A folder inserter, also known as a paper folding and stuffing machine, is an automated tool that is created to streamline the process of arranging mailings by effectively folding documents and inserting them into envelopes. These devices automate tasks that are usually done manually, like folding letters, inserting multiple documents into envelopes, sealing the envelopes, and preparing mail for delivery. Folder inserters are utilized in many businesses and organizations to simplify mail handling processes, reduce manual labor, improve accuracy, and increase efficiency in bulk mail preparation.
We sell a variety of folder inserters from Formax, a reputable manufacturer that produces mailing equipment. Formax offers a diverse range of folder inserter models suited for different business sizes and mailing needs. Their folder inserters have user-friendly interfaces and intuitive controls, which makes their folder inserters easy to set up and operate.
Here is a list of our Top 5 Formax Folder Inserters:
Key Features:
Our Formax FD 6104 Folder Inserter is an entry-level tabletop inserter and low volume mailing solution. It has a 5” color touchscreen panel, and users can set up the device easily with wizard-based software. They can find the job list on the home screen, which will allow them to access saved jobs. In addition, the touchscreen has a one-touch feature, where users can program 15 jobs at once. This is great for recurring or frequently processed applications.
The folder inserter has 2 fully automatic sheet feeders, which are designed to feed paper into the machine. These sheet feeders pick up one sheet at a time from a stack of documents, and place it into the inserter. Also, there is one automatic insert feeder, also known as a business reply envelope (BRE) feeder, which is created to handle the insertion of business reply envelopes.
This envelope stuffer is capable of folding and inserting 1,350 sets of documents into envelopes within one hour, and it can process documents up to 14” in length. Furthermore, this folder inserter ensures that each envelope has the appropriate number of documents using electromagnetic double document detection.
Key Features:
Our Formax FD 6406-Standard 6 Inserter is a mid-volume inserter solution, and is meant for businesses with moderate mailing needs such as medium-sized companies. The letter folder machine has 2 to 6 fully automatic feed stations, and can form different input configurations. The configurations are a high-capacity document feeder for up to 725 sheets, 1 or 2 high-capacity production feeders, standard and special feeders, and short feed trays.
The inserter has a vertical output stacker, which is a component of the machine that is responsible for collecting and stacking the finished, processed documents in a vertical stack. The vertical output stacker holds up to 500 filled envelopes. There is also a top-loading envelope hopper, that holds envelopes and allows them to be loaded from the top of the machine. It is produced to feed envelopes into the inserter for the purpose of enclosing documents during the mailing process. The top-loading envelope hopper has a capacity of 325 envelopes, which can be refilled.
The machine has a powerful folding capacity, and folds up to 10 sheets (half fold), or up to 8 sheets (tri-fold) at one time. In addition, feeders can be linked for continuous operation, where one feeder empties, another takes over, letting users refill as needed until the job is complete.
Key Features:
Our Formax FD 6608 Special 4 Folder Inserter is a modular inserting solution, which means users can customize and expand the inserter’s capabilities based on specific mailing needs. The product is best for environments where there are various mailing volumes and diverse types of mailings. This folder inserter has a full-color 10” touchscreen display that has graphic icons that make the machine easy to use. There are 2 to 7 fully-automatic feed stations with a variety of input configurations: a high-capacity document feeder for up to 725 sheets, 1 or 2 high-capacity production feeders, standard and special feeders, and short feed trays.
This piece of mailing equipment has an AutoSet feature that lets users load envelopes and documents into the machine, and then the device adjusts all settings automatically, and can store up to 50 programmed jobs for instant recall.
Some folder inserters have scanners, and use barcodes to make sure the right documents are inserted into the correct envelopes. The Formax FD 6608 Special 4 Folder Inserter comes with an optional CIS scanner, which reads OMR, 1D and 2D barcodes, QR codes, and OCR printed anywhere on the page. This gives the folder inserter the ability to automatically insert multiple-page documents, which removes the task of manually collating and inserting. Also, there are options to add high-capacity production feeders, 1 or 2 thin booklet feeders, short feed trays for small inserts or BREs, side exit trays, custom cabinets, and 402 series joggers.
Key Features:
Our Formax FD 7104 Standard 3 Folder Inserter is a high volume modular inserter solution that can handle large quantities of mail efficiently and accurately. This product is fit for organizations with demanding mail processing like large corporations, fulfillment centers, and print service providers. This folder inserter has a modular design, which means the machine is composed of interchangeable modules, and allows users to configure the system according to their specific needs. In fact, there are 3 configurations with an optional Productivity Package, and the device’s modular design offers up to 8 modules with up to 17 feed stations, with high-capacity feeders, and a standard capacity of up to 1,500 sheets.
Each system is available with these standard feeder combinations: one 1,000-sheet feeder, one 500-sheet and one 1,000-sheet feeder, or three 500-sheet feeders. The top-loading envelope hopper holds up to 800 #10 envelopes. There are optional intelligent feeders, which are advanced feeding modules that incorporate technology and features designed to enhance the accuracy of the document insertion process. These intelligent feeders have the ability to read 1 and 2-track OMR, 1D barcodes and 2D data matrix, with codes located anywhere on the document, front or back.
Finally, the folder inserter machine can process up to 4,500 envelopes per hour (and up to 5,500 per hour if you select the optional Productivity Package). This generates up to 180,000 finished pieces per month.
Key Features:
Our Formax FD 7700 Series Base 21 Modular Inserter is another high volume modular inserter solution that is an advanced and scalable document processing system designed to handle large volumes of mail with accuracy and precision. Industries and sectors that use this solution are print and mail service providers, financial institutions, insurance companies, government agencies, educational institutions, and utility and energy companies. The folder inserter is great for every mailing application from direct mail campaigns to mailings containing personal and private information.
The Formax FD 7700 Series Base 21 Modular Inserter is customizable from the inserter base up. You can select one of five tower feeder-folders, non-intelligent and intelligent high capacity insert feeders, and in-line feeder-folders to meet the criteria for your mailings. The modular design allows up to 11 feeders to be combined depending on the module configurations.
This folder inserter folds up to 8 sheets at a time, and can produce up to 7,000 envelopes per hour, and up to 300,000 finished pieces per month. This machine can process flats, which are larger, rectangular pieces of mail that can include items such as brochures, catalogs, large envelopes, or unfolded documents. When processing flats, the Formax FD 7700 Series Base 21 Modular Inserter can insert sets of up to 80 sheets, and/or up to 10mm in thickness with the Thick Set upgrade license. In addition, the top-loading envelope hopper can manage up to 800 #10 envelopes, or 500 10” x 13” flats, in landscape orientation for higher processing speeds.
]]>While you would expect that most mail that businesses receive would simply be junk mail, businesses are also receiving letters about accounts, bills, and other documents. This is why a good mailroom is useful.
In this article, we will detail why mailrooms are substantial to many businesses, list the five most essential mailing machines, and also explain why they belong in a business mailroom.
Even though the go-to communicative method for businesses is now email, the influx of mail that businesses receive is still massive. While the processes within the mailroom have changed over time, one thing that will not change is the importance of mail. It is not just a communication channel. In fact, mail is also very useful for sending thoughtful notes, documents, and bills.
One of the most significant reasons why mailrooms are so critical to businesses is that they help streamline their mail processes. This then helps to make time and space for other areas of the business. This is because mailrooms tend to have dedicated machinery, which makes the processes of sorting, sealing, and sending mail much more efficient.
In addition to this, by using mailroom machinery, you can save money. For example, you would no longer have to pay people to sort through your mail. You are then able to save and utilize your money in different areas of the business that need expanding, or more funding.
There are different types of mailing machines that provide businesses with numerous benefits. While a vast majority of them do come with larger upfront costs, the money and time that they will save you over the years to come provide a great return on investment. While there are many kinds of mailroom machines, these are the five machines whose features and capabilities stand out the most.
When receiving a high volume of mail, by far the most time-consuming process of sorting through the mail is opening each letter. This is why letter openers are great to use. Letter openers allow businesses that regularly receive large quantities of mail to sort through and open each piece.
There are many types of letter openers that are tailored to a variety of budgets. However, they are all very effective at opening letters. The highest quality letter openers on the market can open up to 300 letters per minute, and an astounding 126,000 for a typical 7-hour working day.
This level of efficiency allows mail for even the largest of businesses to be sorted through effectively. As a result, there is more time and resources to spend on other areas of the business. The speed and efficiency of a letter opener cannot be replicated by a single employee, or even a large team of them.
Another task that can take an enormous amount of time is regularly sending out thousands upon thousands of letters, whether it be important documents or marketing materials. This could mean that thousands of envelopes need to be sealed by hand, which can take up time and people. This is where the convenience and power of envelope sealers come in.
With the most powerful envelope sealer models such as the Formax FD 430 Envelope Sealer, you can seal up to 18,000 envelopes per hour. This pace can save a business a huge amount of time, and they don’t need to hire an employee to secure envelopes.
A postage meter is an advanced piece of mailroom equipment that prints postage or labels onto envelopes and packages. It also includes a scale that allows you to weigh items, and calculate your postage costs. The machine takes the users through a simple, step-by-step procedure for weighing and metering their mail.
Some benefits of postage meters are the time that they can save a business, and their ability to streamline a business's mailing processes. This is done by reducing the amount of necessary trips to the post office.
In addition to this, a postage meter's ability to weigh and price postage allows a business to improve tracking what they are spending. This is an advantage for organizations, as these costs can then show which departments are spending more on postage. It also allows a business to see if any departments can cut their postage costs to maximize profits.
One of the most important parts of marketing mail is the aesthetic of the letter that you are sending. A digital color printer lets you create an aesthetically pleasing marketing letter with high-resolution designs. Low-resolution images that look unprofessional will negatively affect your audience's impression of your business.
Marketing mail is still very commonly used by businesses all across America. Having a high-quality Digital Color Printer allows these businesses to fully customize their marketing materials. They can give their customers a very professional-looking letter that could drive more business to their organization.
Folder inserters are another amazing piece of mailing machinery that can help transform the mail sorting of any business. These machines are designed to insert, fold, stuff, and seal all of the letters you plan to mail. This equipment eliminates any need for your staff to perform these mundane tasks.
The process of operating a folder inserter machine is very simple, and the device can complete numerous jobs at once. Therefore, a folder inserter is a very time and cost-efficient solution.
There are a huge number of different folder inserter machines on the market from industry-leading brands such as Formax, Koilmatic, FP, and so many more. Each of these brands have multiple models with unique capabilities.
]]>In this article, we will discuss what exactly a pressure sealer is, where the machines can be used, and how they can help your business. Let’s begin.
A pressure sealer is simply a machine that is used to both seal and fold documents without having to use additional adhesives or envelopes. They are commonly used for documents such as paychecks, statements, and other important data.
There are several types of pressure sealers available on the market. These include desktop pressure sealers, heavy-duty machines, and freestanding or commercial sealers. Pressure sealers are available to suit low-volume, mid-volume, and high-volume requirements, depending on what your business needs.
Pressure sealers work by feeding folded documents through rollers, which then apply pressure along the folded edges. This pressure then activates the adhesive coating on the paper, therefore bonding it together and creating an ultra-secure sealed document that is ready for distribution.
Watch the below video to see the Formax FD 2006 AutoSeal Mid Volume Pressure Sealer in action, which will show you how the machine works to pressure seal mailer documents and more.
Any organization can use paper sealing machines. They are especially effective for businesses with large volumes of mailers and paychecks, or other documents being distributed that need both folding and sealing. Using a pressure sealer allows businesses to save time and money, as the machine does all the hard work for you, allowing you to relax and wait for your beautifully sealed documents.
Places where pressure sealers are often used:
Now that we’ve discussed the basics of pressure sealers, let’s dive into the benefits they bring.
There are many benefits of pressure sealers that make them an extremely valuable piece of machinery to a huge number of organizations. These benefits include:
Negate the Need for Envelopes - Gone are the days of manually sealing thousands of envelopes. As pressure sealers ensure documents are securely sealed with the machine, there is no need to use envelopes. This is the biggest benefit of using a pressure sealer, and one of the main reasons why people opt to buy them.
Time-saving - A pressure sealer cuts out the need to manually fold and glue documents, as the machine does all the work. This can help to save businesses a lot of time that can be applied to other more important business operations. As a result, employees can spend time doing more valuable tasks.
Cost-effective - While pressure sealers can be a large initial investment, they enable businesses to save money, as they do not need to buy envelopes or equipment to glue documents. This leaves more capital that can be spent on more valuable tasks and processes. Organizations can save money on the wages they would be spending on having a team manually seal documents.
Enhanced Security - With pressure sealing machines tightly sealing documents, they are perfect for enhancing document security. This means unauthorized people will be unable to access the contents of the document, and only the recipient will be able to see what’s inside.
