cones only; some types of infused pre-rolls | Basic on-site setup and training; standard support | Unknown | Leafers, Chico California Cannabis Company |
APEHEX Overview
If you’re running a smaller operation and want to move beyond hand-filling or semi-automatic setups, the APEHEX pre-roll machine is a solid first step.
It’s a compact, single-operator system designed for lower- to mid-volume producers who want automation without taking on the size or cost of an enterprise unit.
The small footprint makes it an easy fit for boutique facilities or those with limited space.
This gives you the ability to produce professional-grade cones in-house while cutting down on labor costs and staffing headaches.
APEHEX can produce up to 1,200 pre-rolls per hour, though most operators report a more realistic output of 800-1,000 per hour once setup and tuning are factored in (most pre-roll machines vary in production volume between setups, so this is to be expected).
It’s built for operations producing around 10,000 to 20,000 joints per month that want to streamline production and improve consistency without overextending capacity.
Compared to high-output systems like the Hefestus AuraX, it reaches its ceiling faster, making it best for smaller teams that don’t need mass-scale production just yet.
This machine handles cones ranging from 0.3 to 1.25 grams and supports the Dutch crown finish, giving products a clean, retail-ready look.
It can process both standard and infused material, but that’s where its flexibility ends.
Infused pre-rolls now account for roughly 44% of the market, and machines that can’t keep up with complex materials or new formats risk falling behind.
The APEHEX can’t produce straight rolls, blunts, or oversized cones, so SKU expansion becomes a challenge as your product line grows.
Each purchase includes five days of on-site training, which helps operators get up and running quickly.
Support is available post-installation, too, but it’s not as robust as the 24/7 international service Hefestus provides for its AuraX customers.
Pricing isn’t publicly listed, but APEHEX generally costs less than premium systems, with financing and leasing options available.
The ROI it provides comes mainly from reduced labor and improved consistency – not from high throughput.
For most companies, the APEHEX bridge investment: a reliable entry point into automation that works now, but one you’ll eventually outgrow – for higher-volume systems like the AuraX – as demand and SKUs expand.
Pros
- Space-Efficient Design: Compact, single-operator system ideal for facilities with limited floor space or smaller production footprints.
- Consistent Throughput: Capable of producing up to 1,200 pre-rolls per hour with reliable accuracy and repeatability.
- Accessible Entry Option: Lower-cost automation with available financing and on-site training for smooth onboarding.
Cons
- Real-World Output: Typical production rates range from 800-1,000 pre-rolls per hour depending on material type and operator experience.
- Format Restriction: Compatible exclusively with cone-style pre-rolls and offers limited flexibility for infused or specialty products.
- Basic Support Structure: Post-installation assistance is less comprehensive than Hefestus’s round-the-clock global service model.
Best For
The APEHEX is best for boutique and lower-mid volume producers making 10,0000-20,000 joints per month who want reliable, consistent automation without a large upfront cost.
It’s a smart first step into automation, but one you’ll eventually outgrow as your customer demand and infused SKUs expand.
Hefestus AuraX Overview
If you’re ready to scale beyond boutique production, the Hefestus AuraX is built for that next stage.
This fully automated, high-volume pre-roll system delivers unmatched flexibility and throughput for operators who want to produce at enterprise scale.
It’s engineered for speed, precision, and reliability, and backed by over 30 years of automation expertise, including a decade focused solely on cannabis.
The AuraX produces 2,000+ pre-rolls per hour with a single operator – nearly double what mid-tier machines like the APEHEX can handle.
That kind of output lets you replace multiple manual roles and hit consistent numbers shift after shift.
Our machine is ideal for MSOs, co-packers, and large independents producing 30,000+ joints per month, or anyone who needs a system that keeps up with explosive growth.
When it comes to versatility, the AuraX leads the field. It runs cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused SKUs up to 2.5 grams, including high-viscosity materials like wax, live resin, diamonds, and isolate.
Optional add-ons like the Weight Checker (for inline accuracy) and AutoTube (for automated tubing) further automate your workflow, giving you a smooth transition between product types without downtime.
That flexibility means you can launch new SKUs, capture new customers, and increase repeat sales – all with one machine.
Every AuraX comes with five days of on-site training and SOP creation led by Hefestus engineers. From there, you get 24/7 global technical support from teams in both the U.S. and Israel.
That level of service gives you confidence that your line will keep running and evolving as your product mix expands.
At around $230,000, the AuraX offers a faster ROI than smaller systems thanks to its higher output, labor savings, and multi-format capability.
Our flexible financing options make the AuraX accessible for both established operators and growth-stage producers who want to future-proof their business.
It’s a system built for long-term scalability, and for operators who want to grow without limits.
Pros
- High Output Automation: Delivers 2,000+ pre-rolls per hour with a single operator, maximizing productivity and reducing labor costs.
- Full Format Compatibility: Processes all product types including cones, blunts, straight rolls, and infused SKUs up to 2.5 g with precise, repeatable results.
