January 28, 2026

VAC-U-MAX was selected for the Technology Exclusive in this issue that spotlights modern advancements in pneumatic conveying.

We are pleased to announce that our article, How Pre-Engineered Conveying Systems Evolve to Meet Demand, was selected for the Technology Exclusive featured cover story of Powder & Bulk Solids’ January 2026 issue.

Written by Doan Pendleton, the article discusses modern advancements in pre-engineered conveying systems and highlights the VAC-U-MAX Signature Series™ family of packaged conveying solutions.

In this highly informative article, Pendleton discusses the five core components of pre-engineered vacuum conveying systems and how these modular, flexible systems can be configured to ensure the reliable, efficient transfer of dry bulk solids for the vast majority of materials and applications.

• Read the article
• View the full issue

In addition to the cover article, the issue also features a VAC-U-MAX Signature Series Product Spotlight on page 27, and our central vacuum systems are featured in the Dust Collection Showcase on page 32.

Dive Deeper: Learn about the product line.

Signature Series™ — An Easy-to-Integrate Modular Solution

The VAC-U-MAX Signature Series™ is an easy-to-integrate 5-part solution for powder and bulk solid transfer. This family of packaged vacuum conveying systems deliver plug-and-play convenience with engineered precision. Each system arrives preconfigured for fast setup and reliable performance, eliminating complex installation and minimizing downtime.

Learn more about our Signature Series packaged conveying solutions →

Meet the Signature Series™ Family!

Our Signature Series™ packaged conveying systems come in two main sizes. The 1500 Series is rated to move up to 1500 pounds (680 kg) per hour, and the larger 3500 Series handles up to 3500 pounds (1600 kg) per hour. Both series are highly customizable, with standard and sanitary options, offset cone and tube hopper receiver variations, venturi- or electric-powdered vacuum producers, and a control panel customized for your process and ready to go on arrival.

January 5, 2026

Marginal gains lead to peak performance, and peak performance can lead to huge returns – from higher quality product and less waste to faster output, longer equipment life, improved working conditions, and much more.

At VAC-U-MAX, we provide the successful delivery of custom engineered bulk material handling solutions by first analyzing bulk material flow properties. Our fully-equipped test facility simulates customers’ bulk material handling applications, giving careful consideration to material flow properties, particle attrition, segregation, powder fluidizing or caking, pneumatic conveying behavior, and other particle properties such as shape, size, and bulk density.

Test Lab Profile

The VAC-U-MAX test lab offers over 6,000 square feet (600 m²) of available floor space with tubing runs up to 400 feet (120m), at convey rates from 10 lbs/hr (4 kg/hr) to 25,000 lbs/hr (11,000 kg/hr). Systems incorporate vacuum conveying for batch, continuous, loss-in-weight and gain-in-weight applications, in addition to aero-mechanical and flexible screw conveying. Vacuum producers include VAC-U-MAX Venturi units, VAC-U-MAX Positive Displacement Vacuum Pumps up to 30 HP (22.5 kW), and high Vacuum Pumps up to 29″ Hg (982 Mbar).

VAC-U-MAX customers can witness live material tests, or videos can be supplied if unable to attend a material test. System testing can incorporate other OEM equipment, such as rotary valves or other components requested by the customer.

Looking to get started?

Contact us for more information or to request a material test.

VAC-U-MAX Test Lab by the Numbers

• Over 6,000 square feet (600 square meters) of floor space
• Tubing can run up to 400 feet (120 meters)
• Convey rates from 10 to 25,000 pounds per hour (4 to 11,000 kilograms per hour)
• Applications can include batch, continuous, loss-in-weight and gain-in-weight vacuum conveying systems as well as aero-mechanical and flexible screw conveyors
• We can also incorporate OEM equipment, such as rotary valves or other components, to fully replicate your process
• Vacuum producers include VAC-U-MAX Venturi units, VAC-U-MAX Positive Displacement Vacuum Pumps up to 30 horsepower (22.5 kilowatts), and High Vacuum Pumps up to 29″ Hg (982 Mbar)
• Over 10,000 materials tested, from the finest silica fumes to the heaviest steel shot, from delicate friable foods to sticky, hard-to-move substances and beyond

April 15, 2024

Reclaim, Reclassify & Recondition Metal Powders for 3D Printing

VAC-U-MAX, GEMCO, and VORTI-SIV are proud to announce their collaborative development of the AM-MPRR, an innovative new system designed for effective 3D printing of metal powders. This system manages the entire lifecycle of metal powders for powder bed laser fusion and binder jet printing, including unloading, handling, reclamation, and reconditioning. AM-MPRR will be unveiled at RAPID + tct 2024, taking place June 25-27, 2024 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Booths 1525 & 1531.