Reduced Waste - When people are manually folding and sealing documents, they are more prone to human error. This can result in documents being dumped in the trash. With a pressure sealer, everything is done automatically, and there is a reduced risk of human error, thus leading to reduced waste and a reduced carbon footprint.
Professional Results - Similarly, when employees are manually sealing documents, the end result may not be consistent. However, with a pressure sealer, the machine uses complete accuracy and precision and leaves you with an entirely professional result.
A pressure sealer uses pressure to fold and seal all kinds of documents, so whether you want to pressure seal paper for paychecks, mailers, notices, or anything else, the machine will give you exactly what you need. By delivering time and cost-savings, along with complete efficiency, a pressure sealer will assist you with all your packaging needs. Browse our complete collection of pressure sealers today to find the best one for your business.
]]>Knowing exactly how to unjam or unclog commercial paper shredders can help you get them back up and running as quickly as possible. It can also limit the damage done to business processes.
In this article, we will take a look at what causes paper shredders to become jammed, and the different ways that you can unjam a paper shredder.
There are many reasons why paper shredders can become jammed. General day-to-day, wear and tear, mixed with improper maintenance is by far one of the most obvious reasons why shredders are clogged up.
While shredder jams can be frustrating, it is normally the fault of the operator. If you are overfeeding, miss-feeding, or fast-feeding paper into the shredder, then you will be pushing the machine to its limits, and therefore cause jams.
When it comes to paper jams, there are many different types and levels. Some are relatively simple to fix, and others take more intricate procedures to get them back in working order.
The main signs of a jammed shredder include the speed of the pieces of paper going through the shredder slowing down, a complete stop of the shredding, or a noise that sounds like the shredder could be straining.
Typical jams have very simple solutions. These do not require much manual participation from the operator and can be solved quickly. Fixing these clogs can be done in a 4 step process.
Step 1 - Unplug the Paper Shredder
The first step to solving a basic paper shredder jam is to unplug the paper shredder in order to prevent the jam from getting any worse. If the shredder stays on, then it will continue to try and shred the sheets of paper. This could make the jam worse, or cause more detrimental problems for your paper shredder.
Step 2 - Empty the Shredder if Full
If your shredder is starting to slow down and jam, then it could be full. Once you have unplugged your shredder, you should check and empty the waste basket. This could be enough to have your shredder back up and running. If it is not full, it could still be beneficial to empty the waste basket.
Step 3 - Switch Shredder to Reverse
If step two is not enough to unjam your shredder, then you should switch your shredder into reverse through the reverse button, and then plug it back in. Putting your shredder into reverse can help dislodge any jammed documents, and unclog your paper shredder. It is important to make sure that you do not have any tools or fingers around the shredder when completing this step.
Step 4 - Switch Shredder Back to Forward
If putting your shredder into the reverse function is not enough to unclog the jammed paper, then you should switch it back to its default forward setting. In this case, one of the techniques that you can try is switching it back and forth between the reverse function and the forward function. Doing this a few times should be enough to help dislodge the paper, and get your shredder working efficiently once again.
If this 4-step process helps to unjam your shredder, then you should explore changing the way you are operating your shredder. For example, you could slow down the speed at which you are feeding the paper, reduce the thickness of your batch of paper, or ensure that you are not overfeeding your shredder.
If the previous technique is not enough to unjam your shredder, then it may demand a more complex effort. This is a much more complicated approach that will involve tools such as a pair of tweezers and a small knife.
Step 1 - Pull Out the Shredder Power Cord
Always unplug your shredder before performing any kind of repair or maintenance. This is to establish that you are as safe as possible when trying to unjam a shredder. As this method of unjamming the shredder will require you to remove the paper with your hands, unplugging the shredder will help to avoid any injuries.
Step 2 - Remove the Top of the Shredder to Expose the Blades
Most shredders will allow you to easily remove the top of the shredder to fully expose the shredder blades. This makes it easier to access and therefore removes the paper that is jammed within the shredder.
Step 3 - Use Tweezers to Pull Out Jammed Paper or Pieces of Plastic from the Blade
Using tweezers on the open blades makes it incredibly easy to remove the different strands of paper that are stuck within the shredder's blades. If you do not have a tweezer, you can also carefully use your hands to pick out the bits of paper. It is important to try and pull out paper jammed in the bottom of the shredder as well as the top, since it can be difficult to diagnose exactly where has caused the jam.
In this step, you can also use a small, sharp knife to cut the shreds of paper that have wrapped around the blades. Once you have cut them loose, they will become easier to remove from the blades.
Step 4 - Feed the Cardstock Sheet through the Shredder
After you have freed all of the strands of paper from the blades, feed a sheet of cardstock through the shredder, and behind the jam, to help pass the jam through the shredder. You should apply firm pressure so the jam can be passed through. You can also use a cereal box or other sheets of cardboard.
Step 5 - Shredder Oil
Another method that you can use to help with the unjamming process is to apply some shredder oil. This is because a jam can sometimes occur when the shredder blades are not lubricated enough. It is important to use shredder oil to make sure that there is no damage to your blades. You can also use shredder oil sheets as an effective lubricant for paper shredders.
Step 6 - Put the Shredder in Reverse
Once the jam is mostly cleared, putting the shredder into reverse, and then plugging it in can help to dislodge the remaining paper in the shredder.
Here at Whitaker Brothers, we have a variety of commercial-grade & high-quality models of paper shredders that are designed to help you destroy confidential & sensitive documents. Whether you are seeking a robust device designed for high volumes and demanding environments or something more lightweight for use at home or a small office, our collection of paper shredders has you covered.
]]>With fewer resources, small businesses need to automate processes and create efficient workflows in order to compete with other businesses. A postage meter will make your mail operation not only run more efficiently, but also cheaper. The cost of postage is up to 18% less when you use a postage meter over stamps.
We’ve put together this guide to help you learn
A postage meter prints postage directly onto envelopes and small packages, and/or labels.
The system has a scale that measures the weight of an item. It calculates postage cost according to the information you put into the system, such as the mail carrier. Postage meters for small businesses are integrated with all the main mail services such as First-Class Mail, Medial Mail, and Priority Mail.
In a mailroom, this convenient system speeds up the sorting and shipping processes. It also makes sure that you never overpay on postage and packaging.
What’s particularly convenient is that postage meters connect to the Internet, and integrate with your tracking systems. This means you can use it to collect shipping data and other important information.
Postage meters are simple to use. First, you place the envelope or package you wish to mail on the scale. Then head to the digital display, and input information such as the size of the item (for example “small letter”), and the mail carrier.
The machine then calculates your postage. You can feed envelopes into the machine, and have it print the postage directly onto the item. In addition, you can insert labels for the postage meter to print on.
Postage meters are ideal for small to medium-sized businesses who send lots of mail or packages. They allow you to quickly and easily process and track postage from an office, store, or your home.
A postage meter is a great time saver for small e-commerce businesses and entrepreneurs who sell their wares. Any small to medium-sized business that sends newsletters and promotional or marketing materials through the mail could utilize a postage meter. Moreover, any organization that sends timely correspondence through the mail such as government agencies and healthcare facilities have a need for a postage meter.
Perhaps you’re wondering if a postage meter is worth it for your business. If your organization sends a significant amount of mail, a postage system is essential.
Unfortunately, you can’t buy and own your own postage meter. Rather, you must lease the system from an authorized vendor.
Postage meters’ prices are based on its size, capacity, and level of technology. Prices vary from around $20 per month up to $1,000 per month, depending on the machine. You also need to pay an annual licensing fee of $200 to be able to send mail in bulk.
At Whitaker Brothers, we have postage meters to suit a variety of budgets. If you see a postage meter that’s a good fit for your company when browsing our catalog, contact us to request a quote.
It’s a good idea to calculate the return on investment before you decide to lease a postage meter. If you already know how much you spend on a postage meter, subtract the monthly savings you’d get with a postage meter via your mail carrier’s discounts.
Don’t forget to take the time you’ll save into account when considering a postage meter. Purchasing a postage meter will allow you to focus on growing your business. For example, you will have more time to work on strategy, and your team will have more time to work on processes that can’t be automated, like building customer relationships.
A postage meter is a solid investment for small to medium businesses that want to grow, and save time and money in the long run. If you send a significant amount of mail, it speeds up the mail sorting and shipping processes, and makes your mail operation more efficient. Plus, the advanced technology can collect data that will help you make important business decisions.
Next, you may want to take a look at our catalog of postage meters to see which will meet the requirements of your business. Feel free to get in touch if you have further questions that weren’t answered here.
]]>A folder inserter, also known as an envelope inserter, simplifies the process of inserting documents into envelopes. These machines are typically used in businesses that have to send out immense volumes of mail, like invoices, statements, and marketing materials. Folder inserters can be used with a variety of paper sizes and envelope types. They are a valuable tool since they process mailings quickly and professionally.
Here is how a folder inserter works:
1. Folding Documents: The product folds many types of documents, like letters, invoices, statements, flyers, or promotional materials, according to preset configurations.
2. Inserting into Envelopes: After the documents are folded, the device automatically inserts them into the appropriate envelopes.
3. Sealing and Sorting: Once the insertion is completed, some models of folder inserters can seal the envelopes and sort the mail depending on predefined criteria.
4. High-Speed Processing: Folder inserters are able to handle enormous volumes of mail efficiently, which significantly reduces the time and effort needed for manual folding and insertion.
A benefit of a folder inserter machine is that it can save large amounts of time by automating the process of folding, inserting, and sealing documents and mail pieces. This will allow employees to spend time on other important tasks in the office. In addition, since no manual folding or inserting is needed, organizations can cut down on labor costs and save money in the long run. Read more about the potential cost savings of folding machines.
Another benefit of a folder inserter is that it can eliminate errors in mail preparation. Because the machine accurately folds and inserts mail pieces, there is less of a chance of misfolds and misinsertion.
Furthermore, a folder inserter can elevate business mail by giving the mail a more professional look. The device performs consistent folds and neatly seals envelopes, which allows businesses to present a more polished image to their customers.
In order to choose a folder inserter or letter folder machine, you should consider several factors to make sure that you purchase the best machine for your needs. It is important to assess features such as the size of the folder inserter, paper capacity, types and sizes of envelopes, type and weight of paper used, and different folds and inserts.
Tabletop folder inserters are small, and are about 20” to 30” wide, 20” to 40” deep, and 15” to 30” tall. They weigh about 30 to 100 lbs. They are made for small-scale mail operations and small offices with limited space. Mid-size folder inserters are about 30” to 50” wide, 30” to 60” deep, and 30” to 50” tall. They weigh about 100 to 300 lbs., and are designed for medium to large-scale mail processing needs.
Finally, the largest folder inserters are about 50” to 80” wide, 40” to 60” deep, and 50” to 80” tall. These models weigh about 300 to over 1,000 lbs. They are created to handle high volumes of mail, and are usually standalone units.
Folder inserters have multiple feeder trays, or stations, for various kinds of documents. Paper capacity for folder inserters refers to the maximum amount of paper that each feeder tray or station within the folder inserter can hold at one time. The standard capacity for feeder trays in folder inserters is usually 50 to 500 sheets of paper. In contrast, there are folder inserters that have high-capacity feeders that can hold up to 1,000 sheets or more in a single station.
Different models of folder inserters can have varying capacities. Some folder inserter models can manage higher volumes of paper than other models. Moreover, there are folder inserters where the user can adjust the feeder capacities. This lets users load different volumes of paper in each tray.
Folder inserters have the ability to insert documents into a variety of envelope types and sizes. Most machines can process standard business envelopes (4 1/8" x 9 1/2") as well as bigger catalog envelopes (9” x 12” or 10” x 13”). Moreover, there are folder inserters that allow users to submit custom envelope sizes.
Other envelopes that can be processed include regular #10 envelopes, window envelopes, and square envelopes. Since these machines can insert documents into many types of envelopes, it is easy to put together different mailings like invoices, statements, marketing materials, and more.
Folder inserters can accommodate many paper types and weights for various document needs. The correct type and weight of paper that a folder inserter can use depends on the device’s capabilities, adjustments, and settings. The most common document types used with folder inserters are standard office paper, brochures or flyers, and pre-printed forms.
Typical paper weights for these machines are 20 lb. bond paper, 24 lb. to 32 lb. paper, and cardstock or heavier materials. The 20 lb. bond paper weight is the standard for office printing, and is supported by most folder inserters for regular document mailings. Some models can utilize 24 lb. to 32 lb. paper, which is heavier, more durable, and produces more professional-looking documents. In addition, certain folder inserters can make use of thicker and heavier materials like cardstock for special mailings or specific applications.
