HSM shredstar X12pro 1/16 x 5/8 inch with Separate CD Cutting Unit - HSM1033

The HSM shredstar X12pro is a floor-standing P-5 shredder that reduces paper to 1/16 x 5/8 in (2 x 15 mm) particles while still taking 12 sheets of 80 g/m² paper per pass. A 550 W motor, the strongest in the shredstar family, makes that possible, and a separate cutter handles CDs, DVDs and cards. It is meant for a team whose written policy requires P-5 for payroll, HR, legal or clinical paperwork.

shredstar X12pro at a glance

• P-5 particles of 2 x 15 mm (30 mm²)
• 12 sheets per pass through a 9.06 in (230 mm) throat
• 550 W motor
• 6.9-gallon (26 L) bin, about 330 sheets
• Castors, LED status panel and a separate disc and card cutter

Why the X12pro carries a 550 W motor

A P-5 head slices each page into far more pieces than a P-4 head does: the X12pro's 30 mm² particle is about a fifth of the 148 mm² particle from the X12 and X14 in the same cabinet. All those extra cuts need torque. HSM fits a 550 W motor so the pass stays at 12 sheets instead of dropping to the 6 sheets a compact P-5 model such as the X6pro manages. The small particles also pack densely, so the 6.9-gallon bin is rated at roughly 330 sheets, a little more than the P-4 models with the same container.

What P-5 adds over P-4

DIN 66399 allows up to 30 mm² per particle at P-5; the X12pro's 2 x 15 mm cut sits right at that limit. At this size a fragment rarely holds more than a character or two, which is why P-5 is often specified where a name appears next to salary, health or financial detail. It is still a commercial standard. NSA/CSS 02-01 calls for 1 x 5 mm particles and a listing on the NSA Evaluated Products List, and the X12pro does not meet that.

Living with the X12pro

The light barrier starts the cutters, automatic reverse backs out an overfeed, and the LED panel flags overload, overheating, a full bin or an open door. Staples and paper clips are approved. Discs and cards go through the separate unit, which is rated O-1 and T-2, so it is not a high-security media destroyer. The machine rolls to the recycling point on castors for emptying, and an inspection window shows the fill level.

HSM shredstar X12pro specifications

The HSM datasheet for this article does not state a warranty term.

Weighing the X12pro against other shredstars

• shredstar X6pro: the same 1/16 x 5/8 in P-5 cut in a compact personal body, 6 sheets per pass and a 5.3-gallon bin. Enough for one desk.
• shredstar X20: same cabinet and 6.9-gallon bin at P-4, taking 18 sheets. Better if P-4 meets your policy.
• shredstar X17: P-4 at 15 sheets on a 320 W motor.

Who should choose the X12pro

Buy it when P-5 is mandatory and more than one person shreds. If P-4 is acceptable, the X17 or X20 will move paper faster for the same footprint. If staff regularly bring thick files or shred all day, a SECURIO model is the better class of machine, since the shredstar line has no larger P-5 option.