The new system utilizes advanced vacuum technology to fully extract metal powders from the printing bed while removing unused metal powder and reconditioning it for future use, revolutionizing metal powder reuse. It reclaims unused powders from the printing bed in 85% less time than traditional methods, reconditioning them for reuse.

AM-MPRR seamlessly integrates with GEMCO’s mixing and drying technology. This allows users to efficiently reclaim and recondition unused metal powders from the printing process and extend their useful life. Overall, this system leads to waste reduction, material usage optimization, and cost savings – all while maintaining the high-performance standards required for critical AM applications.

Experience is not an experiment.

“Experience is not an experiment,” said Doan Pendleton, President of VAC-U-MAX. “There is no need to reinvent the proverbial wheel for metal powder handling needs. The MPRR family of products comes with experience as a standard feature, from a team of companies including GEMCO and VORTI-SIV that have supported additive manufacturing and 3D printing since its early days.”

The commitment to innovation extends beyond the AM-MPRR project for all three companies. Highlighting the collaborative nature of the AM-MPRR, Casey Bickhardt, President/CEO/Owner of GEMCO, emphasizes, “We are firmly committed to advancing the entire additive manufacturing industry. This new, joint AM-MPRR effort perfectly embodies that spirit.” This commitment is further exemplified by GEMCO’s recent membership of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Metal Additive Manufacturing Powder Consortium.

Every detail was considered.

Listening to customers’ needs and drawing on their extensive powder handling experiences has resulted in an equipment package that addresses key requirements of laser powder bed fusion and binder jet printing operations.

Reclaim: Removing unused metal powder safely and productively from the build box with a proven vacuum conveyor. The vacuum conveyor module also direct-charge loads the tumble blender in a safe and productive way. A sustainable and safe benefit.

Reclassify: Depositing the collected metal powders onto a vibratory sieve to remove oversized particles or foreign debris. A high-quality benefit. The sieve incorporates an ultrasonic screen anti-blinding device for non-stop operation.

Recondition: Residual identical powder from multiple printers can be delivered to the tumble blender module to be homogenized into a consistent masterbatch for reuse. Another version of the MPRR not only blends the powder effectively but dries it to a single-digit moisture content to improve the powder flowability. Longer time before returning the powder for remelting and re-atomizing. A bottom-line benefit.

Reduce time: Traditional 3D printing workflows can be hampered by the time-consuming powder handling required for each build. The innovative MPRR system addresses this challenge by offering a combined solution for productive vacuum removal and simultaneous sieving of powders. This translates to a significant 85% reduction in downtime, leading to substantial gains in overall printing efficiency.

Reduce Unsafe Conditions: All MPRR products are designed to process reactive and non-reactive metal powders in accordance with NFPA and UL standards in a plug-and-play design. The MPRR products deliver reconditioned metal powders that are ready for use in demanding high-spec printing operations. Other benefits include improved ergonomics for operators, safe material handling, and reduced spillage from manual handling of small powder containers or manual sieving. The portable design is easy to maneuver around print rooms.

AM-MPRR products are easily serviced with their uncluttered design and the ability to have screens pretensioned and re-meshed by the manufacturer at a lower cost than new.

230 years of combined expertise lead to flawless collaboration.

VAC-U-MAX, GEMCO, and VORTI-SIV collectively represent over 230 years of powder handling, processing, and manufacturing expertise, adding technical know-how to the 3D printing industry.

Since 1954, VAC-U-MAX has specialized in the design and manufacture of bulk material handling systems and support equipment used for conveying, weighing, and batching of dry bulk solids.