- Comprehensive Support Package: Includes on-site training, SOP development, and 24/7 global technical assistance to maintain peak performance.
Cons
- Premium Price Point: Higher initial investment compared to smaller or semi-automated alternatives.
- Larger Footprint: Requires adequate floor space, making it less ideal for compact facilities.
- Exceeds Small Scale Needs: Best suited for mid to large volume producers with plans to expand output.
Best For
Best for growth-focused operators, MSOs, and co-packers producing 30,000+ joints per month who need speed, flexibility, and reliability at scale.
It’s the go-to system for brands ready to expand SKUs, increase throughput, and future-proof their production line.
APEHEX vs. Hefestus AuraX: How Do They Compare?
The APEHEX and AuraX both automate pre-roll production, but they’re built for very different stages of growth.
Here’s how they stack up across key areas that impact your bottom line.
Production Volume
If you’re planning to scale, output is everything.
The AuraX produces over 2,000 pre-rolls per hour with a single operator – nearly double the throughput of the APEHEX, which caps around 1,200 per hour.
That difference adds up quickly, especially once you cross 30,000 units per month.
The APEHEX is a solid fit for smaller teams producing 10-20k joints monthly, but its ceiling comes fast.
The AuraX was built for companies that don’t just want to meet demand, but grow beyond it. With fewer operator dependencies and higher uptime, it turns production from a bottleneck into a growth engine.
Bottom line: The AuraX wins for high-volume scalability and long-term efficiency, making it the smarter choice for operators ready to grow beyond small-batch production.
Production Capabilities
Production capabilities are where the AuraX really separates itself from the competition.
It handles cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused pre-rolls up to 2.5 grams, while the APEHEX is limited to smaller 0.3-1.25-gram cones.
The AuraX also supports modular add-ons like AutoTube and Weight Checker, so you can push automation further without new equipment.
Infused pre-rolls now make up roughly 44% of the market, which means versatility here translates directly to new revenue for your business.
With the AuraX, operators can capture new customers through infused products and increase lifetime value (LTV) and retention by expanding SKUs for existing buyers.
The APEHEX simply can’t support that kind of growth. It’s a capable starter machine, but the AuraX is built to help your business evolve with the market.
Bottom line: The AuraX wins for versatility, modular design, and future-proof automation that positions your brand to grow with changing market demand.
Training & Support
Both systems include five days of on-site training, but the difference lies in what happens after the installation.
The AuraX comes with SOP creation and 24/7 global support, giving you a structured path to optimization.
That means your team isn’t just learning to run the machine – you’re learning how to use it to produce new SKUs and switch seamlessly between them.
With APEHEX, training is comprehensive but more limited once production begins. Dialing in new materials or maintaining consistency across SKUs often falls on your in-house staff.
For smaller teams, that can mean more trial and error and less uptime.
Hefestus eliminates that guesswork with real-time support and seasoned engineers always on call.
Bottom line: The AuraX wins for ongoing support and training depth, ensuring your operation stays efficient, consistent, and ready to evolve with every production run.
Price & Financing
At around $230,000, the AuraX is a bigger investment upfront, but one that pays off faster.
The combination of higher output, lower labor costs, and broader product capability shortens the ROI window significantly compared to entry-level systems.
The APEHEX is more affordable and accessible for smaller brands, with leasing and financing options available, but ROI plateaus once production maxes out.
The AuraX, on the other hand, scales with you, keeping costs steady while revenue and volume grow.
It’s the difference between a short-term solution and a long-term asset.
Bottom line: The AuraX wins for ROI speed and scalability, giving operators a higher return and a platform that continues to generate value well beyond the initial investment.
Conclusion: Which Automated Pre-Roll System is Better for Your Business?
The APEHEX is a dependable choice for smaller operators producing 10,000-20,000 joints per month who need automation without a heavy investment.
It’s compact, consistent, and a solid first step away from manual filling.
But if your goals include higher volume, a broader SKU lineup, and revenue growth from existing and new customers, the Hefestus AuraX is the higher-leverage choice over the long term.
With more speed, versatility, and support, it’s built for brands that plan to grow, not just maintain.
Ready to scale your pre-roll operation? Contact our team to learn how the AuraX can help you build a future-proof production line, or, visit our AuraX pre-roll machine page to learn more about the machine.
APEHEX vs. Hefestus AuraX: Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s answer a few of the most common questions operators ask when comparing the APEHEX and the Hefestus AuraX.
Why Choose the AuraX Over the APEHEX?
You should choose the AuraX over the APEHEX if you plan to scale your operation and expand your product line.
The AuraX produces 2,000+ pre-rolls per hour, handles every format, including infused, and offers the flexibility to grow with your business.
Why Choose the APEHEX Over the AuraX?
You should choose the APEHEX over the AuraX if you’re running a smaller facility and want affordable automation without the footprint or price of an enterprise system.
It’s ideal for operations producing 10,000-20,000 joints per month that need consistency and labor savings right now.
