HEF – FLEXPAK MAX vs. Hefestus AuraX

If you’re comparing the FLEXPAK MAX to the Hefestus AuraX, you’re already past the basics of pre-roll production and looking to scale up. 

The FLEXPAK MAX is a strong machine for smaller producers who want to automate cone filling and packaging in one step. 

But if your goals include higher volume, infused SKUs, and long-term scalability, the AuraX was built for that kind of ambition. 

It does everything the FLEXPAK MAX can – and then some – while giving you the speed, flexibility, and support to keep growing.

FLEXPAK MAX 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
FLEXPAK MAX	2,000+/hr	Cone-only system (0.3–1.5 g); handles standard and lightly infused flower but not heavy extracts	Installation and initial training; U.S.-based service network; limited ongoing support	$165k	Area 52 Farms, Premium Agriculture, Ox Distribution

FLEXPAK MAX Overview

The FLEXPAK MAX is a U.S.-engineered pre-roll packaging and automation system built for operators who want to automate multiple steps of the cone-filling process without overhauling their production line.

Designed by Dope Automation and distributed by FLEXPACK, it combines filling, vibration compaction, and automated twist-and-trim into one compact, modular unit. 

For mid-sized producers upgrading from manual workflows, it delivers respectable speed and consistency in a small footprint. 

When it comes to output, the FLEXPAK MAX produces around 2,000 pre-roll per hour, depending on material density and operator skill. 

The MAX is a high-capacity system, but it’s less versatile than the AuraX, which offers the same level of output. 

It handles cones between 0.3 g and 1.5 grams and can process both standard and lightly infused flower. It’s less suited for stickier, high-viscosity materials like live resin or wax blends. 

The AuraX, on the other hand, can produce cones, straight rolls, and blunts across every size and infusion type.

So while the two machines offer comparable output, the AuraX is more valuable from a production standpoint because you can produce more SKUs at the same rate. 

FlexPak offers machine installation and initial training, helping your team start production quickly. Ongoing service is handled through its U.S. support network, which is responsive but not as comprehensive as Hefestus’ 24/7 international coverage or the on-site SOP creation included with AuraX.

With a price tag of ~$165,000 and financing options available, the FLEXPAK MAX provides a lower barrier to entry, but its ROI ceiling is lower due to the production limitations it poses. 

Once your business grows beyond cone-only production, needs more capabilities for handling infused materials, or passes 20-25 k joints per month, you’ll likely outgrow it. 

Pros

• Integrated System: All-in-one cone filling and packaging solution streamlines production from start to finish.
• Compact Footprint: Designed to fit comfortably in smaller or mid-size facilities without sacrificing performance.
• Steady Throughput: Delivers a consistent 1,200–1,500 pre-rolls per hour, ideal for mid-tier operators focused on efficiency.

Cons

• Format Limitation: Restricted to cone-style pre-rolls, limiting SKU expansion and product diversity.
• Infusion Constraints: Not engineered for heavy-infused materials, reducing flexibility for premium product lines.
• Scalability Ceiling: ROI levels off as production demand increases, making upgrades inevitable for continued growth.

Best For

The FLEXPAK MAX fits small to mid-size operators producing 10-25k cones per month who want real automation without a massive footprint or price tag. 

It’s great for teams focused on standard cones and light infusions. But once you’re ready to scale or branch into new SKUs, the Hefestus AuraX delivers the speed and versatility you need to push further.

Hefestus AuraX Overview

The Hefestus AuraX is a fully automated pre-roll machine built for operators who are serious about scaling.

Whether you’re a co-packer, MSO, or growing manufacturer, the AuraX gives you the speed, reliability, and product range needed to compete at the highest level. Backed by 30+ years of automation experience, it’s the most complete solution on the market for businesses ready to level up.

With a single operator, the AuraX produces more than 2,000 pre-rolls per hour, matching the top-end speed of the FlexPak MAX while offering far more versatility and automation depth. It’s built for enterprise-level throughput, running smoothly across multiple shifts and maintaining uptime when it matters most.

If your production is hitting 30,000 joints per month or you plan to, this is the system built to keep you growing without adding headcount. While the FLEXPAK MAX handles cones only, the AuraX does it all: cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused SKUs of every size up to 2.5 grams.

It runs everything from standard flower to dense, sticky materials like wax, live resin, or diamonds without slowing down. Add-ons like AutoTube and Weight Checker take automation even further, helping you expand SKUs, attract new customers, and grow the lifetime value of your existing ones.

Every AuraX includes five days of on-site training and SOP creation, giving your team the tools to run full production immediately. Once you’re up and running, 24/7 support from Hefestus technicians in the U.S. and Israel keeps downtime to a minimum. It’s not just setup, it’s long-term partnership designed around your success.

Priced at around $230,000, the AuraX delivers one of the fastest ROIs in the industry. With more output, less overhead, and the flexibility to produce any format you want, it pays for itself fast. Plus, with flexible financing for cannabis operators, you can start scaling now and pay over time.

If you’re looking for a system that grows with you – not one you’ll outgrow – the AuraX is it.