GEMCO has been providing best-in-class tumble mixing and drying solutions since 1916. A fourth-generation family-owned industrial manufacturer, GEMCO has engineered, produced, and installed thousands of mixers and dryers worldwide and operates the largest tumble mixing and drying technology center.

Since 1968, VORTI-SIV has been a leading manufacturer of the highest-quality sieves, screens, and separation equipment. They service many industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, ink, paint and coatings, powder metals, and cosmetics. Their lab, pilot, and production-size equipment are used worldwide for many high-quality wet and dry processes.

For more information, contact VAC-U-MAX, GEMCO, or VORTI-SIV.

April 9, 2024

A Legacy of Maximizing Manufacturing Processes, Health, and Safety

VAC-U-MAX, a leading manufacturer of bulk material handling and industrial vacuum cleaning systems, proudly announces its 70th anniversary. Since its founding in 1954 by Frank Pendleton, the company has been at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing industries worldwide.

From its manufacturing headquarters in Belleville, New Jersey, VAC-U-MAX has continuously set the standard for excellence. In 1954, the company introduced the world’s first industrial vacuum cleaner powered entirely by compressed air, addressing the textile mills industry’s need for safe removal of highly combustible dust and lint. VAC-U-MAX expanded the product line to include systems for the safe evacuation of flammable liquids, such as jet fuel from the wing tanks of Boeing 747 aircraft.

“We are incredibly proud of our 70-year journey,” said Doan Pendleton, President of VAC-U-MAX. “From our early innovations in industrial vacuum cleaning to our latest advancements in additive manufacturing and 3D printing, we have remained committed to excellence and customer satisfaction.”

In 1965, VAC-U-MAX entered the pneumatic conveying business, introducing unique venturi vacuum producers to convey black powder for a US ordnance manufacturer. The company continued to innovate, introducing the tube hopper vacuum receiver for conveying sticky and cohesive materials that tend to bridge and rathole. Today, VAC-U-MAX has conveyed over 10,000 various dry bulk solids.

Entering the metalworking industry in the early 1970s, VAC-U-MAX designed the TK-Series for high- volume liquid recovery. In 1985, the company began manufacturing continuous-duty and central vacuum cleaning systems for high volume recovery up to 5 tons per hour, of heavy materials including steel shot and cement. Expanding on this technology, VAC-U-MAX introduced the patented Bulk Bag (Super Sac) unloading station and the patented preconditioner.

In 2014, VAC-U-MAX revolutionized the additive manufacturing 3D printing industry with the introduction of the AM-MPRS (Additive Manufacturing Metal Powder Recovery System). This system utilizes advanced vacuum conveying technology to extract metal powder from the printing build box, and sieve it for reuse, significantly reducing processing time compared to traditional methods.

VAC-U-MAX’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by its introduction of the first renewable-energy lithium-ion vacuum system for high volume debris recovery in indoor subway stations. The system has already collected over 4 million pounds of debris in its first year of operation.

As VAC-U-MAX celebrates its 70th anniversary, the company looks forward to continuing its “Made in USA since 1954” tradition, focusing on innovations in bulk material handling and industrial vacuum cleaning.

March 18, 2022

#MADEinNewJersey since 1954

Thank you to the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program for naming us NJMEP’s Manufacturer of the Week!

VAC-U-MAX is honored to receive this recognition. As a proud #MADEinNewJersey manufacturer since 1954, VAC-U-MAX founder Frank Pendleton invented the world’s first industrial vacuum cleaner that operated solely on compressed air to make New Jersey’s textile mills a safer place to work.

In 1970, he went on to design an industrial vacuum for the safe evacuation of jet fuel for Pan American Airways—this project was also in the neighborhood, as Pan Am’s hub was JFK Airport at the time! Frank’s invention helped Pan Am recover highly flammable jet fuel from the wing tanks of the first Boeing 747 aircrafts.

Fast forward to today—68 years after opening our doors—New Jersey is still our home, and VAC-U-MAX continues to lead in bulk material handling technologies, conveying over 10,000 powders and granular bulk materials to processing and packaging lines, in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, chemical, plastics, petrochemicals, and nonwovens industries. What New Jersey Makes, The World Takes!

