Most shredders last between 5 and 10 years depending on usage and maintenance. Commercial and industrial models can operate much longer when serviced regularly.

Key factors influencing lifespan include:

• Frequency and duration of shredding cycles
  
• Type of materials processed
  
• Maintenance practices such as oiling and cleaning
  
• Build quality and motor capacity

Proper care combined with timely warranty support can help extend a shredder’s operational life. Learn more about warranty coverage on the HSM Warranty Information page

No. Standard paper shredders are not designed to shred cardboard. The thick, fibrous structure can damage cutting blades and overload the motor.

For safe cardboard shredding:

• Use a dedicated cardboard shredder such as HSM ProfiPack, which turns boxes into recyclable packing material.
  
• Always check the material compatibility listed in the shredder’s specifications before operation.

Yes, HSM offers several quiet document shredders ideal for homes and small offices. These models feature low-noise motors, compact designs, and energy-efficient operation for comfortable, uninterrupted use, maintaining a typical noise level of around 55-60 dB(A).

Recommended quiet models include:

• HSM SECURIO C18: Compact and quiet, ideal for deskside use in personal or home offices.
  
• HSM SECURIO AF100: Auto-feed design for convenient shredding of up to 100 sheets..
  
• HSM SECURIO B24: Continuous-duty motor and sound insulation for quiet shredding in small office setups.
  

Each model combines reliability, efficiency, and quiet operation, making them suitable for shared or home workspaces where minimal noise is preferred.

HSM shredders offer DIN 66399 P-6 and P-7 security levels for high-security applications designed to ensure the safe destruction of classified documents. For top-secret and government data, HSM provides P-7 NSA/CSS-listed and TAA-compliant models that shred material into 1/32 x 3/16 inch particles for maximum data protection.

Recommended NSA-approved high-security models:

• HSM SECURIO P36i P-7 Micro-Cut Shredder: Shreds up to 8 sheets per pass for maximum data protection.
  
• HSM Classic 411.2 P-7 Micro-Cut Shredder with Auto-Oiler: Cuts up to 10 sheets into micro-cut particles for consistent high-security performance.
  
• HSM SECURIO P40i P-7 Micro-Cut Shredder with OMDD Slot: Handles paper, credit cards, CDs, and DVDs, with a security level of E-5 | F-3 | O-6 | P-7 | T-6 and a capacity of up to 9 sheets per pass.

HSM shredders are designed with sustainability in mind, using recyclable materials, efficient motors, and low-energy systems. They minimize environmental impact through smart power management and eco-certified design.

Environmentally friendly features include:

• Blue Angel certified HSM SECURIO models for energy efficiency and sustainable materials
  
• EcoSmart systems that reduce stand-by power use to less than 0.1 W
  
• IE3-compliant motors in Powerline heavy-duty models for reduced energy loss
  
• Energy-saving standby modes in HSM Pure series shredders
  

HSM’s commitment to eco-friendly engineering ensures long-term efficiency and reduced energy consumption across all product lines.

For manufacturing and industrial environments, HSM Powerline shredders provide reliable, high-capacity performance. These machines are built for continuous operation, processing large volumes of mixed materials such as paper, CDs, USB drives, and crumpled documents.

Top industrial models include:

• HSM Powerline FA 400.2 Heavy Duty Shredder: Suitable for bulk paper and media shredding in central collection points.
  
• HSM Powerline FA 500.3 Heavy Duty Shredder: Handles continuous loads with high throughput for demanding industrial settings.
  
• HSM Powerline SP 4040 V Shredder Baler Combination: Integrates shredding and compacting for efficient waste management.
  
• HSM Powerline SP 5080 Shredder Baler Combination: Combines powerful shredding with automatic bale formation up to 90 kg.
  

These models are ideal for production plants, archives, and logistics centers where large-volume disposal, secure destruction, and compact waste handling are required.

No. The HSM ProfiPack P425 is designed to handle single-wall corrugated cardboard (three-layer), which is stronger than single-face (two-layer) but lighter than double-wall (five-layer). The feed entrance height is approximately 0.8 inches (about three-quarters of an inch), and it is recommended to feed material around half an inch thick or less to ensure smooth operation and prevent strain or jamming during shredding.
For more insights and answers to the most common questions about cardboard shredders, visit our blog post.

HSM ProfiPack cardboard shredders can process cardboard with staples, as they do not affect the cutting rollers. However, labels, plastic tapes, wood pieces, and nails on the cardboard pose a significant risk and should be removed before feeding the machine. These materials can stick to the rollers, cause clogging, damage the cutting shafts or internal components, which may void the warranty. 

No. Cardboard shredders are made to process dry, clean cardboard. Wet or soiled cardboard can clog the cutting blades, strain the motor, and reduce overall efficiency. It is best to let heavily damp cardboard dry before shredding. Avoid materials contaminated with grease, oil, or food residue to keep the shredder running smoothly and ensure consistent, reliable performance over time.

No. HSM Optical Media Shredders are not designed to shred smartphones or mini tablets. These machines are specifically engineered for destroying optical and magnetic media such as CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and credit cards to ensure secure data disposal. 

For example, the HSM Classic 411.2 OMDD High Security Optical Media Shredder is rated at Security Levels O-5 | T-6 | E-5 under DIN 66399, making it suitable for optical media only. Smartphones and tablets contain complex electronic components that require specialized destruction methods beyond the capabilities of an optical media shredder.

The HSM StoreEx HDS 230 provides reliable, audit-ready proof of data destruction for digital and magnetic media such as hard drives, USB sticks, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and credit cards. It documents each shredding process to support compliance and traceability.

Audit-ready documentation features include:

• Camera Surveillance System: Records the entire destruction process from start to finish, providing visual evidence for audits and compliance verification.
  
• Hand Scanner: Scans barcodes and logs each device before destruction, ensuring every item is registered and accounted for.
  

These features make the HSM StoreEx
HDS 230 a secure, compliant, and fully traceable solution for verified data destruction.

Regular maintenance keeps a shredder performing at its full shredding speed and cutting capacity. Lubrication reduces friction, prevents debris buildup, and minimizes strain on the motor. Without proper oiling, blades can dull over time, leading to slower shredding and paper jams.

To oil correctly:

• Turn off and unplug the shredder.
  
• Apply HSM shredder oil directly onto the feed opening in thin, straight lines. 
• Alternatively, apply the oil to a sheet of paper in an X or S pattern and feed it into the shredder to distribute the oil evenly across the cutting shafts.
  
• Run the shredder in reverse for several seconds to distribute the oil evenly.
  
• Resume normal shredding for a few sheets to clear any excess.

For long-term performance, the HSM ProfiPack requires minimal maintenance. The cutting head should be blown out with compressed air or an air hose at the end of each shift to remove dust and cardboard particles. Regular cleaning helps maintain smooth operation and prevents debris buildup. Lubrication is not required, as the ProfiPack is designed to operate without it.

Overheating or jamming can occur when a shredder is overloaded, used beyond its duty cycle, or not properly maintained. Strain on the motor from dull or unlubricated blades also increases heat buildup.

• Follow the model’s sheet and run-time limits. Exceeding sheet capacity and feeding misaligned sheets can cause paper jams, overheating and put extra load on the motor.
  
• Oil the cutting shafts regularly. Proper lubrication reduces friction and helps prevent both jams and heat buildup.
• Allow short cooling breaks. Pausing after long sessions helps prevent both jamming and overheating.
  
• Keep the feed area and bin clear. Full bin or buildup debris can clog the cutting shafts, block the sensors and strain the motor causing jams and overheating.