Pros

• High Throughput: Produces over 2,000 pre-rolls per hour with a single operator for maximum efficiency.
• Full Format Capability: Handles cones, blunts, straight rolls, and all types of infused SKUs with consistent precision.
• Comprehensive Support: Includes five days of on-site training, SOP creation, and 24/7 global technical assistance.

Cons

• Premium Cost: Higher initial investment compared to mid-tier or entry-level systems.
• Better for Scaling Operations: Designed for medium to large producers rather than small-batch facilities.
• Larger Footprint: Requires more floor space than compact cone-filling systems.

Best For

The AuraX is built for MSOs, co-packers, and large operators producing 30,000+ joints per month. If you’re scaling fast and ready to take your pre-roll production to the next level, this is your machine. 

It’s made for teams expanding SKUs, reducing labor, and locking in long-term reliability with a system that grows as your business does.

FLEXPAK MAX vs. Hefestus AuraX: How Do They Compare?

Before you decide, let’s look at how these two systems really stack up. Both are strong performers, but they’re built for very different kinds of operations.

Production Volume

When it comes to output, the AuraX and MAX are roughly on par in raw volume terms – both machines can produce 2,000+ pre-rolls per hour with one operator. 

Once you’re pushing 30,000+ joints a month, this level of output is a game changer. Fewer operators are needed, and there are simply fewer bottlenecks. 

But volume isn’t everything – variety is, too. That’s where the Hefestus AuraX has such an advantage – it can produce just as many pre-rolls as the MAX can, but across many more product lines. 

Bottom line: If you’re serious about scaling, the AuraX and FLEXPAK MAX are both good options. However, if you want to scale infused and non-cone SKUs, the AuraX has a major edge.

Production Capabilities

FLEXPAK MAX focuses on cones and lightly-infused material, and it does these well. But with straight rolls still being very much in vogue, and infused pre-rolls now making up nearly 44% of the market, choosing a machine that isn’t as versatile means leaving money on the table.

The AuraX handles cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused SKUs up to 2.5 grams, including sticky, high-viscosity materials like diamonds, wax, and live resin. You can produce more pre-roll sizes and infusion types with the AuraX than with the MAX. 

Add-ons like Weight Checker and AutoTube push automation and accuracy even further. 

This SKU flexibility doesn’t just expand your menu – it expands your margins. More SKUs mean new customers, higher lifetime value, and a better chance at building a brand that lasts.

Bottom line: The AuraX offers more production capabilities than the FLEXPAK MAX. It’s the system of choice for operators and co-packers who want to own every corner of the pre-roll market.

Training & Support

FLEXPAK MAX includes setup and installation training that gets your team up and running, but after that, you’re mostly on your own. 

AuraX takes a deeper approach. Every machine comes with five days of on-site training, custom SOP creation, and 24/7 global support from our U.S. and Israel teams. 

We stay until your line runs clean across every SKU you plan to produce. That means you’re not paying for a giant paperweight with features you’ll struggle to use, you’re paying for a machine your team will master from day one.

Bottom Line: Hefestus offers support for your AuraX that actually translates to success on the floor.

Price & Financing

The FLEXPAK MAX starts around $150,000-$180,000, depending on configuration. That lower upfront cost makes it appealing if you’re automating for the first time or working within a mid-tier budget. 

You’ll see savings through labor reduction, but ROI eventually plateaus once you hit its SKU limits. The AuraX costs about $230,000, but that extra investment pays itself back faster. 

With higher throughput, fewer operators, and full multi-format capability, your line starts generating more value per shift (and per SKU) from day one. 

Flexible financing options make the step up to enterprise automation easier than most expect. You can start producing now, pay over time, and scale long before the equipment is paid off. 

Winner: The AuraX offers the best value for the price of any pre-roll machine on the market. It has a higher entry cost, but a much faster and stronger ROI for operations producing a wide SKU variety.

Conclusion: Which Automated Pre-Roll System is Better for Your Business?

The FLEXPAK MAX is a solid choice for mid-scale operators who want to move beyond manual workflows without a massive upfront investment. It’s efficient, compact, and ideal if you’re focused on traditional cone production. 

But if your goal is long-term growth, the AuraX is the clear next step. It delivers higher throughput, true multi-format flexibility, and hands-on training that sets your team up for success from day one. 

Ready to scale your pre-roll operation for the future? Contact Hefestus to see how the AuraX can take your production to the next level.

FLEXPAK MAX vs. Hefestus AuraX: Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still deciding which system fits your operation best, these quick answers will help clear things up.

Why Choose the AuraX Over the FLEXPAK MAX?

Choose the AuraX over the FLEXPAK MAX if you’re aiming to scale fast and diversify your SKUs. It produces more pre-rolls per hour, handles every format (including infused) and comes with full training and SOP support to get you running smoothly.

Why Choose the FLEXPAK MAX Over the AuraX?

Choose the FLEXPAK MAX over the AuraX if you’re focused on traditional cones and want reliable automation at a lower cost. It’s a smart fit for smaller teams and facilities with limited space.