The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) is a premier training and consulting organization that champions New Jersey’s small- to medium-sized manufacturing businesses.

November 12, 2019

65th Anniversary • President’s 50-Year Employment • New President

2019 has been a banner year for VAC-U-MAX! Founded in 1954 by Frank Pendleton, this year marks 65 years of industry leadership and innovation for VAC-U-MAX.

We’ve seen a lot of firsts over the years! VAC-U-MAX designed the world’s first industrial vacuum cleaner operating on compressed-air for high volume recovery of combustible and flammable materials. We were also the first to introduce vacuum-generated venturi power units with patented noise suppression for vacuum conveying over 10,000 various powders and granular bulk materials. Today, pneumatic conveying is the most commercially accepted way of moving dry powder particulate to processing and packaging lines.

50 Years for Pioneer and Visionary, Steve Pendleton

This year also marks the 50th work year anniversary for Steve Pendleton who served various positions within the organization from 1969 to present, including serving as President of VAC-U-MAX. During his 50-year tenure, Steve Pendleton led the company’s vision, transformation, and growth following family tradition and entrepreneurial spirit. For his 50th work year anniversary, VAC-U-MAX provided a catered luncheon for the entire organization and surprised him with a cake.

“Fifty years ago, I filled an open sales position offered to me by my father Frank, selling compressed-air powered vacuum cleaners from the trunk of my car,” said Steve Pendleton. “The past 50 years have been the best memories of my life, with a fantastic team of dedicated and loyal employees along the way. Thank you for celebrating this work anniversary with me, but with this announcement, I am also letting you know that I resign as President and introduce to you our new President, Doan Pendleton.”

The Next Generation of Leadership, Doan Pendleton

At the meeting VAC-U-MAX announced the appointment of Doan Pendleton as President, assuming the new role effective November 1, 2019. Doan Pendleton will continue to create, communicate and implement VAC-U-MAX’s vision, mission and overall direction within the companies’ philosophies, expectations, and guidelines. Doan brings forward decades of experience and proven track records of customer-centric visions. Steve Pendleton will continue as Chairman of the Board.

“I am both humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve as President,” said Doan Pendleton. “My father was the first to see the true potential of VAC-U-MAX and is responsible for growing VAC-U-MAX to where it is today. I cannot thank him enough for his vision, leadership, perseverance, and contributions. He is the true pioneer and visionary and will continue as Chairman of the Board,” said Doan Pendleton.

VAC-U-MAX marked another milestone in 2019 with the introduction of the new Model 1050, a continuous-duty industrial vacuum cleaner designed for high volume recovery of high-density and abrasive materials including steel shot, grit, cement, foundry sand, and other similar materials. The Model 1050 vacuums up to 10,000 lbs (4,500 kg) pr/hr from distances up to 30 feet (9m) away.

August 19, 2019

Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

VAC-U-MAX is honored to have been selected by Industrial Equipment News to be featured in an episode of Made in America, a video series that spotlights US-based companies committed to American manufacturing. With 70 employees, many of whom have been with the company for 25 years or more, we at VAC-U-MAX are truly committed to our employees, our community, and American manufacturing.

We also partner with American companies. Our metal powder recovery and reconditioning system (AM-MPRR) was jointly developed by three American, family-owned businesses with over 230 years of industrial powder handling experience—VAC-U-MAX, Vorti-Siv, and GEMCO.

Watch the video below to get an inside look at what we do!

Made in America is a video series produced by IEN Magazine. Industrial Equipment News developed this series to showcase and support companies that take pride in the “Made in the U.S.A.” label.

May 29, 2019

Founded to Serve the Highly Combustible Textile Industry of New Jersey

VAC-U-MAX has reached a proud milestone celebrating 65 years of business providing bulk material handling and industrial vacuum cleaning solutions to industries worldwide. The company has grown from the dreams of its founder Frank Pendleton, who designed the world’s first industrial vacuum cleaner that operated only on compressed-air to service the highly combustible textile mills industry of New Jersey.

