Shredder Definitions
Read these before you buy a shredder!
| Cross Cut / Confetti Cut / Particle Cut – Cross Cut, also known as Confetti or Particle Cut, shreds paper into small pieces. |
| Crypto Cut – The highest security level of cross-cut shredders, often used in government (Class A or B), reducing paper to tiny particles. |
| Straight Cut / Strip Cut / Ribbon Cut – Shreds paper into long strips; a less secure method than cross cut. |
| DIN Standard – A classification system defining shredder security levels by the size of shredded particles. |
| Security Levels – Ranges from Level 1 to Level 6 (S1 to S6). The higher the level, the smaller the cut and greater the security. |
| Duty Cycle – How long a shredder can operate before requiring a cool-down. Higher-end models like Kobra offer 24-hour continuous use. |
| Throat Width – The width of the paper feed entry. E.g., 260mm fits A4, 400mm fits A3 and computer printouts. |
| Continuous Sensing – Allows paper to be added during shredding and helps prevent jams. |
| Ultra Quiet – Shredders designed for quiet operation, ideal for shared office environments. |
| Max Sheet Capacity – Maximum number of sheets a shredder can handle in one go. |
| Automatic Shut-Off – Turns off the shredder after inactivity to save energy and enhance safety. |
| Self Cleaning – Prevents paper jams by automatically cleaning the cutter blades. |
| Continuous Operation – Shredders that don’t require cool-down periods; ideal for high-usage scenarios. |
| Anti Jam Technology – Uses a power boost or reverse mechanism to clear jams. |
| Compaction Technology – Compacts shredded paper in the bin, reducing emptying frequency. |
| Auto Feed Technology – Automatically feeds a stack of paper into the shredder without manual input. |
| Large Bin Capacity – Bigger bins require less frequent emptying. |
| Auto Reverse – Reverses the paper feed if too many sheets are inserted at once. |
| Easy Empty Bin – Pull-out bin design simplifies the emptying process. |
| Easy Paper Feed – Angled shredder heads for more comfortable and faster paper insertion. |
| Mercury Jam Free – LED indicators prevent jams by warning of overfeeding before shredding begins. |
| Auto-Oiling – Automatically oils cutting blades to improve performance and longevity. |
| Safety Sensor – Automatically shuts down the shredder when hands approach the paper feed. |
| Silent Operation – Designed to reduce noise, perfect for offices and shared spaces. |
| Energy Savings – Powers down into a sleep mode when inactive to conserve energy. |
| Mess Reduction – Features like automatic cleaning and full-bin sensors help keep the workspace tidy. |