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.

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.

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.

May 17, 2016

This year’s Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition marked the 40th anniversary of the inaugural Powder Show, which first debuted in 1976. The Powder Show is the dry processing and bulk solids handling industry’s largest trade event, where both US and other manufacturers exhibit the latest innovations in bulk solids handling. This year’s event also featured a Center Stage pavilion where process equipment manufacturers, in appreciation for their continued support of the event and the industry, were presented with an award for exhibiting at all Powder Shows for the last 40 years. VAC-U-MAX President, Steve Pendleton accepted the award on behalf of VAC-U-MAX.

A Leader in the Bulk Solids Handling Industry

“We are excited at the opportunity to both support the Powder Show and the bulk solids handling industry. As a US manufacturer of both processing and industrial vacuum cleaning equipment, we feel the need to perpetuate our strong industry know-how and even stronger application expertise at events like the Powder Show, where we continually reach and teach process engineers about the latest innovations in bulk solids handling,” says Steve Pendleton, President, VAC-U-MAX.

Since 1954, VAC-U-MAX has been the pioneer in vacuum pneumatic conveying, developing the first air-powered venturi unit and advancing technologies for direct-loading of vacuum tolerant process equipment. Additionally, VAC-U-MAX is the first to design vertical-wall “Tube Hopper” material receivers.

At the event, VAC-U-MAX exhibited a full range of pneumatic conveying equipment, showcasing continuous and batch conveying applications, including the company’s standard Midrange Series Conveyors. VAC-U-MAX exhibited an in-application demonstration of a large 36 inch diameter filter receiver conveying deer corn from a bag dump station with integrated dust collector and bag compactor. System was powered by a VAC-U-MAX Vacuum Pump Unit. VAC-U-MAX is a UL-listed manufacturer and supplier of control packages.

Additionally, VAC-U-MAX exhibited several industrial vacuum cleaning systems, including the industry’s first air-powered vacuum cleaner, which does not utilize electricity or generate heat from operation. The MDL55 Combustible Dust Vacuum Series (Models 40008, 40012, 40013) are ideal for applications requiring the cleanup of fine dusty materials and combustible dusts. The MDL850 was also featured, a high powered portable vacuum cleaner that offers continuous bagging of debris, minimizing worker exposure to dusts. The MDL1020 and MDL1040 were also demonstrated, with the MDL1020 featuring a powerful positive displacement pump designed specifically for high volume recovery (up to 5 tons per hour) of a variety of materials, and the MDL1040PD central vacuum system, specifically engineered for Class I and Class II rated locations, with support of 1 to 3 operators at one time, while conforming to NFPA standards for indoor installation.

“We look forward to exhibiting at the 2018 Powder and Bulk Solids show,” says Steve Pendleton, “and VAC-U-MAX will continue to support the powder and bulk solids handling industry with advances in process automation via pneumatic conveying and industrial vacuum cleaning.”