In addition to servicing niches for combustible dust handling, in 1970 VAC-U-MAX designed and engineered compressed-air powered industrial vacuum cleaners for the evacuation of highly flammable jet fuel for Pan American Airways, recovering jet fuel from the wing tanks of the first Boeing 747 aircraft.

Since 1954 VAC-U-MAX designed, manufactured and marketed a full range of compressed-air driven industrial vacuum cleaners for combustible dusts, flammable liquids and reactive powders, with product range expanding to include explosion-proof electric-powered vacs used in agriculture, chemical and food industries, as well as portable, continuous-duty, and central vacuum cleaning systems. In 2018 VAC-U-MAX designed the first renewable-energy lithium-ion vacuum cleaning system for high volume recovery of post-consumer waste for municipal transit track cleaning applications.

A pioneer with many firsts, in 1965 VAC-U-MAX entered the pneumatic conveying business by designing the first venturi-powered vacuum-generator with patented noise suppression for applications conveying black powder for a US ordnance manufacturer. In 1977 VAC-U-MAX introduced the vertical-wall “tube hopper” material receiver designed for “difficult-to-convey” materials. Today’s manufacturing environment utilizes pneumatic conveying systems for moving a wide variety of powders and granular materials from sources like drums, totes and super sacks, to destinations like process equipment or packaging lines, with vacuum conveying technology the most commercially accepted. In 1989 VAC-U-MAX patented the Bulk Bag (Super Sac) Unloading Station which included massaging actuators that aid material flow from the super sac to the process below.

VAC-U-MAX’s tradition, vertical integration, application expertise, and manufacturing in Belleville, New Jersey spans three generations, with Steve Pendleton the President of VAC-U-MAX. “It gives me great pride to follow our family tradition and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Pendleton. “We are committed to building, expanding, and continuing our legacy by manufacturing high-quality solutions for industries worldwide. I am proud of what our company and employees have accomplished and will continue to accomplish, following the legacy of our founder, Frank Pendleton.”

Since 1954, VAC-U-MAX has defined leadership in bulk material handling and industrial vacuum cleaning for a wide range of industries including food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, chemical, frac sand, precast concrete, packaging, additive manufacturing, plastics, nonwovens, and more. A UL-listed designer and manufacturer of control systems for general purpose and hazardous locations, VAC-U-MAX furnishes integrated controls maximizing coordination of material movement with tie-in capabilities to existing control systems. With a customer-centric focus at every step of the process, VAC-U-MAX is committed to continual improvement with quality policies, strategies and quality systems communicated within the organization.

A Tradition of Innovation

“The secret to the success of any business is being able to focus not on fighting to keep the old, but also on building and expanding the new,” said Doan Pendleton, Vice President. “At VAC-U-MAX we focus on our customers and their applications and in doing so incorporate 65 years of process expertise,” said Pendleton.

With over 6,000 square feet of available floor space in the Customer Test Facility, VAC-U-MAX offers the ability to create a multitude of equipment configurations. Over 10,000 difficult-to-convey materials have been tested in their 65 years, adding to VAC-U-MAX application expertise in bulk material handling and industrial vacuum cleaning. Test facility is equipped to meet customer demands for full-scale vacuum conveying, flexible screw and aero-mechanical conveying testing, in addition to testing a wide range of industrial vacuum cleaners.

VAC-U-MAX product range includes vacuum conveying components and systems for general purpose and USDA Sanitary designs, multi-ingredient handling / batch weighing systems, bulk bag loading / unloading systems, bag dump stations with integrated dust collection and empty bag compaction, flexible and aero-mechanical screw conveyors, convey line diverter valves, direct charge blender loading, load lifters, mobile vacuum conveying systems, feeder refill systems, filter assemblies and media including HEPA filtration, UL-listed control panels, as well as a full line of portable, continuous-duty and central vacuum cleaning systems for high volume recovery of many materials including combustible dusts, flammable liquids, steel shot, reactive powders and more.

November 8, 2018

VAC-U-MAX proudly announces receiving Powder & Bulk Solids Magazine’s “Readers’ Choice Award” for second consecutive year, receiving the highest score for “Recall Seeing” from the Baxter Ad Performance Study which cites VAC-U-MAX’s advertisement as the “highest recalled advertisement” with a score of 79%.

