The printing industry has relied on vacuum pump technology for decades. From high-speed sheet-fed presses through to complex print finishing and bindery systems, vacuum and low-pressure air are critical to reliable sheet handling, product quality, and production speed.
At VacAir Superstore, we are a leading supplier of vacuum pumps, spares, pump vanes, servicing and replacement systems for the UK print industry. We support a wide range of commercial printers, carton manufacturers, direct mail companies, label producers and print finishing specialists throughout the UK.
Whether you operate a single litho press or a full finishing department with folders, collators, stitchers and laminators, we can supply replacement pumps, emergency breakdown support, servicing and genuine or compatible spare parts.
Featured Print Industry Vacuum Pumps
Becker DVT 3.140 Vacuum/Pressure Pump
- Type: Combined Rotary Vane
- Max. Vacuum: 600 mbar Abs
- Max. Pressure: 600 mbar Abs
- Flow: 137 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 7.5 kW
- Carbon Vanes, regular servicing
Becker DT 4.40K
- Type: Dry Running Rotary Vane
- Max. Pressure: 1 bar Abs
- Flow: 40 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 1.85 kW
- Carbon Vanes, regular servicing
Becker VT 4.40
- Type: Dry Running Rotary Vane
- Max. Vacuum: 100 mbar Abs
- Flow: 40 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 0.55 kW
- Carbon Vanes, regular servicing
Elmo Rietschle KTA 80/2 Vacuum/Pressure Pump
- Type: Combined Dry Running Rotary Vane
- Max. Vacuum: 600 mbar Abs
- Max. Pressure: 600 mbar Abs
- Flow: V= 60, P= 86 m3/h
- Std Motor Size : 4.0 kW
- Carbon Vanes, regular servicing
Common Printing Press Manufacturers
We regularly supply pumps, service kits and replacement systems for equipment used by major print manufacturers including:
- Heidelberg
- Komori
- Rolland
- Ryobi
- Mitsubishi
Newer Ryobi and Mitsubishi presses are now branded under RMGT (Ryobi MHI Graphic Technology) since the collaboration of both manufacturers, and we continue to support both legacy and current-generation machines.
We also regularly assist customers operating finishing equipment from manufacturers such as Stahl, Muller Martini, Horizon, Polar, Kolbus and Heidelberg finishing divisions.
The KLR110DVDV is an Elmo Rietschle pump available through Heidelberg. At Vacair Superstore we supply refurbished KLR110DVDV and KLR80DV on service exchange basis.
Vacuum Pumps Used in Printing Applications
Vacuum pumps are used throughout the print process to control and move sheets, hold products in position and assist automated handling systems.
Common applications include:
- Sheet separation and feeding
- Paper pick-up systems
- Conveyor transport systems
- Vacuum belts and transfer systems
- Folding machines
- Collators and gatherers
- Stitching and booklet making equipment
- Perfect binding machinery
- Laminating equipment
- Die cutting and packaging machinery
- Print finishing and post-press automation
While vacuum pumps are used directly on many printing presses, a large proportion of pumps in the print industry are actually found within print finishing and bindery departments, where reliable vacuum is essential for handling paper and card at high speed.
Common Vacuum Pump Types in the Printing Industry
The most common pump technology used in printing and finishing applications is the dry running rotary vane vacuum pump.
These pumps are widely used because they offer:
- Reliable continuous duty operation
- Fast vacuum response
- Low maintenance requirements
- Clean oil-free operation
- Excellent performance in dusty paper environments
- Simple servicing with readily available vanes and filters
Popular Vacuum Pump Models Used in Printing
Some of the most commonly encountered pumps within print and finishing environments include:
Becker Dry Running Rotary Vane Pumps
Popular Becker ranges include:
- Becker DVT series
- Becker VT series
- Becker DT series
These pumps are widely used on printing presses, folders, collators and automated handling systems due to their reliability and relatively low maintenance requirements.
Typical models include:
Elmo Rietschle Vacuum Pumps
We also support a large number of Elmo Rietschle systems used throughout the print industry, particularly:
- Rietschle KTA series, including KTA 50, KTA 80
- Rietschle KTR series, including KTR 100, KTR 140DVV
- Elmo Rietschle KLR series
These pumps are commonly Heidelberg machines and high-volume finishing equipment where robust continuous-duty vacuum performance is required.