Folder inserters are versatile machines that have various folding options and insertion features for many document types and mailing requirements. Popular folds the device performs are the letter fold, accordion fold, and gate fold. The letter fold, also known as the C-fold, is folded into thirds to look like a letter, with the edges tucked in. The accordion fold, also known as the Z-fold, is folded in a zigzag pattern, which creates parallel folds. The gate fold consists of folding the sides of the document inward to meet in the middle, and resembles a gate.
There are also insertion features such as a single insert, multiple inserts, and additional inserts. A single insert is a single document that is inserted into an envelope. However, some machines can insert multiple documents into a single envelope simultaneously. Finally, there are folder inserters that can handle additional inserts like flyers, promotional cards, or return envelopes with the main documents.
Choosing the best folder inserter depends on your specific needs, like the amount of documents you have to fold, and the variety of paper sizes and fold types you require. We offer a comprehensive collection of folder inserters and envelope stuffers, from compact machines for home offices to high-speed machines for big businesses.
]]>If you weren’t aware of the function and benefits of using a paper creasing machine for your organization, you’ll find everything you need to know here.
A creasing machine is used to crease, score, and perforate paper and cards for easy folding. Its purpose is to speed up the folding process and create a uniform, professional-looking finish. Industries such as printing, packaging, and publishing utilize paper-creasing machines.
The device may have manual or automatic operation. In both instances, paper is fed between two plates or rollers, and is folded or scored. You can easily make adjustments to customize manual and electric creasing machines for materials of various sizes and thicknesses. Advanced creasing machines have digital displays and programmable settings, making them incredibly precise.
Creasing machines are used to create a fold or crease in assorted paper and card materials. Here we will share some examples of where this may be applied in various industries. We’ll discuss the differences between manual creasing machines and automatic creasing machines, and how these differences impact their use.
Electric creasing machines are important tools in the printing industry. They help printers create professional-looking brochures, leaflets, magazines, and similar branding or marketing materials.
In postage and packaging, a paper creasing machine is used to fold letters neatly, and score packaging and cartons. A creasing machine may also be used to help bind books, produce greeting cards, and make office stationery. If you opt for a creasing machine with a perforator, you can also create materials that require a tear-off, such as invitations, coupons, and tickets.
Creasing machines fall into two main categories, manual and automatic. Users must pull a lever, or rotate a handle, to operate a manual creasing machine. This makes them more suitable for little organizations or businesses that use a creasing machine on a smaller scale, such as for postage within a non-industrial setting.
Automatic creasing machines require little effort from the user. An air feed creasing machine, for instance, uses air and suction to pull in materials. It can produce thousands of creases per hour. Therefore, they’re naturally more fitted to larger-scale operations in industries like digital printing.
It’s also worth noting that different creasing machines have distinct capabilities. For instance, a friction feed creasing machine that works with rollers to pull in the materials is only compatible with standard paper because of the level of grip. However, an air-feed creasing machine can handle both standard and glossy paper.
Efficiency - Professionals can streamline their processes with a manual or automatic creasing machine, without sacrificing quality. If you have a busy production line, this is particularly important. By saving time, you also save on labor and expenses.
Versatility - These days, you can purchase multi-functional creasing machines that process papers and cards of different sizes and thicknesses. This allows you to serve the unique needs of all your clients. The appearance of creases and perforations can be customized to suit specific requirements.
Professional Appearance - It’s highly unlikely you would be able to make such professional, clean-looking folds by hand. In business, it’s critical that promotional materials and packaging look sleek and sharp. When the promotional materials and packaging don’t have a professional appearance, it affects a brand’s image. They can indicate a lack of care and poor quality of products or services.
You may be wondering if a creasing machine is worth the investment, or if you should update your existing machine to a new model. The truth is you can’t put a price on great first impressions or high-quality products. For these reasons and more, a creasing machine is worth the investment.
Clients expect high-quality products. You may not realize the significance of a clean fold on a brochure or leaflet. In fact, the recipient may not notice it at all. But, they will definitely pay attention if the fold is misaligned, or if the paper is messy or cracked. Similarly, if a product arrives in a box that’s poorly folded, it gives a terrible impression.
It’s not worth wasting your hard work, or the hard work of your clients. A lot of time goes into designing promotional materials and crafting the perfect letter. You don’t want to detract from promotional materials and letters with poor presentation. A creasing machine will help you construct the perfect presentation.
From smaller, manual creasing machines, to advanced, automatic creasing machines, there are many options for businesses large and small. Also, there are creasing machines for a range of budgets. Purchasing these machines will pay off. In fact, even a manual creasing machine can speed up operations. In contrast, electric versions produce tens of thousands of creases per hour.
This means you increase productivity, and therefore your bottom line. Furthermore, when you automate processes with creasing machines, your staff is free to handle other tasks.
As you have seen, paper-creasing machines can be used in several ways. Invest in a multifunctional creasing machine for your printing business. For example, you can design invitations, tickets, and other materials with tear-offs for your clients, which will increase profits.
How does a creasing machine work?
When you fold paper materials by hand, the fibers tend to break. This may result in cracking or a messy finish. A paper creasing machine uses rollers or plates to compress the fibers, and form a clean U shape in the paper.
What is the difference between a score and crease?
Both actions prepare a sheet of paper or card for a clean, folded edge. Creasing provides a more pronounced indent in the material and reduces the likelihood of the paper cracking. Scoring offers a quicker process and may be done at the same time as applying other finishes. Moreover, the overall result may not be as clean as creasing.
What are the different types of creases?
Different creases may be used depending on the material you want to fold. Paper materials with a thickness of less than 0.10” use male/female creasing. Moreover, a crush crease may be used on paper thicker than 0.10”. In addition, a cut crease is used for durable materials that retain their memory.
If you have any further questions about creasing machines and the creasing process, feel free to contact us.
Paper creasing machines are increasingly in demand thanks to their rich benefits to organizations of all sizes. At Whitaker Brothers, we have a number of creasing machines appropriate for a variety of budgets. If you run a small operation or are just starting out, take a look at the Martin Yale SP100 Score and Perf Machine. Alternatively, if you’re looking for high-capacity, multi-functional equipment for your printing business, discover the Formax Atlas-TRIO15 Slitter/Cutter/Creaser.
]]>Though it might suit employees better, this societal shift has led to cybersecurity issues for companies. Staff no longer work under the secure systems and networks at their office. This significantly increases the risk of confidential documents and data being lost or stolen.
For this reason, it’s critical you take action and put measures in place to protect private documents and data.
If you fail to protect the documents that remote workers have access to, you run the risk of intellectual property and data falling into the wrong hands. In fact, the shift to remote work because of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a 238% increase in cyber attacks.
This has happened for a number of reasons. Remote workers use the public cloud more often, and less secure technology when they work from home. When remote workers use company computers at home, they access the Internet through insecure networks. Cyber attackers take advantage of vulnerabilities like these.
The resulting data leaks and breaches may result in financial losses for your business, serious compliance issues, and regulatory fines. There could be a fallout from a breach. Customers could lose trust in your company, and its ability to protect their private information.
When employees work from home, issues surrounding cybersecurity remain in the control of their company. Employers should put measures in place to protect company information. Here you’ll find simple, yet effective advice for keeping documents safe.
Human error has a significant part to play in data leaks and breaches. Employees may not be adept at data hygiene. They may not be aware of cyber risks, or how to protect private company information. Therefore, it’s important that you establish a policy about the protection of documents so remote workers have clear-cut instructions on what they need to do.
A company policy makes data hygiene easy to implement. For instance, everybody will get used to sending files through encrypted means. Protecting documents will become second nature, and will reduce the risk of interception from cyber attackers. It’s a good idea to offer cybersecurity training to remote workers alongside the introduction of a new policy.
Also, make sure employees aren’t afraid to report any potential violations they encounter. If an employee makes a mistake online, they may fear retribution, and fail to report the problem. In this case, the issue can’t be prevented or remedied quickly.
To put it plainly, a lot can go wrong when remote workers use the same device for personal and work reasons.
When employees use personal channels, such as WhatsApp or X, on work devices private information may fall into the wrong hands because of human error. For instance, they could accidentally leak a document on social media.
Similarly, if there’s a device that tracks both professional and personal use at home, there’s a high chance family members, friends, and children may access private documents. They may view and share something they’re not supposed to. Employees certainly won’t be using proper company protocols when handling the information.
Hence, it’s better to keep sensitive company information on a separate device. For example, you may supply remote workers with an office computer.
You may wish to encourage employees to avoid working from shared spaces, where others may physically see private documents. Furthermore, encourage them to use their common sense. For example, not working next to windows where anybody walking by can spot their computer screen.
Whenever an employee connects to the Internet through an insecure connection, there’s a chance a cyber attacker may intercept this connection. This allows the attacker to observe the employee’s actions.
The attacker may not only look at confidential documents, but also an employee’s password. They can use this information to gain access to the entire company. As you can see, the potential risk here is particularly significant.
The simple solution is to encourage workers to only use secure WiFi networks, instead of public or shared WiFi. You might want to go a step further and give employees access to a virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts the Internet connection.
Limit document sharing by making sure only the people who absolutely need access to certain documents have control. Fewer people involved means that you reduce the number of links in the chain that can be broken. In other words, there are fewer people to make mistakes, and fewer people to be taken advantage of.
It’s possible to put extra measures in place to ensure the limited sharing of documents. For instance, you may password-protect documents with sensitive information, or use software that gives leadership control over document permissions.
You may also wish to limit the transfer of documents, and check that documents are only transferred using secure means. If you have lots of confidential data that employees who work from home require access to, you can introduce a secure remote server.
Another key aspect of data hygiene is keeping data up to date. First, this is necessary to stay compliant with regulations such as GDPR. Also, if there was a data breach, people’s private information or company documents wouldn’t be lost or stolen unnecessarily - they simply wouldn’t be there to take.
Remember that when you destroy data, it may still exist in the form of backups on hardware, such as drives. It may be necessary to destroy this hardware completely using a machine such as a granulator or disintegrator.
Similarly, these machines can be used to get rid of old technology, and nobody can get their hands on the data once you dispose of it. When a remote worker leaves the company, remember to retrieve any drives or company hardware that may be in their possession for cleanup.
To add an extra layer of protection before you physically destroy the hard drive, use a degausser. This is a special machine that uses magnetic fields to destroy the data on a drive to such an extent that it can’t be forensically retrieved.
When we talk about data nowadays, we forget that it’s not just all on a computer. Remember that paper trails still exist in many cases. Therefore, you must encourage employees who work from home to shred any confidential documents they no longer need. Paperwork may contain clients’ personal addresses or bank details, for example.
Many cybersecurity issues are a result of human error. The shift towards working from home means fewer security measures and controls are in place, and the risk of data breaches is exacerbated. Thus, companies must introduce plans for the proper storage, transfer, and disposal of documents and similar confidential information.
If you have further questions about data security and destruction, contact our experts. We’re happy to assist with your unique requirements.
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Failure to properly destroy sensitive information can lead to malicious attacks and data breaches. This guide will help you understand the key differences between commercial and industrial shredders, and help you assess which is best for your operation.
Use a commercial shredder to destroy sensitive documents at your office or small company. For instance, you may need to dispose of financial statements, paperwork containing clients’ personal information, tax forms, and similar private documents.
Commercial shredders made for offices usually process up to around 20 pages at a time, though this depends on the machine you opt for. If your company doesn’t handle high-security data, then a strip-cut shredder should suffice. However, if you feel a higher level of security is required, purchase a cross-cut shredder that provides a higher level of document destruction.
Though commercial shredders have a similar size and capacity compared to home shredders, they offer much more advanced shredding. Commercial shredders created for offices have cross-cut blades that work vertically and horizontally to turn documents into minuscule pieces.
Overall, you’ll find a commercial shredder a higher-quality piece of technology than a standard shredder. The controls are user-friendly, and the blades are made of hardened steel. The machine benefits from enhanced durability and a longer lifespan. Commercial shredders produce less noise and have high-capacity bins.
Industrial shredders can handle high volumes of documents, processing around 100 sheets at a time. They also have the ability to shred other materials such as cardboard and plastic. Industrial paper shredders are suited for operations on a much larger scale in a huge organization or manufacturing facility.
When buying an industrial shredder, you’ll notice the advised security level for the machine. For instance, a level 3/P-4 shredder is meant for sensitive documents such as bank statements, unclassified government documents, and documents you must destroy to stay GDPR-compliant. Level 4/P-5 shredders, however, are designed to offer much higher levels of security to dispose of highly confidential materials. For instance, they can demolish documents containing medical information, proprietary information, or social security numbers.
An industrial shredder has the capacity to destroy large volumes of sensitive information at a high speed. Plus, they’re simple to use, and are often equipped with a conveyor belt for feeding documents. Thus, using an industrial paper shredder means you can set up an efficient workflow when it comes to destroying confidential information.
