Shredders

Shredders will help you reliably destroy sensitive documents, as well as CD/DVDs and credit cards. There are several types of shredders which differ in performance, cut type, collector volume, and shredder security. How to choose the most suitable shredder for your needs?

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Types of Shredders

Cross-section - these shred documents into very small pieces, ensuring more data protection. On the other hand, the shredder can only shred a small amount of paper at once.
Longitudinal Cut - Can handle multiple papers at a time, but the classification level is not too high.

Higher protection of data from a shredder, results in smaller pieces of paper as the end result.

Scale Classification - Overview of DIN Classifications

The degree of classification indicates, along with the type of cut, how small the pieces will be. Shredders are always classified according to the DIN 66399 standard, with P marking the size. P-1 is suitable for shredding family documents and accounts, while P-5 is for highly sensitive documents. Such documents can no longer be pieced back together and read after shredding. Since different medias hold different amounts of data on the same size, classification levels are classified for other media as well. This information is often found in the product description; for example, O-2 refers to weaker secrecy when CDs and DVDs are being scanned, and the F-5 is highly classified as a destruction of movies.

Designation according to DIN 66399	Degree of Safety	Cut type	Strip/particle size
P-1	General confidentiality	Longitudinal	Strip max. 12mm
P-2	Internal secrecy	Longitudinal	Strip max. 6mm
P-3	Sensitive data - personal data	Cross	Particles up to 320mm²
P-4	Highly sensitive data - important contracts	Cross	Particles up to 160mm²
P-5	Secret - for example, hidden technical documentation	Cross	Particles up to 30mm²

Shredding Capacity

Shredding capacity determines how many sheets of paper the shredder is able to handle at once.

With cheaper machines, if the capacity is exceeded, the burning of the engine may occur in the extreme case.
High-end shredders are equipped with overheat protection - when the capacity is exceeded, the shredder reverses and sends the paper back.

Volume of the Shredder Basket

If you are shredding a small amount of paper at one time, you will need a shredder with a basket volume of up to 10 liters.

In general, four sheets of paper take up approximately one liter of basket volume.

Cutting Speed of Shredders

Cutting speed is reported in metres per minute, or millimeters per second.

Slower shredders typically have a speed of up to 2.1m per minute.
Faster shredders shred at 2.2 m per minute or higher.

Material for Shredding

The most common material is, of course, paper. In addition, some models can handle credit cards, CDs and DVDs, or handle shredded paper sheets that are stapled. There are also cardboard shredders, which will be especially useful if you want to make packing material from an unusable piece of cardboard, for the protection of transported goods.

Manual Shredders

These shredders work in such a way that the user rotates the loop and the shredding takes place. They are especially suitable for occasional home use. Some manual shredders can also dispose of CDs, DVDs or credit cards.