The Powder and Bulk Solids reading audience recalled seeing or reading the VAC-U-MAX ad the most, out of all advertisements. The “Recall Seeing” score reports on the total percentage of respondents that indicate they were exposed to the VAC-U-MAX advertisement by either seeing it or reading it. The “Baxter Ad Performance Study” is conducted via email with sample population selected from Powder and Bulk Solids Magazine’s qualified circulation list.

Since 1983, Powder & Bulk Solids provides information on innovative technologies for the dry powder and bulk solids handling industries, focusing on products, equipment, systems and services. The adViewPlus ad study report demonstrates ad performance in the context of three steps: Exposure, Engagement and Involvement. As part of that study, “Recall Seeing” refers to the ability of an ad or editorial item to attract the respondent’s attention. VAC-U-MAX scored the highest in the categories of Conveyors: Pneumatic, Conveyors: Mechanical and Packaging & Bagging Equipment.

Since 1954, VAC-U-MAX has designed and manufactured bulk material handling and industrial vacuum cleaning systems in Belleville, New Jersey, developing the world’s first industrial vacuum cleaner operating only on compressed-air for the highly combustible textile mills industry of New Jersey. We have had many firsts including the first to design and manufacture tube hopper material receivers for powders and granular materials; and VAC-U-MAX-venturi-operated receivers for vacuum conveying applications from handfuls to 25,000 lbs/hr (12,000 kg/hr) and beyond.

VAC-U-MAX is a UL-listed designer and fabricator of control panels. An expert at conveying and cleaning powders and combustible dusts, the VAC-U-MAX product range includes ATEX-certified industrial vacuum cleaners for flammable liquids, combustible dusts and reactive powders.

Contact us to learn more!

August 23, 2017

Recover & Reuse Valuable Metal Powders

VAC-U-MAX proudly announces a new Metal Powder Recovery System (AM-MPRS) for Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing applications, that now offers conveying, screening, recovering and reuse of metal powders including Inconel, Stainless Steel, Haynes 282, and Cobalt Chrome. The VAC-U-MAX AM-MPRS increases productivity of Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printing Machines by extracting metal powders from the printing bed via vacuum, and then sieving the metal powder for future use – cutting metal powder recovery time by 85%.

The new AM-MPRS is designed for ease-of-use, conveying metal powders in a closed system, eliminating operator exposure to metal dusts, and maximizing plant and personnel safety.

Ergonomic, Mobile, Convenient

The VAC-U-MAX AM-MPRS utilizes vacuum, with system extracting the metal powder, conveying it to a vacuum receiver, and then discharging the metal powder into a sieve. The sieve discharges the metal powder into a pail, drum or IBC, in a contained and inert environment. System is NFPA 484 compliant for handling metal powders and reduces risk of cross-contamination. AM-MPRS allows full metal powder recovery and quick dismantle without tools. The ergonomic low-profile design and mobile frame allows easy rolling with lockable casters.

Customizable for Your Specifications

AM-MPRS includes pick-up hand tool and static-conductive hose with smooth bore. Hoses for non-aerospace applications are available in PVC construction, both FDA and USDA approved.

Aerospace applications are offered with flexible stainless-steel hose with smooth bore construction. AM-MPRS offers inert gas-purge fittings and optional gas-purge manifold supplied at customers request.

Additional features include HEPA Filter canister with filter, and high-output suspended vibratory sieving machine with US230 mesh, ultrasonic de-blinding kit, and VAC-U-MAX Vacuum Receiver.

The VAC-U-MAX 316L Stainless-Steel Vacuum Receiver Package offers 36 square feet of filter area and counter-weighted discharge valve. Vacuum Generator includes VAC-U-MAX’s Single Venturi Power Unit. Compressed-air is driven by a vacuum generator with ½” NPT high-pressure air connection.

System requires 35CFM @ 60PSI for operation, with variable orifice assembly for adjustment of vacuum levels. A NEMA 4, UL-Certified VAC-U-MAX Control Panel offers Micro-PLC for Vacuum Conveying functions, starter for sieve, grounding and bonding monitor, and face-mount ultrasonic controls.