What’s more, industrial shredder machines are versatile. Along with shredding various paper and card materials, they destroy optical media such as discs. You’ll also save time, as you won’t need to remove binders and similar items from files you wish to destroy.
Commercial and industrial paper shredders differ in size, features, and function. You must understand the key differences so that you can choose the best shredder for your operation.
As you have seen, shredder machines have different capacities and features, making them more suited to multiple work settings.
A commercial shredder is best for smaller office environments where you still need to dispose of documents securely, but not at high volumes. It’s a great choice, for example, for an accountancy or law firm, or any small business that handles sensitive client information.
An industrial shredder is necessary for organizations that must dispose of sensitive data at scale and regularly. This type of shredder is created for schools, hospitals, government agencies, and similar large-scale operations that carry lots of confidential data.
At Whitaker Brothers, we have shredders for a variety of budgets. Our commercial shredders start at just over $100. Remember to look carefully at the sheet capacity and speed of the shredder, and check if it meets your requirements. Our industrial shredders start at approximately $9,000. Naturally, the higher price point is because these machines are made to handle high volumes of work efficiently.
Shredders remain a critical element of any information security operation. If your organization handles sensitive information, then you’re going to need a shredder. The type of shredder you need may be where things get tricky, especially if you’re unsure about the differences between commercial and industrial paper shredders.
Yet, here you’ve seen that the two types of shredders differ in capacity and function and that commercial shredders are more suited for office settings and smaller operations. In contrast, industrial shredders are effective for larger organizations that must dispose of sensitive information at scale, such as in the medical industry or government.
If you still have questions about which type of shredder is best for your organization, feel free to get in touch with our experts for assistance.
]]>How an inserter machine works:
1. Document Feeding: The documents that will be inserted into envelopes are placed into the inserter’s input trays or feeders.
2. Envelope Feeding: Envelopes that are unfilled are placed in feeders.
3. Folding (Optional): Some inserters can fold papers before they are loaded into envelopes.
4. Matching: Inserter machines check that each document is paired with its matching envelope.
5. Insertion: The inserter’s mechanical arms or suction systems insert documents into their matching envelopes.
6. Sealing (Optional): Some inserters can seal envelopes after the documents are inserted in them.
7. Stacking and Output: When the insertering process is complete, the envelopes are either stacked or collected in an output tray or conveyor belt for mailing.
A stuffer is a machine that automatically stuffs documents, brochures, materials, components, or products into containers or packaging. This device saves time and reduces labor costs since the stuffing process is faster than manually placing materials in a container. Organizations and businesses can use stuffers to put together marketing materials, informational packets, and paper-heavy mailings.
Our Formax FD 6406-Standard 3F Inserter has inserting and folding functions, and has a speed of 4,000 pieces per hour. Its powerful folding capacity folds up to 10 sheets (half fold) or up to 8 sheets (tri-fold) at one time, and it is capable of folding and inserting top, middle, and bottom-address documents into top-flap envelopes.
]]>The Martin Yale Premier GreenBoard Paper Trimmers are cutting tools that are produced for precise and efficient paper trimming. What makes these trimmers unique is the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The trimmers have a reputation for being eco-friendly, and are built with recycled materials. The devices minimize waste while providing a superb cutting performance. They appeal to environmentally conscious consumers looking for reliable and sustainable office or crafting tools.
In addition, these trimmers appeal to academic institutions, and have been utilized in just about every school in the United States since 1940. The Martin Yale Premier GreenBoard Paper Trimmers come in different sizes, and cater to various cutting needs, from small-scale projects to larger sheets of paper or other materials. We offer the Martin Yale W12, W15, W18, W24, W30, and WC36 models. They have cutting lengths of 12,” 15,” 18,” 24,” 30,” and 36.”
The Martin Yale Premier PolyBoard Paper Trimmers are renowned for their material composition. While traditional trimmers have wooden or metal bases, these trimmers have a polyethylene cutting base. The polyethylene base has several advantages. For example, polyethylene bases are sturdy, resistant to wear and tear, unbreakable, and have a smooth surface for accurate and precise cutting that does not warp or damage over time. Since these durable polyethylene bases ensure longevity, these trimmers are a worthwhile investment for long-term use.
The cutting blades of these trimmers are sharp and precise, and cleanly slice through various types of paper, cardstock, and other materials used in printing. The Martin Yale Premier PolyBoard Paper Trimmers are suitable for schools, offices, print shops, and mailrooms. There are three models in the trimmers series: the Martin Yale P212X, P215X, and P218X. They have cutting lengths of 12,” 15,” and 18.”
Both of these guillotine paper trimmers share several similarities:
1. Permanent 1/2” Grid: Both trimmer series have a permanent 1/2" grid, which is on top of the base. The grid has dual English and metric rulers, which guides users to achieve consistent and accurate cuts.
2. Ergonomic Soft-grip Handle: The term “ergonomic” refers to the design of products to fit the human body’s natural movements. The trimmers’ ergonomic soft-grip handle gives the user comfort while they are trimming, and reduces stress on their hands, wrists, and arms by conforming to the natural contours of their hands.
3. Finger Guard: These trimmers have a finger guard, which is a safety feature that is created to protect the user’s fingers and hands from coming into contact with the cutting blade during operation.
4. Torsion Spring: Both trimmers series have torsion springs, which prevents the blade from accidentally falling during operation.
5. Patented Automatic Blade Latch: An automatic blade latch is a safety feature constructed to secure the trimmer’s cutting blade in a locked position automatically when it is not being used. The Martin Yale Premier GreenBoard and PolyBoard Paper Trimmers have a patented automatic blade latch that locks with every motion, prevents accidental contact with the blade, and decreases the risk of injuries.
6. Manual Trimmer: These devices are known as “manual trimmers” since they are operated manually, typically by pressing down the cutting arm or lever. This moves the sharp blade across the paper, which gives a clean and accurate cut.
There are several differences between these guillotine paper trimmers:
1. Blades
GreenBoard Paper Trimmers: Precision-angle steel blades are blades that are manufactured with specific angles, edges, or bevels so there will be precise cutting. These paper trimmers have precision-angle steel blades that cut stacks up to 20 sheets of 20 lb. bond paper.
PolyBoard Paper Trimmers: Self-sharpening blades have built-in systems that automatically sharpen or maintain the blade’s sharp edge as it goes through the cutting material. These machines have a self-sharpening, hardened steel blade that cuts up to 10 sheets of 20 lb. bond paper.
2. Base
GreenBoard Paper Trimmers: Paper trimmers traditionally have wood bases, which provide stability, support, and a flat cutting surface in order for the blade to easily slice through paper and other materials. These trimmers have a heavy duty 3/4" thick wood base that accurately cuts paper, cardboard, matte board, film, and tissue paper.
PolyBoard Paper Trimmers: Polyethylene is a solid and resilient plastic that is known for its durability. Unlike wood, it is resistant to moisture and corrosion. These machines have polyethylene bases, which are unbreakable, molded plastic bases that have a long life span. These trimmers can cut through paper, cardstock, photographs, laminated sheets, and office materials.
3. Hand-Operated Paper Clamp
GreenBoard Paper Trimmers: A hand-operated paper clamp is a manual mechanism used to secure the paper being cut in place during the trimming process. The GreenBoard Paper Trimmers have a hand-operated paper clamp, which helps prevent shifting or movement of the paper while it is being cut.
PolyBoard Paper Trimmers: These trimmers do not have paper clamps. The polyethylene base of the PolyBoard Paper Trimmers are created to offer stability and a flat cutting surface. Because the polyethylene base of these trimmers provides a sufficient grip to hold the paper in place, there are no additional clamps.
4. Projects
GreenBoard Paper Trimmers: These trimmers are used for educational projects. For example, teachers and educators use these trimmers to make teaching aids, posters, flashcards, and reference materials with precise and specific cuts.
PolyBoard Paper Trimmers: These trimmers are used for crafting, office, graphic design, and marketing projects. They are ideal for scrapbooking, card making, and making intricate designs on material like cardstock, specialty papers, and thin cardboard. In addition, offices use these trimmers for cutting documents, reports, and flyers. Finally, professionals in graphic design and marketing use PolyBoard Paper Trimmers to cut materials for brochures, posters, and other promotional materials.
Capacity: 20 sheets
Cutting Length: 12”
Dimensions: 13.75 x 19 x 3.25”
Weight: 8 lbs.
Capacity: 20 sheets
Cutting Length: 15”
Dimensions: 14.75 x 22.5 x 3.25”
Weight: 11 lbs.
Capacity: 20 sheets
Cutting Length: 18”
Dimensions: 20.75 x 26.5 x 4.5”
Weight: 16 lbs.
Capacity: 20 sheets
Cutting Length: 24”
Dimensions: 20.75 x 32.5 x 4.5”
Weight: 27 lbs.
Capacity: 20 sheets
Cutting Length: 30”
Dimensions: 25.25 x 39.5 x 5”
Weight: 38 lbs.
Capacity: 20 sheets
Cutting Length: 36.5”
Dimensions: 25.25 x 47 x 5”
Weight: 58 lbs.
Capacity: 10 sheets
Cutting Length: 12”
Dimensions: 19.5 x 12.4 x 2.25”
Weight: 4 lbs.
Capacity: 10 sheets
Cutting Length: 15”
Dimensions: 20.5 x 13.4 x 2.25”
Weight: 4 lbs.
Capacity: 10 sheets
Cutting Length: 18”
Dimensions: 26 x 13.9 x 3”
Weight: 7 lbs.
]]>Paper trimmers are tools used for cutting individual sheets of paper or thin materials. They usually have a circular rotary blade that moves along a guide. The rotary blade allows for smooth and accurate cutting without ripping up or crushing the paper. These devices are made for lighter cutting tasks that require high levels of precision and control.
While both paper cutters and trimmers cut and trim paper, they are designed for different types of tasks and volumes. Paper cutters are meant for heavy-duty cutting in professional settings, while paper trimmers are intended for cutting smaller quantities and lightweight materials in creative and hobbyist environments.
Paper cutters are used in the printing and publishing industry, businesses, and office settings to cut large stacks of paper to the desired size for books, to cut documents, and to cut brochures. Paper trimmers are used in schools and educational institutions to trim documents, flyers, presentations, and other paper-based materials.
Below we will compare the features of paper cutters and paper trimmers, including their blades, types, capacity, precision, applications, and safety attributes.
Paper cutters have a lever or blade mechanism that slices through paper. The cutting action requires bringing down a blade onto paper to make a neat cut.
There are three types of paper cutters: manual, semi-automatic, and automatic paper cutters. Manual paper cutters require manual effort to operate the cutting mechanism. However, semi-automatic and automatic models have motorized or automated cutting mechanisms. These models are also known as electric paper cutters. Read more about manual, semi-automatic, and automatic paper cutters.
Paper cutters are created to handle huge stacks or volumes of paper or materials at once. The products are suitable for heavy-duty cutting tasks in settings like print shops and offices.
Paper cutters produce precise and error-free cuts, particularly for large masses of materials. They usually come with measurement guides and rulers to maintain consistency.
Paper cutters are mostly utilized for tasks that call for cutting large amounts of paper, cardstock, photographs, laminated sheets, and other materials accurately and efficiently. These devices are used for commercial printing, bookbinding, packaging, and more. Paper cutters are suited for the printing and publishing industry, art and design industry, photography and framing industry, manufacturing and fabrication industry, and office settings.
Some paper cutters have safety features to avert accidental cuts. The safety features include safety guards, safety locks, mechanisms to secure the paper during cutting, infrared safety beams, and other safety enhancements.
Key Features:
Our Formax Cut-True 16M Manual Guillotine 18.7" Paper Cutter can cut paper up to 18.7” wide. It has a hardened-steel guillotine blade, and lever-activated blade arm that neatly cuts through stacks of paper up to 3.15” high. The guillotine paper cutter has a geared clamping system, which is a mechanism that securely holds the paper in place while it is being cut. To activate the clamping system, the user has to turn the spindle-guided back gauge crank. Rotating the crank adjusts the clamping pressure, engages the gears, and causes the clamping bar to move up or down.
The paper cutter has safety features such as front and rear transparent covers, a blade lock, external blade depth adjustment, easy blade change access from the front of the machine, and a wooden paper push for safe alignment. Also, the product uses a laser to project a visible LED laser cut line onto the paper. The laser is a reference point, and signifies where the cut will occur. As a result, the LED laser cut line achieves accurate and precise cuts.
Paper trimmers use rotary blades or sliding blades that move along a guide to cut paper. The cutting process requires moving the blade across the paper to trim it.
Trimmers come in various types, like rotary trimmers and sliding trimmers. Rotary trimmers have circular blades that roll along the paper. In contrast, sliding trimmers have blades that slide along a rail.
Trimmers are created for cutting smaller quantities of paper. While some can trim larger sheets, they are used for moderate cutting projects.
