Choosing the Right Shredder

Unlike shredders purchased at office super stores, Formax shredders are industrial grade, precision-engineered machines built to provide years of reliable and efficient operation. Formax document shredders can dispose of a variety of materials ranging from credit cards and compact disks to VHS tapes and three-ring binders. With data and identity theft on the rise, effectively disposing of your company’s confidential data is more important than ever — and choosing the right shredder is just as important. MMS representatives are trained specialists who can help you correctly evaluate your disposal needs and assist you in selecting the models that best fit your requirements.

Shredder categories:

Deskside models - No office, regardless of size, should be without Formax deskside business shredders. All deskside models have quiet motors, high sheet capacities, and a variety of electronic features for easy and safe operation. All Deskside strip- and cross-cut models will accept staples and paper clips and some will shred CDs.

Office models - Like all Formax shredders, the Centralized Office shredder category combines innovative technology with world-class safety features. These qualities are imperative in large office environments where many people will be using the same shredder. With feed openings up to 16 inches, they handle a wide range of document sizes. All Formax Office strip- and cross-cut models will accept staples and paper clips and many will shred CDs.

Industrial models - For organizations with a need for high volume shredding, an in-house shredding program based around Formax Industrial shredders is the most secure and economical way of disposing sensitive documents. These models provide the ultimate in performance, economy and security for entire facilities. Ideal for large-scale internal document disposal programs, depending on the model their cutting heads can take bound ledgers, three-ring binders, VHS tapes and CD’s.

Strip-cut vs. Cross-cut
Strip-cut shredders shred documents into narrow strips. The strips are equal in length to original document. Strip-cut models are generally less expensive than cross-cut models.

Cross-cut models shred documents in two directions for extra security. Cross-cut shredders are slower, but the smaller shreds they produce are more secure. Smaller shreads also result in far less frequent emptying for users.

Questions to consider:
-What data formats will need to be shredded—documents with staples and paper clips? Computer disks? Continuous forms? CD’s?

-How many people/departments handle sensitive data which needs to be shredded?

-How much information will need to be shredded every day? Every week? The actual amount usually turns out to be double the estimated amount.

-How many shared copiers and printers are in your office? Ideally, a shredder would be located at each so that not-so-perfect copies or printouts can be easily destroyed.

-What level of document security (shred size) do you require?