Orion Vacuum Pumps
Being a Japanese pump manufacturer these pumps are widely used on Ryobi, Mitsubishi (RMGT) machines and also older Sakurai and Shinohara machines
- Orion KRS / KRX series, including KRS 5, KRS 7
- Orion CBS / CBX Series, including CBX 15, CBX 25
Common Vacuum Pump Problems in Printing
Printing and finishing environments can be demanding due to paper dust, fibre contamination and continuous production schedules.
Some of the most common issues we see include:
Loss of Vacuum
A gradual loss of vacuum can cause:
- Misfeeds
- Double sheet feeding
- Poor sheet separation
- Product jams
- Reduced finishing quality
Common causes include worn vanes, blocked filters or leaking pipework.
Worn Carbon Vanes
Dry running rotary vane pumps rely on carbon vanes to generate vacuum efficiently.
As vanes wear, performance drops and eventually the pump may fail to achieve sufficient vacuum levels for reliable operation.
We supply replacement vanes for many Becker and Rietschle models used within the print industry.
Dust Contamination
Paper dust is one of the biggest causes of vacuum pump issues in printing applications.
Blocked inlet filters and internal contamination can lead to:
- Reduced airflow
- Overheating
- Increased noise
- Premature vane wear
- Bearing failure
Regular servicing is essential in busy print environments.
Noisy Operation
A vacuum pump becoming louder than normal is often an early warning sign of:
- Worn bearings
- Damaged vanes
- Internal scoring
- Cooling issues
Early intervention can often prevent a major breakdown.
Vacuum Pump Servicing for Printing Companies
We provide vacuum pump servicing and repairs for printing and finishing companies throughout the UK.
Our services include:
- Vacuum pump servicing
- Emergency breakdown support
- Workshop overhauls
- Replacement pumps
- Carbon vane replacement
- Filter replacement
- Bearing replacement
- Loan pumps to minimise downtime
- Vacuum fault diagnosis
We understand that downtime in the print industry can quickly become costly, particularly on high-speed production lines and finishing departments.
Why Print Companies Choose VacAir
VacAir Superstore has supplied and supported vacuum pumps within the printing industry for many years.
Customers choose us because we offer:
- We have been in the involved printing industry since the 1980’s
- Our senior management have previously worked for Komori, Ryobi and the former UK Becker agent
- UK-wide support
- Fast supply of pumps and spare parts
- Support for both modern and older equipment
- Knowledge of common print industry pump issues
- Service support for Becker, Rietschle and many other brands
- Technical advice from engineers familiar with print machinery environments
- ISO9001:2015 Certified service division and workshop repairs
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vacuum pumps are used in the printing industry?
The most common vacuum pumps used in the printing industry are dry running rotary vane pumps. Popular examples include Becker DVT, Becker VT, Rietschle KTA and Rietschle KTR pumps.
Are vacuum pumps used on printing presses?
Yes. Vacuum pumps are used on many printing presses for sheet separation, feeding, transfer and handling. They are commonly found on presses from manufacturers such as Heidelberg, Komori, Ryobi, Mitsubishi and RMGT.
Are most printing vacuum pumps used in print finishing?
Although vacuum pumps are used on presses, a large number of pumps in the print industry are found in print finishing and bindery equipment. This includes folders, collators, stitchers, booklet makers, laminators and other post-press machinery.
What causes vacuum problems on printing and finishing machinery?
Common causes include worn carbon vanes, blocked inlet filters, paper dust contamination, leaking pipework, worn bearings and general pump wear. These issues can lead to poor sheet separation, misfeeds, jams and reduced production reliability.
Can you supply replacement pumps for Heidelberg, Komori and RMGT machines?
Yes. VacAir Superstore supplies replacement vacuum pumps, spare parts, carbon vanes and service support for printing presses and finishing equipment, including machinery from Heidelberg, Komori, Ryobi, Mitsubishi and RMGT.
Do you service vacuum pumps used in print finishing equipment?
Yes. We service and repair vacuum pumps used in print finishing machinery including folders, collators, stitchers, booklet makers, laminators, binders and paper handling systems.
Can worn carbon vanes affect print production?
Yes. Worn carbon vanes reduce vacuum performance and can cause poor sheet feeding, double-sheeting, misfeeds and machine stoppages. Replacing vanes before they fail can help prevent costly downtime.
Trust VacAir Superstore for all your vacuum pump needs.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you save money and keep your operations running smoothly.