Trimmers execute neat cuts, especially for materials that need to have clean and straight edges. These products are popular with artists, photographers, crafters, and hobbyists.
Trimmers are often used for cutting materials such as paper, cardstock, photographs, and other lightweight materials. They are utilized for crafting, photography, and projects that need precision. The devices are suited for educational institutions and schools, small-scale printing businesses, crafting and hobbyist communities, offices, and home users.
Trimmers have safety features including transparent cutting guides and protective covers that stop accidental contact with the cutting blade.
Key Features:
Our MBM Triumph 1158 Paper Trimmer has a cutting length of 22.5,” and a capacity of up to 40 sheets of paper. The trimmer has a clear Lexan safety guard, which is moveable and covers the blade in every position. The machine has a hand clamp that functions independently from the blade handle. There is also a lockable, adjustable front gauge that has a calibrated rotary knob that allows for precise positioning. In addition, the MBM Triumph 1158 Paper Trimmer has fold-away paper supports on the front gauge that facilitates accurate cutting of lightweight stock.
An advantage of this trimmer is that blade changing is simple since there is an aluminum blade mounting bracket with double pivot bearings for the blade axle. It also comes with non-skid feet that provide safety and lets users accurately make cuts without errors. Finally, the device has side guides that include measurements scaled in inches, which enables you to measure paper directly on its table.
]]>Banner trimmers have features such as a wide cutting length, heavy-duty construction, sharp blades, measuring guides, and safety components. Banner trimmers have wide cutting lengths so it can be used with oversized materials, and the cutting lengths can vary from a few feet to over ten feet. In addition, the trimmers are built with heavy-duty construction, and are made of sturdy, durable materials to carry the weight and size of huge banners. They often have a robust frame, and a wide, stable base.
Moreover, banner trimmers have sharp cutting blades that can cleanly trim banner materials. These blades can be rotary, guillotine, or retractable blades depending on the banner trimmer model. Many banner trimmers have measuring guides and rulers on their cutting surfaces, which assists users in aligning their banner accurately to make precise cuts. Finally, safety is a priority with the manufacturers of banner trimmers, and some models may have safety shields or locking mechanisms to avert accidental contact with the blade.
Banner trimmers are perfect for trimming vinyl banners, canvas prints, large posters, and other similar materials. They are frequently used in print shops, advertising agencies, event planning, and businesses that create large-format graphics and signage. Professionals use banner trimmers because the devices make the edges of a banner neatly trimmed and presentable.
Manually trimming a banner involves laying the banner on a surface, and using a box knife with your hands. However, this process is difficult, takes a long time, and may have messy results. Our Martin Yale BT100 Banner Trimmer is neat, safe, and produces superior cutting results. It is made for sign shops, print centers, ship centers, and print shops that create marketing and promotional materials. This trimmer is easy to use, and quickly trims custom or standard size banners from 4” to 43” wide, and up to 144” long. Trimming a banner takes only a few minutes.
The BT100 has a maximum banner thickness of 18 millimeters. It uses retractable cutting blades, which is safer than trimming banners with knives or scissors. An advantage of these blades is that they can easily be replaced. The BT100 requires manual operation, so no power source is needed. The machine can trim banners within 1/16” when the user turns the handle. There are also locking casters on one side that allow you to move the product within your workspace.
Before using a banner trimmer, make sure that you comply with safety precautions, like wearing proper safety gear such as safety glasses. Watch your hands, and keep them away from the cutting blade.
Step 1: Set Up the Trimmer
Find a secure and flat work surface. Check if the surface is sturdy, and will not move during use.
Step 2: Measure and Mark
Measure and mark the cutting length you want on your banner. Utilize a ruler, measuring tape, or other measuring instruments so you will have accurate and precise cuts.
Step 3: Align the Material
Align the marked edge of the banner with the cutting guide on the trimmer. Examine the banner, and see if it is free from wrinkles and creases.
Step 4: Retract the Blade
Before you execute your cut, confirm that the retractable blade is in the retracted (safe) position. Consult the user’s manual on how to safely retract the blade. The method of retracting the blade depends on the trimmer’s model, but usually involves pushing a button or lever, or using a hand crank.
Step 5: Make the Cut
When the blade is in the retracted position, slide the blade carriage or cutting head along the guide rail to the starting point of the cut. Apply even pressure while pushing the blade carriage across the banner, and follow the cutting guide. Continue applying pressure until the entire length of the banner is cut.
Step 6: Extend and Retract the Blade as Needed
After performing the cut, you can extend the blade again if you need to make more cuts. Look at the user manual for instructions on how to do this safely. Be careful extending and retracting the blade, and keep your hands away from the exposed blade.
Step 7: Inspect and Adjust
After making the cut, observe the edges of the banner to see if it is clean and straight. If necessary, make more trims to achieve the size you want.
Step 8: Clean and Maintain
After use, clean the trimmer to get rid of any debris or excess material that may gather on the blade. Finally, store the trimmer in a safe place, and make sure it is not near children or others who do not know how to use the device.
]]>Here are the main types of trimmer machines:
1. Guillotine Trimmer: Guillotine trimmers have flat bases with a hinged arm that holds a cutting blade. In order to use the machine, the user aligns the paper on the cutting guide on the base. Then, the arm is brought down to cut the paper. These trimmers are intended for cutting larger stacks of paper, and come in various sizes. Our MBM Triumph 1080 Paper Trimmer is a guillotine trimmer that has a cutting length of 31-1/4,” a table size of 32” x 24-1/4," and a sheet capacity of up to 20 sheets of paper. Its wide-angle blade can cut paper as well as heavy materials such as matteboard, plastic, and metal foil.
2. Rotary Trimmer: Rotary trimmers have a circular cutting blade that slides along a rail. To cut paper, the users move the blade along the paper’s edge. These trimmers are known for having more intricate cuts and are available in manual or electric versions. Our MBM Triumph 1030 Rotary Trimmer is a 13-inch rotary trimmer with a fully enclosed safety cutting head and automatic clamp. Since the trimmer weighs only 1.5 lbs., it can fit anywhere, like offices, print shops, as well as homes.
Overall, trimmers are useful for achieving professional looking cuts that are clean and precise, and are essential for paper projects that require accuracy and consistency.
For larger stacks of paper, we recommend a paper cutter.
]]>Time clocks offer accurate time tracking, which is the practice of recording hours worked by an individual or group of individuals. Many work settings, such as businesses and organizations, implement this practice. Time clocks document when employees begin and end their work shifts, take lunch breaks, and leave for the day. Using time clocks for accurate time tracking helps ensure that employees are fairly paid for the hours they work.
Efficient payroll processing involves calculating, distributing, and managing employee compensation within an organization. Since time clocks accurately gather time data, payroll processing becomes streamlined. Time clocks allow employers to easily calculate employee wages, and take into account overtime and other pay-related details.
Labor law is a branch of legal regulations and standards that dictate the rights, responsibilities, and relationships between employers and employees in the workplace. Labor laws are formed to protect the rights and interests of employers and employees, and foster fair and equitable employment practices. Many labor laws require accurately tracking work hours and overtime. Utilizing a time clock assists employers in complying with these regulations. It also reduces the risk of legal disputes connected to wage and hour violations.
Time clocks automatically track time and reduce manual errors for employers. Paper-based systems and spreadsheets are used to manually document and calculate hours worked by employees. The errors that can occur while manually recording time are data entry errors, mathematical errors, transcription errors, inconsistent recording, misclassification of work hours, and failure to account for overtime. Time clocks can be semi-automatic or automatic, and remove the need for manually recording hours. They are free of these errors when they are record-keeping or performing payroll calculations.
Employee accountability is the expectation that employees take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and performance in the workplace. It includes a range of duties such as observing company policies, procedures, and codes of conduct. Time clocks promote accountability among employees by requiring them to clock in and out at specific times. When employees are accountable for clocking in and out, it reinforces a sense of responsibility for their work and time management. This discourages time theft and unauthorized time off.
The data gathered by time clocks can be used for analysis. For example, the data can be used to see trends in employee attendance, punctuality, and productivity. In addition, employers can analyze work hours, including overtime and late shifts, and assess how these hours impact employee satisfaction and well-being. Employers can use time clock data to make decisions associated with staffing, scheduling, and workforce management.
By using time clocks, employers can manage tracking time. For instance, time clocks require employees to clock in and clock out. This allows the time clock to record the start and end of employees’ work shifts or activities. The recorded information allows employers to review and confirm employees’ work hours. They can easily address any discrepancies or issues related to employees’ shifts.
Time clocks ensure accurate compensation for employees since they automatically document hours worked. The machine provides a reliable and precise method of recording work hours compared to manually tracking hours on paper or a spreadsheet. In fact, by using time clocks, employees can trust that they will be paid for the exact hours they worked. As a result, time clocks reduce financial uncertainties.
If employees qualify for overtime pay, time clocks help make sure that overtime hours are accurately tracked and compensated. Many time clock systems are programmed to automatically calculate overtime hours. This includes documenting the total hours worked in a workweek or workday, and identifying when employees exceed the threshold for overtime pay.
Using a time clock guarantees that all employees in an organization are treated equally and paid appropriately based on their actual hours worked. Even if employees have different positions, roles, or backgrounds, they are all subject to the same time tracking procedures and policies when they use a time clock. In addition, these time clocks prevent favoritism or discriminatory practices related to attendance since all employees have an equal opportunity to record their work hours. This minimizes the potential for preferential treatment.
Because time clocks provide accurate time tracking, they reduce the potential for disputes between employees and employers concerning work hours and compensation. Furthermore, time clocks can be configured to comply with labor laws related to attendance, breaks, and overtime. Compliance with labor laws decreases the potential for disagreements and legal issues.
When employees use time clocks, they have confidence that their time off and break times are recorded correctly, which lets them maintain a great work-life balance. This allows employees to get adequate rest and downtime during the workday. Moreover, by recording work hours, time clocks assist businesses in distributing resources and workloads more efficently. This prevents employees from being overwhelmed with excessive work.
There are some modern time clocks that permit employees to access their time and attendance records. By acquiring their time and attendance records, employees can monitor their office hours, and manage any discrepancies promptly.
Time clocks can be configured to implement company policies about punctuality. As a result, employees are motivated to practice punctuality, and arrive on time to avoid any penalties or disciplinary actions. Also, they are encouraged to cultivate time management skills and strengthen overall workplace efficiency.
Overall, time clocks benefit employers and employees by promoting accuracy, compliance, accountability, fairness, work-life balance, and punctuality in the workplace. They contribute to a more streamlined payroll process, are faster than manually recording work hours, and produce a more harmonious work environment.
]]>Time clocks are used with time cards, which is a card or sheet of paper that employees use to record their hours. Time cards are physically inserted by employees into time clocks to document their hours. The card has spaces or columns for employees to write, stamp, or print their clock-in and clock-out times. It can also have fields for an employee’s name, their ID, and pay period. These cards are usually used in conjunction with manual or mechanical clock systems.
Time clocks that have a printing mechanism to stamp the time and date on cards use a time clock ink ribbon. The ink ribbon is a spool of inked fabric that transfers the date and time information on the time card when an employee clocks in and out. Eventually, the ink on the ribbon can become depleted. As a result, it is necessary to replace the ink ribbon so there will be clear and legible time stamping.
Here is information on how to use a time clock, time cards, and ink ribbons:
Find out where your time clock is located at your workplace. Typically, it is placed at a central location so all employees are able to access it. If your time clock is a computerized calculating time clock like our Amano MJR-8000N Time Clock and Amano MJR-7000 Time Clock, insert your time card into the designated slot. The time card can have spaces for employees’ names, employees’ numbers, and dates. One time card can cover one pay period.
Our Amano MJR-8000 Time Cards are used with our Amano MJR-8000N Time Clock. One package comes with 2,000 time cards, and is intended to be used for organizations that have 250 employees or less. Our Amano MJR-7000 Time Cards are used with our Amano MJR-7000 Time Clock. One package comes with 2,000 time cards, and is meant to be used for businesses that have 100 employees or less.
“Time in” refers to the moment when an employee begins their work shift. It is the time where they start their duties and responsibilities for the day. After inserting your time card into the designated slot, the time clock will record “time in” by stamping the current time and date onto your time card.
A lunch or break time at a job is an allotted period of time during the workday when employees are permitted to take a break from their work duties to have a lunch or meal. In some jurisdictions, there are labor laws that require employers to provide time for a lunch break or meal period. If your workplace uses a time clock to keep track of lunch time or breaks, put your time card in the time clock’s slot.
When your work shift is finished, submit your time card in the slot of the time clock to clock out. Clocking out on a time clock ensures accurate payment of wages, and documents the end of the employee’s workday.
“Time out” is a specific time when an employee finishes their work shift and leaves the workplace. The employee is no longer on duty. The time clock will record your “time out” by stamping the current time and date onto your time card.
