Keyword: Document Shredders and Granulators
Meta Description: Document shredders and granulators are two options used to protect our sensitive personal and business information. Though both of them perform similar functions, they are not the same in terms of their functionality.
Tips to Choose between Document Shredders and Granulators
In a world where data destruction is becoming more and more important by the day, it is critical for all of us to use the right method for the disposal of our sensitive information. Document shredders and granulators are two of the most commonly used devices for this purpose. The function of both these types of machines is to reduce the size of larger components or waste materials and transform them into particles with smaller sizes. However, when we take a detailed look, there are significant differences between them. Therefore, before you choose your document-shedding equipment, you must understand which one is a better fit for your document destruction needs.
A granulator may be referred to as size reduction machinery capable of cutting and slicing materials at high speed and low torque. In these machines, the waste material is granulated into fine, uniform particles. The output generated by granulators closely resembles the original material. Therefore, these machines are highly effective for waste recycling operations Granulators can be used for a wide range of waste materials including plastic, rubber, metal, electronic waste, and much more.
Shredders are also size-reduction machines used for the destruction of waste materials at low speed and high torque. However, the size of the final output produced by shredders is larger compared to those produced by granulators. These machines can efficiently reduce the size of bulky scraps but aren’t very effective in dealing with smaller, individual waste materials.
Differences between Shredders and Granulators
The most basic difference between shredders and granulators is the output size produced by them. Shredders are single-stage devices capable of breaking down wastes into particles with sizes ranging between 20mm and 100 mm. Granulators, on the other hand, can reduce the size of a waste repeatedly until they can pass through 6mm to 12mm diameter screen holes and create consistently uniform granules.
Feeding is another major differentiating factor between shredders and granulators. Compared to shredders, granulators operate at a relatively lower torque and higher speed. As a result of these design features, it is not advisable to feed a lot of large-sized and high-density materials to a granulator at a time as this can lead to jam, a lot of noise, and even damage to the machine. Most granulators require a conveyor, meter-fed by hand, or some other feeding mechanism. On the other hand, shredders have a straightforward dumping mechanism and are more effective when more and heavier waste materials are fed. Also, if there is a jam resulting from the overfeeding of thick materials, most shredders can clear the jam by reversing the rotor automatically.
Finally, the cutting mechanism is also different for these two types of document destruction devices. The cutting mechanism of a granulator shears material to generate particle size and shape that is more precise and refined. Shredders have a different mechanism that tears materials apart to turn them into smaller pieces.
While shredders are sufficient for most organizations looking for the safe destruction of their outdated business data, granulating machines are generally preferred for high-security requirements in government organisations, defense departments, research and development organisations, etc.
At Mastershred, we have a range of highly efficient shredders as well as granulators designed specifically for your needs. Contact us today to find out more.