Cannabis Distillation Equipment

Both VTA and UIC deliver German-engineered wiped-film short path distillation systems for cannabis and hemp processing. Each line focuses on producing clean, high-purity distillate through continuous, controlled separation. The right choice depends on your operating goals, budget, and scale.

Where VTA Excels

• Flagship performance: Designed for facilities that want a feature-rich platform with advanced controls and a long track record in cannabinoid refinement.
• Scalability for growth: Well suited for teams planning higher throughput, multi-shift operation, or integration with broader automation.
• Proven in the field: Adopted by producers who value repeatable results across demanding production schedules.

Where UIC Excels

• Value and accessibility: Built for teams seeking dependable wiped-film distillation at a more accessible price point.
• Compact options: Helpful when space is limited or when an operation wants an entry-level or mid-scale system that can run daily with minimal complexity.
• Straightforward operation: Practical for labs that want consistent distillate quality with clear workflows and easy onboarding.

How to Decide for Your Facility

• Production targets: If your roadmap includes higher throughput and advanced automation, VTA is often the better fit. For entry-level to mid-scale production with strong value, consider UIC.
• Budget and timeline: UIC supports a cost-conscious start while meeting quality goals for cannabis and hemp distillate. VTA aligns with facilities investing in premium features and long-term expansion.
• Footprint and utilities: UIC offers compact configurations for tighter spaces. VTA provides options that integrate well in larger, growth-oriented layouts.
• Team experience: Newer teams tend to appreciate UIC’s approachable operation. Seasoned teams may prefer VTA’s advanced capabilities and configurability.

Bottom Line

Both VTA and UIC produce reliable, high-purity cannabis and hemp distillate with continuous operation and strong repeatability. Choose the line that best aligns with your current scale, future growth plans, and budget, and Root Sciences will support you through selection, installation, training, and ongoing maintenance.

Wiped-film, or short-path, distillation is a thermal separation technique that uses a thin film of oil spread across a heated surface under vacuum. The reduced pressure allows cannabinoids and other compounds to vaporize at lower temperatures, preserving delicate components and improving product purity. As vapors condense on an internal surface, they are collected separately from heavier materials left behind. This method is ideal for purifying cannabis and hemp extracts because it efficiently removes residual solvents, fats, and impurities while maintaining cannabinoid integrity. UIC systems apply this principle in a compact, automated format suitable for continuous operation in modern extraction labs.

Wiped-film distillation is a gentle refinement method that separates cannabinoids from heavier compounds using a thin film of oil across a heated surface. It is widely used because it preserves sensitive components while producing clean, consistent distillate for vape products, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

Both manufacturers produce high-quality wiped-film systems, but they offer different designs, materials, and throughput ranges. UIC provides accessible glass and stainless-steel options, while VTA offers advanced German-engineered units known for their higher capacity and robust automation.

The best fit depends on your target throughput, material volume, available utilities, and preferred level of automation. Smaller and mid-size systems suit developing labs, while high-throughput units support continuous industrial production.

Most wiped-film systems process winterized or decarboxylated crude oil from cannabis or hemp extraction. Exact preparation requirements vary depending on system size, vacuum performance, and desired final product characteristics.

Distillate produced on UIC and VTA systems is commonly used in vape formulations, edibles, tinctures, softgels, capsules, beverages, and a range of infused cannabis and hemp products.

Vacuum depth is crucial because it allows cannabinoids to evaporate at lower temperatures, which helps prevent thermal degradation. Both UIC and VTA incorporate specialized pumps and vacuum gauges to maintain stable operating conditions.

Most units feature operator-friendly controls, clear workflows, and straightforward setup. VTA equipment often includes more advanced automation, while UIC systems emphasize accessible operation and real-time visibility depending on user preference.

Routine cleaning, seal checks, and vacuum monitoring are standard for wiped-film systems. Preventive Maintenance Kits are available to help labs replace commonly used parts on a predictable schedule and minimize downtime.

Yes. Both lines offer multiple system sizes and throughput tiers, making it easy for labs to start with an entry-level model and expand to higher-capacity units as demand increases.