Before submitting your time card, review it to see if it is accurate. The recorded data on the time card is usually collected and used by human resources departments or payroll to calculate employees’ work hours and wages. Our Amano MJR-8000N Time Clock automatically totals hours for up to 250 employees. Our Amano MJR-7000 Time Clock automatically totals hours for up to 100 employees.
Before you start changing the ink ribbon on your time clock, make sure the ink ribbon is suitable for your model. In addition to offering the Amano MJR-8000N Time Clock and the Amano MJR-7000 Time Clock, we provide ink ribbons for each of these products. It is also important to turn off the time clock and unplug it from the power source for safety. Our Amano MJR-8000 Ink Ribbon is a two-color ink ribbon, and our Amano MJR-7000 Ink Ribbon is a single-color ink ribbon.
Here are steps to change the ink ribbon of a time clock:
Open the time clock’s cover or access panel to reveal the ink ribbon compartment. This is usually located near the printing mechanism.
Remove the old or depleted ink ribbon from the spools or guides within the compartment. Take into account the direction in which the old ribbon is wound.
Unpack the replacement ink ribbon, and make sure it is compatible with your time clock. Check to see if the new ink ribbon is the correct size.
Insert one end of the new ink ribbon into the appropriate spool or guide in the same direction as the old ink ribbon. Feed the ribbon through the printer’s mechanism. Confirm that the ink ribbon is threaded so there will be smooth printing.
Examine the new ribbon, and see if it is securely in place. There should be no loose or tangled sections.
Carefully close and secure the ink ribbon compartment or cover.
Plug in and turn on the time clock.
Print a test time stamp to make sure the new ink ribbon is correctly installed, and that the printing is clear and legible.
Dispose the old ribbon properly, and follow any relevant recycling or disposal guidelines.
If you are struggling replacing your ink ribbon, or if you are unsure about a step, read the user manual from your time clock’s manufacturer. You can also look for assistance from a technician that is familiar with your time clock model.
Maintenance problems can occur due to a lack of care or knowledge. Many people are not fully aware of what needs to be done to keep a shredder in perfect working order. This lack of knowledge is very common and has cost numerous businesses a financial loss that could have easily been prevented.
In this article, we will describe the correct maintenance processes needed to keep your shredder functioning without any complications or damages.
One of the most important maintenance tips for all types of shredders is to regularly lubricate the shredder blades. This is because the lubrication of your blades will diminish over time, which can cause the effectiveness of the shredder's blades to decrease.
This means that the machine will shred much slower, and will also start to jam up. If the blades are left unlubricated for a prolonged period of time, then it could significantly reduce the ability of the shredder. It could cause more long-term problems that require intricate fixes.
How often you should lubricate your shredder blades is very much dependent on how often the shredder is used. If you are only using the shredder occasionally, then a simple lubrication every 2 months should suffice. However, if you are using your shredder daily, then you should start thinking about a regular schedule of around every 2 weeks.
There are several ways to apply lubricant to a shredder. One of the simplest ways of doing this is through the use of shredder lubricant sheets. Lubricant sheets are simply put through the shredder, and evenly distribute shredder oil or lubricants around the blades.
Shredder oil is probably the most effective lubricant for shredders, and can also be applied very easily. There are two main methods of applying oils. One of these methods is to simply take your shredder oil and evenly spread a small amount onto a piece of paper. You can then put the paper through the shredder, and it will evenly distribute the oil around the blades in a similar fashion to lubrication sheets.
The second way of lubricating shredder blades is to gently pour the oil along the paper input line. You do this by setting the shredder to manual mode, pouring the oil along the paper insert line, and running the shredder in reverse for 10-20 seconds.
Whitaker Brothers 2-Gallon Case of Shredder Oil
Whitaker Brothers 6-Pint Case of Shredder Oil
MBM Destroyit Paper Shredder Oil (4 x 1 pint) - CED214
As with all electrical appliances/machinery, regularly cleaning your shredder is an integral part of its maintenance. A dirty shredder that is never emptied or cleaned has a much higher chance of breaking down and needing repairs. Therefore, a regular cleaning process will help to prolong the life of your shredder and keep it effective and efficient.
If you do not clean your shredder, then you should expect to see a build-up of paper particles and dust. An excessive build-up will have a considerable impact on the motor, and therefore the functionality of the shredder.
It is recommended that you clean your shredder every month. However, this very much depends on your usage. If you use your shredder multiple times a day, then a regular cleaning schedule could be necessary to make sure that it can function properly.
1 - The first and most important step of cleaning a shredder is to unplug the shredder at the outlet. This is a safety precaution to make sure that you are safe, and can clean your shredder with zero complications.
2 - Once the shredder is unplugged, you can start to disassemble it. You can do this by simply removing the lid from the main container. If you find this step difficult, then take a look in your user manual to avoid damaging anything.
3 - You can start to clean the blades with a cloth or a piece of fabric. When cleaning, you need to make sure that any dust, ink, paper shreds, or any other debris is fully out of the blades.
4 - You can use a very small amount of soapy water, and a damp cloth to gently clean the blades while making sure to keep your hands safe. Once this is done, simply dry it with a fabric or cloth.
Another way of helping with the regular maintenance of your shredder is to give it cool-off periods. When shredders are being used for a long period, they can become overheated. While this will most likely not cause any complications at the time, it can damage the overall lifespan of the shredder if consistently done.
These cool-off periods do not need to be long periods. The time that a shredder needs to cool-off depends on the model that you have. Higher-quality shredders may only need around 30 seconds every so often just to make sure that it does not get overworked.
These cool-off breaks are by no means necessary. However, they are recommended as a way of prolonging the lifespan of what was probably an expensive piece of machinery. This is a maintenance tip that will show its worth down the line.
While most shredders will state exactly what their capacity is, it is not uncommon for people and businesses to push these machines past their limits. This often means that machines are being overused beyond their capabilities, which is then resulting in damages and costly repairs.
When using a shredder, abiding by its stated capacities is vital. These capacities are shown so that the shredders are not given loads that they cannot cope with. If you are regularly overloading them, then you should not be surprised when they start to break down and become faulty.
If a shredder has a capacity of 300 sheets, then trying to load 350 sheets will not abide by the mechanics of the machine. As we have stated previously, these machines can be very expensive. It is therefore important to treat them with care to lengthen their lifespan and to ensure that you get the most out of your initial investment.
Here at Whitaker Brothers, we carry a huge collection of the highest-quality commercial-grade shredders and shredder accessories for all your document shredding and data destruction needs. Whether you are seeking a robust device designed for high volumes and demanding environments, or a more lightweight machine for use at home or a small office, we have something for you.
]]>Shredding old and outdated documents is not just a way of making space in an office, it is also a way of adhering to strict data protection laws set out by both federal and state laws. Holding on to important documents for longer than necessary can make you susceptible to breaching these laws.
In this article, we will detail why exactly businesses need to shred confidential documents. We will also detail the business documents that you can shred, and the documents that you should never shred.
The main reason behind shredding confidential documents is to adhere to strict data privacy laws. 94% of companies that must comply with GDPR are either partially or fully non-compliant with the requirements. Data privacy breaches can cost organizations up to $7,500 per violation.
The main reasons behind businesses needing to shred and destroy documents are:
A majority of the documents that businesses store include a large amount of sensitive and confidential data. Therefore, shredding and destroying this data helps to protect the data from getting into the wrong hands through potential data leaks. If the data ends up in the wrong hands, then it can leave the organization exposed to leaking confidential customer and employee data.
In the United States, there are numerous data regulation laws that organizations must adhere to. The act of shredding sensitive documents and hard drives to destroy data helps organizations comply with the data privacy and data destruction laws that exist in the United States. If organizations do not follow these data compliance regulations, then they can leave themselves vulnerable to violations and costly fines.
Documents and files can take up a large amount of space within an organization or office. Therefore, organizing these documents through shredding helps a business to get on top of its internal organization, and work towards a paperless office. This can have a positive impact on the overall processes within a business. It also allows for more room that can be utilized for other areas of the company.
Many different documents should always be shredded to protect the privacy of your business, employees, and customers. These documents are:
Eventually, tax records should always be shredded. However, it is necessary to hold onto these kinds of documents for up to seven years. This is because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may need these receipts and documents to back up your numbers. The seven-year period will ensure that you are safe. After seven years have passed, these documents should be shredded and discarded.
The IRS recommends that all businesses keep hold of their employee tax records for at least 4 years. This is to cover themselves in case an employee questions them at all. After these 4 years, you should shred these sensitive documents, as they feature very confidential information about your employees such as social security numbers, identification numbers, personal info, and salary information.
Bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial statements can feature very sensitive data on a business's accounts. Therefore, they should not be held on for longer than necessary.
You can typically shred your paper bank statements and documents after around a year of use. This is because you can now access all your bank statements online. However, if you need bank statements to support and prove your tax returns, then you should keep a copy of the physical document at hand.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) states that if your business employs more than 15 people, then you must legally keep employee records for at least a year.
These records include job applications, promotions, employee tests, layoffs, and even documentation for applicants you don’t hire. However, accountants and lawyers will recommend that you keep these documents for longer than a year in case an employee ever tries to make a claim against your organization.
While many document types can be shredded and destroyed, many types of business documents should always be kept ahold of. These documents are:
It is extremely important that you keep all documents and business records related to your LLC. This includes all your business formation documents; bylaws; articles of organization; lists of shareholders, members, and directors; annual reports; meeting minutes; and trademark, copyright, and patent registrations. These documents are important for your business, so making sure that they are very secure is integral.
It is suggested that businesses hold onto all legally binding contracts long-term. This includes any lawsuits that were made, claims made, as well as long-term contracts with vendors and businesses. In addition to this, it is also important to keep hold of any contracts that you have related to your lawyer, as they can come in handy further down the road.
Keeping a copy of documents such as income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets is also very important. This is because these documents will help you monitor and determine the success of your business. You will be able to see how your business has either progressed or regressed from year to year. A business cannot succeed without understanding how it is currently performing in comparison to its previous performance.
Here at Whitaker Brothers, we carry the highest-quality commercial-grade shredders on the market. We have a huge collection of shredders that are available in various degrees of security, ranging from Level 1/P-1 to Level 6/P-7 High Security. Whether your business is looking for a robust device designed for high volumes and demanding environments, or a more lightweight and practical machine for small offices, our impressive collection has everything for you.
]]>If you are experiencing problems using a guillotine paper cutter, then do not worry, you are not alone. There is far more skill and technique that goes into using these machines effectively than you would imagine.
In this article, we will detail exactly how to use a guillotine paper cutter to make perfect cuts, and to be as efficient as possible.
Most large organizations, as well as a good number of small businesses, will have several uses for guillotine paper cutters. This is because they can be utilized across a huge amount of applications. Along with this, this high-quality type of machinery has many benefits that you would struggle to find with lower-quality paper-cutting devices.
Paper cutters allow businesses to make the highest quality and most precise cuts. This accuracy and precision are incredibly important across several business applications. When used correctly, they provide attention to detail, and an end product that you will not be able to find elsewhere. This is because they have the ability to cut through a large stack of paper, while ensuring clean and straight edges every time.
In addition to this, guillotine paper cutter structures and blades are designed to be hard-wearing, and to last the test of time. This makes them a brilliant investment for businesses that deal with a large amount of paper-based documents and advertisements.
Guillotine paper cutters are used in businesses for many different applications. This is because their reliability and quality are second to none. The common applications that guillotines are used for within an organization are:
These applications are very important to businesses. Therefore, making sure that they have the correct apparatus to be able to cut large quantities of these applications efficiently is incredibly important.
Guillotine paper-cutting machinery features incredibly sharp blades and heavy machinery. Therefore, the health and safety of anybody using the machinery should always be a priority. As with all potentially dangerous apparatus within a workplace, safety precautions must be followed when these machines are in use.
A majority of paper-cutting guillotines will feature some kind of safe lock. When the machine is not in use, the safety lock must always be on. This is to ensure that no accidents or potential injuries occur while the machine is not in operation.
While the guillotine is in use, the user must take great care and check that they are operating the machine properly. Using the machine exactly how it is designed to be used will help minimize any risk of accidents occurring.
How you should properly use a guillotine paper cutter is very much dependent on the type of guillotine paper cutter that you have. This is because they come in manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic models. Therefore, the techniques and what needs to be done are different depending on which model you have.
Automatic guillotine paper cutters work very easily. First, you place the sheets of paper within the machine. Then, program exactly where you want the cut using a digital screen. Finally, bring down the blades to perform the cut. This will always provide the most accurate and neat finishes.
However, manual paper cutters have far more steps in their process. These steps are:
1 - The first step is to count the number of sheets that you are going to be cutting to determine whether or not your machine can handle them all. If your machine cannot facilitate your stack of paper, then separate the sheets into smaller piles that your machine can handle.
