Collection: Cross Cut Shredders

A cross-cut shredder — sometimes called a particle-cut shredder — uses two opposed cutting shafts to cut the page across as well as along, producing rectangular confetti rather than ribbons. It is the most common cut type in commercial offices, and for good reason: it is the point where a shredder starts being a genuine confidentiality control while still handling useful volume.

In DIN 66399 terms, cross-cut covers P-3 (particles no larger than 320 mm²) and P-4 (no larger than 160 mm²). P-4, typically a 4 x 40 mm or 3/16 x 1 1/8 inch particle, is the default for personal data, HR files, customer records and finance paperwork in most organisations. P-3 suits routine internal documents where the consequence of exposure is low.

Compared with strip-cut, a cross-cut machine takes fewer sheets per pass and fills its bin faster, because one page becomes far more particles. Compared with micro-cut, it takes considerably more paper — the same chassis often doubles its sheet capacity moving from P-5 to P-4.

Cross-cut heads need lubricating; see how to oil a paper shredder. Level definitions are in the DIN 66399 guide.