PreRoll-Er 200 vs. Hefestus AuraX
If you’re comparing the PreRoll-Er 200 to the Hefestus AuraX, you’re already thinking beyond hand-packing and knockboxes and looking for a long-term automation system for your cannabis business.
The PreRoll-Er 200 is a solid mid-tier system built for precision and compliance. But the fully automated AuraX pre-roll machine does everything it can and more, at a higher speed, with lower cost, and far more flexibility.
So the question isn’t which one works. It’s which gives you the most room to grow.
If your roadmap includes new SKUs, infused lines at scale, and a stronger margin per joint, the AuraX is engineered specifically to support that kind of long-term growth.
In our in-depth PreRoll-Er 200 vs. Hefestus AuraX, we’ll take a thorough look at how these two machines compare so you can choose the right one for your business.
PreRoll-Er 200 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 |
| PreRoll-Er 200 | 1,300/hr | Cones and straight rolls; some types of infused pre-rolls | Standard training, onboarding, and remote support | $275 | Garden Remedies |
PreRoll-Er 200 Overview
If your operation is producing 15-25k joints per month, the PreRoll-Er 200 sits right in that comfort zone.
It’s a precision-built system that helps you step up from manual or semi-auto filling while keeping tight control over weight and compliance.
This machine can turn out roughly 1,300 pre-rolls an hour and is designed to handle both cones and straight tubes. It can also work with infused material, so you can expand your menu without switching equipment.
The PreRoll-Er 200 uses an automated loading system with a built-in scale and reject station to keep every joint within about ±0.01 grams of target weight, cutting waste and keeping quality tight from batch to batch.
That level of consistency saves you the time of checking every tray by hand and helps maintain compliance as your volumes grow.
You’ll get installation help and remote support to get started quickly, along with built-in cameras that make troubleshooting easier. Most teams can be running within days.
The downside comes with long-term optimization. Because PreRoll-Er’s onboarding process isn’t as intensive and they don’t offer 24/7 support as Hefestus does, you’ll rely more on your internal staff to dial in settings or create SOPs as you roll new SKUs out.
At around $275,000, the PreRoll-Er 200 is a serious investment, but one that can replace multiple manual positions per shift. It delivers a strong return for mid-size facilities, and leasing and financing options are available to help offset the upfront cost.
Once your volumes start pushing toward 30k pre-rolls per month, though, you’ll hit a throughput ceiling and will need to start looking toward higher-capacity systems like the AuraX. Our machine can make more joints than the PreRoll-Er 200 can, and we handle cones and infused options equally as well (if not better).
To conclude, the PreRoll-Er 200 is best suited if you’re running a mid-sized operation and need to produce multiple SKUs efficiently while emphasizing product quality and compliance.
But as you scale from a mid-sized operation to a large one, you’ll need a machine like the AuraX to achieve your full scaling potential.
Pros
- Versatility: Handles cones, straight tubes, and infused material with consistent, repeatable results across SKUs.
- Integrated QC System: Built-in weighing and reject station ensures precise fill weights and eliminates off-spec joints before packaging.
- Rapid Deployment: Remote installation support and quick startup process minimize downtime and accelerate production readiness.
Cons
- Moderate Throughput: Slower output compared to enterprise-grade automation systems designed for large-scale production, such as the AuraX.
- Limited Onsite Support: Less in-person training and SOP development compared to companies like Hefestus.
- Constrained Growth Potential: Lacks the combination of high throughput and broad versatility needed to achieve your operation’s full scale potential.
Best For
Built for mid-volume producers, the PreRoll-Er 200 suits operations making 15,000 to 25,000 joints a month that prioritize precision and consistency over maximum output.
It’s a practical choice if you want dependable automation and compliance before moving up to enterprise scale.
Hefestus AuraX Overview
If your operation is between 10k and 30k joints and ready to scale beyond that, the Hefestus AuraX is the system that makes it possible.
It’s a fully automated pre-roll solution built for high-volume, multi-format production, engineered to take over every step of the process – filling, folding, packing, and sealing – with a single operator at the controls.
Backed by more than three decades of automation engineering and a decade of cannabis-specific expertise, it’s the most complete and efficient pre-roll machine on the market.
The AuraX can produce over 2,000 pre-rolls per hour, effectively doubling the throughput of mid-tier systems like the PreRoll-Er 200. That level of automation lets you replace several manual positions while keeping production consistent around the clock.
It’s ideal if you run an enterprise facility or co-packing operation that needs reliable output across multiple client SKUs or brands.
The AuraX runs every pre-roll format – cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused SKUs using diamonds, kief, live resin, isolate, or wax.
Add-ons like the Weight Checker (inline validation) and AutoTube (automated tubing) push efficiency even further, letting you switch between SKUs with minimal downtime.
This flexibility makes it easy to introduce new products, boost customer lifetime value, and stay competitive as consumer trends change.
Every AuraX includes five full days of on-site training and SOP development, so your team can start producing immediately and maintain consistent quality.
From there, you’ll have 24/7 access to Hefestus technicians in the U.S. and Israel, ensuring fast troubleshooting and minimal downtime – a major edge over systems that break down frequently, then are slow to fix due because the manufacturer provides limited support.
Priced around $230,000, the AuraX delivers more throughput and faster ROI than machines that cost more.
Between labor savings, higher uptime, and unlimited SKU potential, most operators recoup their investment quickly.
Flexible financing plans are also available, making it accessible for co-packers, MSOs, and growth-minded producers who want scalable automation without compromise.