2 - Place the sheets onto the base of the cutter. Using the measurement grid, measure out exactly where you need to make your cut to ensure it's accurate. If your machine has a clamp, then see if the clamp is on to keep the paper in place.
3 - You can then start to bring down the blade slowly while making sure your hands are fully out of the blade's path. Then continue to bring down the blade and make the cut.
4 - You should then recycle any scrap paper, and also make sure that you put on the safety latch to avoid any potential injuries.
Keep the knife sharp - The most important feature of any paper-cutting machine is its blade. Therefore, it is super important for the maintenance of the apparatus to involve keeping the blade as sharp as possible. This is because the sharper the blade is, the more accurate and smooth the cut will be.
Oil them properly - Newer paper cutters tend to have their own oiling systems. However, older models will need regular oiling to ensure that they always stay in good condition. Oiling regularly will help to increase the lifespan of your paper cutter, and will assist organizations in getting more out of their investments.
Regularly clean after use - Cleaning a guillotine paper cutter after use is incredibly important. This is because if the machine is unkept, and a build-up of old cuttings forms, you could start to see your machine becoming more and more inaccurate. Making sure your paper cutter is clean will help to keep its accuracy and efficiency.
Learn operating instructions by heart - If a user does not fully understand how to use any paper-cutting machine, then this is where accidents and inaccuracies can creep in. Knowing exactly how to use a machine is important to helping to not only keep its effectiveness, but also to adhere to health and safety practices.
Never use more clamp pressure than is needed - If you are applying too much pressure through your clamp, then you could start to see a reduced force available for cutting. Therefore, it is important to find the correct balance and pressure needed.
Here at Whitaker Brothers, we carry a huge collection of high-quality commercial-grade guillotine paper cutters perfect for businesses of all sizes. Whether you need paper trimmers to clean up the edges of important documents, business card cutters to help you create the business cards of your dreams, or heavy-duty cutters for the more challenging materials, we can help.
]]>Here is a list of our top 5 time clocks:
Our Amano MJR-8000N Time Clock calculates hours worked, and can total hours for up to 250 employees. It is used in conjunction with our Amano MJR-8000 Time Cards. When an employee is ready to start their shift, they can insert their Amano MJR-8000 Time Card in the time clock’s slot. At the end of their shift, employees can repeat the process. This time clock will record clocking in and clocking out on the time card, and can even print names. The recorded times on the card can be used to determine employees’ wages, benefits, and overtime hours.
The time clock eliminates manual calculation errors, and automatically advances year, month, date, and Daylight Saving Time, and accommodates weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly pay periods. A feature of the Amano MJR-8000N Time Clock is that it can make a brief, easy-to-read attendance report for the current pay period. This report can be used for workforce management and decision making. The device comes with a built-in battery backup that protects the clock and program data for up to 72 hours during power failure.
Our Amano EX-3500N Time Clock is a top-load, semi-automatic time clock that is used to record and track employee working hours. The time clock has a top-loading mechanism that requires users to insert their time cards at the top of the device to clock in and out. This design can be more convenient than other time clock designs because it eradicates the need for users to bend or twist their cards when inserting them into a time clock slot.
The time clock has semi-automatic operation. This means that while the user of the device has to manually insert their time card, the time clock automatically prints the time and date on the card once it is inserted. On the other hand, the user of manual time clocks has to manually stamp their time by pushing a lever or button after putting the time card in. Other facets of the Amano EX-3500N Time Clock are that it has simple programming and operation, prints time in regular or military time, has two color printing to show irregular time, and has a high-quality dot matrix printer for clean, clear printing.
Our Amano PR-600 Watchman's Time Clock is an electronic device used to track the activities and movements of watchmen, security guards, or personnel that are in charge of patrolling specific areas or premises during their shifts. A watchman’s time clock system is made up of time clocks placed at different locations throughout the patrol area that are labeled for identification. Watchmen follow a patrol route that involves visiting each time clock location in a particular order.
The time clocks come with keys, which are used by watchmen. By inserting their key into a time clock, the watchmen leave a mark, or record a timestamp on a paper tape inside the time clock. A manager reviews the paper tape from the time clocks to make sure that the watchmen followed their assigned patrol route and finished their rounds on time. An advantage of our Amano PR-600 Watchman’s Time Clock is that the paper tape from the time clock documents whether the patrol was carried out as planned.
The time clock does not require an ink ribbon, and it uses carbonless paper that leaves a clear imprint. There are 99 station keys available, and the master key can restrict access to record tape and time. The product comes with a lock box to prevent loss of station keys. It is compatible with Microsoft Vista. In addition, it has a built-in battery that, when fully charged, maintains normal operations for 62 hours (which is equivalent to 400 prints).
Our Amano MJR-7000 Time Clock is a computerized time recorder that provides error-free payroll preparation by automatically adding up employee hours. It is used together with our Amano MJR-7000 Time Cards. In fact, the machine can total hours for up to 100 employees, and is suitable for medium-sized companies. It accurately tracks time by tracking employee work hours minute by the minute, which decreases the likelihood of errors or time theft.
The Amano MJR-7000 Time Clock has a digital display screen that shows the time, and allows employees to clock in and out. The time clock’s ribbon cartridge is easy to replace, and saves time. The device has programmable zones for late arrival or early departure. There are even exception marks to identify tardiness and overtime, and simple data correction. Finally, there is automatic break deduction, and the time clock is able to round in/out times.
Our Amano BX-1500 Time Clock is a top-load, semi-automatic time clock that has a large, easy-to-read quartz clock dial. Users can conveniently load their time cards or sheets at the top of the device as opposed to loading them from the front or side like other time clocks. It has a dot matrix printing mechanism to mark the time and date information on the time cards. There is a surface detection function for correct printing position. The time clock prints time in regular or military time, AM or PM, 0-23 hours, minutes, tenths, or hundredths.
The Amano BX-1500 Time Clock and its programming data can operate for 3 years without electric AC (alternating current) power through use of battery power. The device automatically feeds, prints, and ejects cards. In addition, the time clock has push button alignment for in and out registration. There are 6 print columns that can record 3 “ins” and 3 “outs” per day. There is easy out-of-the box setup, and the clock can be placed on a table, or mounted on a wall after it is assembled.
]]>Our Amano PIX-200 Time Clock is an all-in-one electronic time recorder and date stamp designed to meet the typical needs of a modern business.
]]>Automatic or electric letter openers are much more modern openers that not enough people and businesses are aware of. They save a huge amount of time in your office mailroom, and also ensure that every letter is opened so that nothing important is missed.
In this article, we will talk about why letter openers are important for businesses, and how to properly use them.
A conventional letter opener is a simple piece of equipment that slices through letters for a much easier, smoother, and quicker opening. However, an automatic letter opening machine is a very impressive piece of equipment that takes in the incoming letters, and sears through the topmost envelope flap using its unique technology.
These machines are typically used by large businesses that get a huge amount of mail on a daily basis, and who struggle to keep up with their mail demand manually. Automatic letter openers give them the ability to open, distribute, and process a huge pile of mail in a matter of minutes.
Automatic letter openers offer businesses a huge amount of benefits. All of these benefits prove the worth and importance of having equipment for tasks and processes that you may not realize need to be streamlined to improve the overall efficiency of your business. These benefits are, but not limited to:
Streamline Mail Processes - When a business is consistently receiving a plethora of mail, manually opening and sorting each one can take a huge amount of time. This is time that could be spent on other, more important, areas of the business. Automatic letter openers help to open, sort, and distribute your mail with astonishing processing speeds of up to 300 envelopes per minute.
Minimizes Risk of Errors - When a human is inundated with a huge workload, there is always a risk of human error. These intelligent letter-opening machines reduce any risk of errors, and therefore make the mail process more effective. This lack of errors could also help to avoid any problems that could directly affect the business.
Much Quicker than Manually Opening - Automatic letter openers are quicker than a human sorting through mail could ever be. These machines can process up to 300 envelopes per minute. This is an exponentially greater number than a human processing and distributing each envelope could ever achieve.
Improves Overall Business Productivity - As manually sorting through piles of mail can take a considerable amount of time, having employees working through these piles can directly affect the overall productivity of the business. Since these machines ensure that no employees have to spend their time opening mail, overall business productivity will improve.
Much Safer - While safety may not seem like a huge concern within a mailroom, constantly handling paperwork and envelopes will no doubt end with an abundance of painful paper cuts. The introduction of automatic letter openers guarantees safer mail processing.
Less Letter Damage - While this is not a requirement for businesses, using automatic letter openers will cause much less damage to your letters. However, if you have important documents or checks, using an automatic letter opener protects the contents and leaves it intact.
As you would expect, automatic letter openers are incredibly simple to use. Most of the larger machines will have a tray that can be opened for the mail to be inserted. The automatic letter opener will then use its advanced technology to feed the mail through where it will be slit open through the topmost fold on the envelope.
The larger your machine is, the better it will be at holding more envelopes. The only human input needed for these machines is loading up the envelopes.
These very impressive letter openers have the ability to open up to 300 letters per minute, which is around 18,000 letters per hour and over 400,000 per day. Using manual letter openers will not produce numbers even close to this, and will not be able to match the efficiency of automatic letter opening tools.
While we have established that automatic letter openers offer a huge amount of benefits to businesses, it is important to note that they are very costly. Therefore, you must be sure that your business can maximize its benefits.
These amazingly efficient letter openers are designed for larger organizations that have many letters and documents sent to them on a regular basis. These openers have the capability to open hundreds of thousands of letters on a daily basis. However, if you are not getting an overwhelming number of mail, they may not be for your business.
If you are a business that has a huge number of letters and mail that can be difficult to keep on top of, then these products can provide you with countless benefits. They will allow you to not only streamline your mail processes, but also increase the efficiency of your whole business.
This extremely impressive Omation Model 306 has the ability to open 36,000 envelopes per hour. This model is an incredibly high-powered letter opener with exceptional features such as mill technology that keeps the enclosed documents safe, automatic jam detection, and LCD display.
This incredibly high-end envelopener has the ability to open up to 400 envelopes per minute (6” envelopes). This opener has a huge range of features such as a 5.5-inch display, a soft feathered edge, and a cut depth adjustable knob as well as offering amazing functionality and optimized efficiency.
This Martin Yale 1632 letter opener is perfect for any mid to large-sized business thanks to its completely hands-free process. This piece of machinery has the ability to open up to 7,000 envelopes per hour in an incredibly safe manner, and makes sure that all your letters and documents are protected.
]]>Let’s start with the basics: what is a granulator? A granulator is a machine that breaks down items into smaller pieces, rendering their data irrecoverable. These machines are typically used for recycling purposes, scrap reclaims, or bulk reduction. Granulators can destroy items made of several materials including plastic, metal, and pharmaceutical products. However, they are most commonly used to deal with plastic items.
Now, we’ll answer the question: how does a granulator work? The exact method a granulator uses will vary, depending on its type and model. However, we are sharing the general methodology below.
Feed - First, you should feed the plastic item into the granulator so the machine can begin working.
Cut or crush - The granulator will begin cutting or crushing the item, forming small pieces. This is done with a cutting blade, crushing roller, hammer, or by shearing. This process permanently destroys the item and all its data, which becomes irrecoverable.
Sieve - Next, the machine will sieve all the granules. Smaller pieces will pass through, while larger parts are retained for further crushing.
Collect - The final step a granulator does is collect the pieces for recycling or other purposes.
Any organization can use data destruction granulators. They are perfect for companies that need to comply with data regulations. A granulating machine is especially suitable for high-security organizations, including:
The above list is only a handful of sectors that granulators can help. Regardless of the sector or industry, granulators provide a great way to dispose of data for all organizations.
A granulating machine is an excellent choice for data destruction. Thanks to the unique crushing process that cuts items into tiny granules, items, and all their data are permanently destroyed and cannot be recovered. This process is irreversible, and as a result people cannot put the pieces back together or find the destroyed information. For this reason, granulators are highly effective for data destruction.
These machines also help organizations comply with data regulations. With regulations constantly evolving, it is necessary to keep your customer’s details safe and protect your organization from being fined.
Above, we have shared what a granulating machine is, how it works, and why these machines are excellent choices for data destruction. You should now have a better understanding of granulators, and whether a granulating machine is the correct choice for your business. If you find that it is, you can browse our complete collection of granulators here. Alternatively, feel free to contact us and speak to a member of our friendly team to discover the best data destruction equipment tailored to your organization’s specific needs. Your company’s data security is our priority, and our granulators are here to help you achieve it.
When purchasing a shredder machine, consider buying accessories like shredder oil, shredder bags, burn bags, waste containers, and shredder bins. These accessories can amplify your shredding experience, improve maintenance, and ensure efficient operation. Listed below are common accessories that will complement your shredder.
