MyBinding Knowledge Base
What should I know about High Security Shredders?
In order to meet increased needs of National Security, a new type of high level shredder has been developed. Here are a few facts about these impressive machines. There are times and situations where only the very highest security will do. This standard, it should go without saying, applies when it comes to the destruction of secret and confidential government documents. In the US, in order to ensure that our national security is protected, top military and intelligence organizations have begun to use what are known as Level 6 High Security shredders.
Recently, the United States Department of Defense and the National Security Agency have increased the requirements for shredding what are regarded as top secret documents. Known as the NSA/CSS Specification 02-01, it creates a new standard for shred particle size, as well as the durability of the machines themselves and their cutting mechanisms.
If a shredder manufacturer claims their machine meets these Level 6 Security specifications, that means that it shreds a document into particles that measure no more than one millimeter across by 4.7 millimeters long, reducing the sheet of paper into approximately 15,500 pieces. Shred particles of this miniscule size amount to essentially a mulch of paper, and ensure beyond a shadow of a doubt that documents that are fed into these Level 6 machines are rendered forever unreadable and can never be reassembled.
Other Features:
Most manufacturers high security shredders include a lot of the same features that are found in the rest of their lines. For instance, the vast majority feature automatic on and off functions that allow the user to leave the machine on in a sort of standby status until it needs to be used. The user can then just place the document into the feed opening and walk away knowing that what they just placed in the machine will never be read again.
Many of these machines also include features such as automatic shutoff when the door to the cabinet is open, and when the shredder’s waste bin is full. Features like these assist with the general user safety of the shredder, and if there is an automatic revers function as well, can save the machine from experiencing the added wear and tear of paper jams and other maintenance issues.
While most shredder manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on the cutting heads of their lesser shredders, often the longest warranty you will find for those of a Level 6 shredder is two years.
Machine Sizes:
High security shredder are available in many different sizes, depending on the manufacturer. There are machines that are meant to be placed at the desk side of high ranking officials and used on an as needed basis throughout the day, and there are some high security shredders that have the capacity to shred up to 28,000 sheets per day and can be placed in busy departments that need the very highest security on a daily basis. There are even machines that are designed to be used out in the field and come with rigged carrying cases.
Who Needs It?
Level 6 security machines are ideal for governments of all levels, as well as for military outfits. Contractors who work with these institutions may be required to use Level 6 Shredders as well.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