Pros
- High-Volume Output: Fully automated system produces 2,000+ pre-rolls per hour with a single operator, optimizing labor efficiency.
- Complete Format Flexibility: Capable of producing all pre-roll types – including cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused products – with precise consistency.
- Comprehensive Support Package: Includes on-site training, setup assistance, and 24/7 global technical support to ensure seamless operation.
Cons
- Volume-Dependent ROI: Best suited for facilities with steady or growing production demand to fully leverage its automation benefits.
- Overcapacity for Small Operators: Advanced automation features may exceed operational needs for limited or boutique-scale producers.
Best For
The AuraX is best for high-volume operations producing 10-30k joints per month that want enterprise-level throughput, flexibility, and reliability from a single automated system.
It’s a practical choice for MSOs and co-packers focused on scaling multiple SKUs with minimal labor and maximum consistency.
PreRoll-Er 200 vs. Hefestus AuraX: How Do They Compare?
When you look at the PreRoll-Er 200 and Hefestus AuraX on paper, they serve similar purposes: automation, consistency, and quality control.
But once you dig into production speed, flexibility, training, and ROI, the differences become clear.
Here’s how the two stack up where it matters most.
Production Volume
If output and labor efficiency are your top priorities, the AuraX simply runs in a different league.
It produces more than 2,000 pre-rolls per hour with a single operator, compared to the PreRoll-Er 200’s 1,300 per hour – roughly 50% more throughput.
For operations producing 30,000 or more joints per month, that extra 700 per hour adds up fast – thousands of joints per shift, and major labor savings over time.
The AuraX also replaces more manual positions while keeping consistency high across every run.
The PreRoll-Er 200 delivers solid accuracy for mid-size batches, but as you push for higher output, it reaches its ceiling faster.
Bottom line: If you’re looking to grow production without adding staff, the AuraX wins on throughput, efficiency, and long-term scalability.
Production Capabilities
Both machines are built for precision, but the AuraX stands out for what it can do beyond the basics.
It handles cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused SKUs using diamonds, kief, live resin, isolate, or wax, and it can shift between them with minimal downtime.
The PreRoll-Er 200 offers reliable performance for cones and tubes, but its flexibility ends there. Where the AuraX pulls ahead is in how that versatility translates to revenue.
With the ability to run multiple product types, you can capture new customers through expanded SKUs and increase LTV by giving existing customers more options to buy.
In other words, AuraX isn’t just a production system – it’s a growth engine.
Bottom line: The AuraX wins for versatility, profitability, and its power to boost both customer acquisition and retention.
Training & Support
Hefestus takes training and support seriously because of what the AuraX can do.
Every purchase includes five full days of on-site setup, training, and SOP creation for every product you plan to run.
That means your team walks away ready to operate efficiently, with custom processes already documented.
By contrast, the PreRoll-Er 200 provides installation help and remote diagnostics, which gets you started but leaves the rest in your team’s hands.
The AuraX’s 24/7 access to technicians in both the U.S. and Israel also minimizes downtime and gives you immediate help when production needs change.
Bottom line: The AuraX wins on training and support – not just because service is included, but because Hefestus ensures your staff is equipped to benefit from the machine’s full versatility from day one.
Price & Financing
On paper, the AuraX costs slightly less – around $230,000 compared to the PreRoll-Er 200’s $275,000. But the bigger story is what that investment buys you.
The AuraX produces more units, handles more SKUs, and lets you expand product lines immediately – which means you reach ROI faster.
Most operators recover their investment quickly through reduced labor costs and new revenue from additional SKUs.
Hefestus also offers flexible financing tailored to cannabis producers, helping you scale even without the full capital up front.
The PreRoll-Er 200 delivers good value for mid-tier operations, but slower throughput and limited SKU potential extend the payback period.
Bottom line: The AuraX wins for cost-to-output ratio and ROI speed. Its ability to expand product offerings means your machine doesn’t just pay for itself – it helps fund your next phase of growth.
Conclusion: Which Automated Pre-Roll System is Better for Your Business?
Both machines bring value – it just depends where your operation stands.
The PreRoll-Er 200 fits mid-volume producers turning out 15,000–25,000 joints a month who need accuracy, compliance, and infused capability without jumping to enterprise scale.
The AuraX is built for operators ready to scale past 30,000 joints per month, expand SKUs, and boost margins with full automation and lower labor costs.
If you’re planning for growth, the AuraX delivers speed, versatility, and long-term ROI that smaller systems can’t match.
Ready to scale? Contact our team using the button in the header to see how the AuraX can power your next phase.
PreRoll-Er 200 vs. Hefestus AuraX: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most common questions operators ask when deciding between the PreRoll-Er 200 and the Hefestus AuraX – and what you should know before making the call.
Why Choose the AuraX Over the PreRoll-Er 200?
Choose the AuraX if you’re ready to scale beyond mid-volume production.
It delivers about 50% more throughput, runs every pre-roll format, and helps you expand SKUs and reach ROI faster.
Why Choose the PreRoll-Er 200 Over the AuraX?
Choose the PreRoll-Er 200 if you produce 15k–25k joints a month and value precision and compliance more than speed.
It’s a dependable mid-tier option for teams not yet ready for full enterprise automation.
How Much Does the PreRoll-Er 200 Cost?
The PreRoll-Er 200 costs about $275 000, reflecting its precision sensors and infused-ready design.
Financing is available, but ROI takes longer than with the faster, more versatile AuraX.