It is important to buy shredder oil since regularly lubricating your shredder blades with the oil helps maintain your shredder’s performance and extends its lifespan. Our 2-Gallon Case of Shredder Oil is a high-quality commercial grade petroleum-based shredder oil that can be used to refill any shredder’s automatic oiler. Our oil formula has high viscosity, is lightweight, and is made for commercial paper shredders. If your shredder does not use an automatic oiler, we suggest buying our pint bottles of oil, which have an applicator cap.
We believe that our petroleum-based shredder oil is significantly better than using an inexpensive, water-based shredder oil. This is because a water-based shredder oil is low-quality, and the heat generated by a commercial shredder can cause the oil to turn into a waxy buildup. In contrast, our shredder oil clears build up, maintains optimal cutting performance, and keeps the shredder functioning smoothly. It can also be used to break up paper jams.
A shredder bag is a specialized plastic bag that is created to fit and line a waste bin or collection bin of a paper shredder. These bags are designed so it is easy to gather and dispose of paper shreds. Instead of having to empty a waste bin and produce a mess, you can simply remove the shredder bag from your shredder bin, tie it, and discard it. Our Shredder Bag 800 is a package of shredder bags that contains 100 of our Model #800 shredder bags.
They can fit into some of our Datastroyer, Martin Yale, Destroyit by MBM, Fellowes, Formax, HSM, and Swingline shredder models (click here to see the models). In addition, these bags are compatible with shredders with a waste bin capacity between 40 and 64 gallons. What is unique about our bags is that they are 2 mm thick, which is thicker than standard garbage bags. Because of its thickness, the bags are sturdy and will not break when you transport them for disposal.
A burn bag is a paper bag that is designed to hold sensitive documents so they can be disposed of. Our burn bags are clearly distinguished from others bags with its red and white stripes, are made from sturdy paper, and are meant to be used with disintegrators or incinerators. There are 250 bags per bundle, and each bag can hold 1800 cubic inches worth of documents. The term “burn bag” comes from the historical practice of incinerating these bags and the contents inside to make sure that the materials in the bag are completely destroyed.
Today, government agencies and businesses use burn bags, fill them with confidential documents, seal them shut, and toss them into a disintegrator (a machine that reduces solid material into microscopic particles) or incinerators to be demolished. The confidential documents can be classified reports, files, internal memos, or material that if got into the wrong hands, could threaten national security or organizational confidentiality.
While shredding is used for document destruction, it can be risky. If the shreds are large, sometimes the document can be put back together again. For extra protection, users can shred classified documents, put the shreds in the burn bag, and seal the bag shut so it can go into a disintegrator or incinerator. An advantage of burn bags is that they eliminate the ability to view the documents that are inside - only the person using the burn bag sees the contents in the bag. The burn bags reduce the risk of a security breach.
A confidential waste container is a security receptacle that is created for the temporary storage of sensitive or confidential documents and materials before they are shredded. Our Witt Confidential Waste Container has a capacity of 36 gallons, and comes with a tumbler lock and two keys to protect your sensitive information that you need to dispose of. The opening of the container is 2 inches, and is designed for use in technology centers, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, executive areas, government facilities, and businesses where security is a priority.
Confidential waste containers are placed in offices, work areas, and sites where sensitive information is produced or handled. At these locations, employees are encouraged to deposit their sensitive or confidential documents in these containers instead of trash or recycling bins. When the confidential waste containers are full, the contents are retrieved and processed through a paper shredder, which destroys the documents. Our Witt Confidential Waste Container ensures that confidential documents are not accidentally or intentionally exposed to unauthorized persons with its tumbler lock, and facilitates the shredding process.
Our HSM Shredinator 24” Shredder Bin is a confidential waste container that can hold up to 60 lbs. of highly sensitive documents. It is created for storing confidential documents before they are shredded. The product can fit into tight spaces, such as beside a desk, under a counter, or in a corner away from office traffic. It is designed to be used in places that require bulk data destruction, but have limited space like hospitals, large offices, and universities.
The shredder bin is a 100% recyclable container that has a completely removable and lockable lid that is tamper proof to keep confidential documents inside the bin safe. It has ergonomic top and bottom handles that make it easy to transport or dump the documents inside safely. Since the bin itself weighs less than 6 lbs., it is lightweight enough to relocate to a new office. The product comes with a key that can be used with our other HSM Shredinators, HSM carts, and HSM consoles.
]]>The U.S. suffers from the most data breaches worldwide. In 2022 alone, there were 1,802 cases of data compromises, and 422 million affected individuals. These data breaches and leaks can not only have a huge impact on how a business operates, but also on how a business is viewed by its potential customers and competitors.
There are different kinds of effective data destruction methods that can help to protect sensitive data. These methods ensure that data does not end up in the wrong hands. Three of the main methods are shredding, degaussing, and disintegrating.
In this article, we will take a look at all three of these data destruction methods, their pros and cons, and also what industries they are suitable for.
The process of shredding is one that most of us are familiar with. Data shredding is the process of destroying a data hard drive through the use of a mechanical shredder.
This is a very popular form of data destruction as it is a method of permanent file destruction. Shredding data drives using heavy-duty shredders ensures that the drives are rendered irreparable, and are subsequently erased with no chance of recovery.
Businesses typically use this method when data is becoming outdated, or technology is being upgraded. This is so that the sensitive data that is stored does not end up in the wrong hands or become a victim of a catastrophic data leak.
Data shredding has a huge amount of benefits that can be invaluable to businesses. These pros are:
Data is Fully Unrecoverable - If done and disposed of correctly, the data should be completely unrecoverable. This will mean that there will be zero risk of the data falling into the wrong hands, or being susceptible to any data breaches.
Compliance with Privacy Laws - Shredding your old sensitive data also ensures that you are fully compliant with U.S. privacy laws. This is important as not complying with data privacy laws will result in legal troubles such as fines or imprisonment.
Data Cannot End Up in the Wrong Hands - This method of data destruction guarantees the highest level of safety and security of data. It also ensures that the data does not end up with the wrong people or anyone to whom the data subjects did not consent to.
Saves Data Storage Space - Many organizations have a limited amount of data storage. Therefore, shredding and getting rid of data regularly will allow you to have data storage space.
While there are a huge amount of advantages when it comes to data shredding, there are also a number of disadvantages to be aware of. These disadvantages are:
Time Consumption - Although data shredding is a manual process, it can be very time-consuming. If there is a large quantity of hard drives that need to be destroyed, then it could end up taking up a fair amount of time. Each moment spent shredding data takes away from other very important tasks.
Costs - Data shredding can end up being a very expensive process, especially if you do not invest in the correct equipment. If not maintained properly, shredders can have problems such as jamming, dull blades, debris clogged, overheating, and more. These problems will all require maintenance, which adds up over time.
No Proof of Destruction - Organizations that operate in regulated industries must provide proof of their document destruction. In-house shredding leaves no audit trail, which means that you will not receive a certificate of destruction that you can use as proof of destruction.
Data degaussing is a method of permanently erasing data from hard drives by randomly changing the alignment of magnetic domains. This method leaves the hard drive unreadable so that the data cannot end up in the wrong hands, or be victim of a serious data leak or data breach.
Degaussing counteracts the hard drive's magnetic field by delivering a powerful magnetic pulse that instantly destroys all magnetic domains, and therefore data, on the hard drive disks.
Degaussing is another extremely popular form of data destruction that is used by many organizations. It works on a variety of different storage mediums such as HDD, SSD, memory cards, hard drives, and so much more. The primary goal of data degaussing is to safeguard businesses and individuals from data leaks.
As a data destruction method, degaussing has a huge amount of benefits that make it so popular. The pros of data degaussing are:
Effective Data Destruction - Degaussing is a very effective method of data destruction that leaves data completely unreadable and irreparable. This is incredibly important so that the drives do not end up in the wrong hands.
Disposes of Data Quickly - The method of degaussing is incredibly efficient and can wipe and destroy all the data on a hard drive within seconds. This means that it is far more time-efficient than other data destruction methods.
Cost Effective - Degaussing is the cleanest, most efficient, and most cost-effective form of data destruction on the market. It is a go-to for many businesses when thinking about the destruction of their data.
Adhere to Data Privacy Laws - Degaussing is very important for organizations as it helps them to adhere to data storage and data privacy laws. Abiding by these laws ensures that organizations do not receive any penalties such as fines or imprisonment.
While there are a lot of advantages to data degaussing, there are some negatives that must be taken into account. These disadvantages are:
Low Efficacy of Data Destruction - If you do not purchase a high-quality degausser, then the efficacy of the data destruction can be very low. This can be avoided by purchasing a high-quality piece of degaussing equipment.
Limited Scalability - Most degaussers are designed to only sanitize a single hard drive. Therefore if your business needs to sanitize multiple hard drives at a time then it can be very ineffective. However, a high-quality degausser will have the ability to work on more than one drive at a time.
Generates E-Waste - As degaussers make disks and other media storage devices useless, they can generate a lot of e-waste. As a result, data degaussing is only effective for “end of life” media.
Data disintegrators use both rotor and bed knives to tear up hard drives and media data storage in order to break them into tiny pieces. This kind of data destruction ensures that the data cannot be repaired.
Disintegrators are perfect for offices and businesses that have outgrown shredders and degaussers. These data disintegrators offer a much greater volume of data destruction, which is perfect for businesses that store a huge amount of data.
There are so many different benefits of data disintegrators that make them extremely popular among a huge number of businesses. These benefits are:
Effective Data Destruction - As with all of the data destruction machines, disintegrators are extremely effective at making the drives fully irreparable. This once again stops the data from ending up in the wrong hands.
Helps Compliance with Regulations - The disintegrator's ability to effectively destroy data helps businesses comply with data privacy regulations. This is incredibly important as failure to adhere to regulations can have legal implications.
Easy to Use - Most of these high-quality machines have been specially designed to be very easy and straightforward to use. Employees do not have to undergo stringent training in order to use the equipment.
Impressive Versatility - These machines can be used to crush a number of different types of hard drives and data stores. Whether your data is stored on hard drives, SSDs, or HDDs, these disintegrators are highly effective.
As with all of the other data destruction methods, there are also a number of negatives that must be considered. The cons of data disintegrators are:
Large Initial Investment - The upfront cost of these high-tech machines can be very expensive. It can be difficult for smaller businesses and organizations to justify spending money on these devices. However, they are incredibly effective and cost-efficient over time.
Disks Cannot be Reused - This type of data destruction completely destroys hard drives. This means that they will be rendered completely useless at the end of the process.
E-Waste - As with degaussers, the drives that go through the disintegrating process will not be able to be used again. It is best to use disintegrators with drives that are already at the end of their lives to avoid generating unnecessary waste.
Completely Irreparable - Once data has been destroyed using this process, there is no way of getting any of that data back. You will no longer be able to use any of this data for decision-making or performance-based projects.
All three of these data destruction methods are extremely effective and provide businesses with a huge number of benefits. However, the answer as to which is best for your business very much depends on how your business operates.
If you are a small to medium-sized business that does not store data, and therefore needs to destroy a huge amount of data, then shredders are perfect for you. In comparison to degaussers and disintegrators, shredders are a much cheaper data destruction method.
However, shredders can be a very time-consuming method of data destruction, which is inefficient for larger organizations and businesses that store vast amounts of data. These kinds of organizations would benefit far more from a more heavy-duty data destruction method such as a disintegrator or a high-quality degausser.
Make sure that what you decide to buy fits your specific business needs. However, whichever one of these data destruction methods you choose, you will no doubt find them extremely effective.
As one of the worldwide leaders in data destruction equipment, all of us here at Whitaker Brothers know just how important data destruction is. That is why we have a huge variety of the highest-quality Degaussers, Shredders, and Disintegrators.
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Overstuffing a shredder can cause paper jams and may damage or break the machine. Even if the paper does pass through the machine, it may not be shredded efficiently. As a result, confidential information may still be visible, which could lead to a data breach. Frequently overloading the shredder with too much paper can also reduce the machine’s lifespan, potentially leading to expensive replacement costs.
There are several types of shredders available, each suited to specific requirements. Using the wrong type of shredder can cause problems such as inefficient shredding and potential security risks. For example, strip-cut shredders are popular for busy workplaces, due to their quick speeds. However, they are unsuitable if high security is required. This is because strips of paper may not be shredded enough, and people may be able to put the strips back together to recover confidential or sensitive information. Furthermore, this could cause a security breach with devastating impacts on your organization, which is why you must use the correct type of shredder.
You must check documents for staples and paper clips before you insert them in the shredder. These items can damage the machine if they pass through, and they can also harm the blades. Staples can build up inside the machine and cause blockages, resulting in paper jams and inefficiency. Most general shredders can only shred paper, not any other materials. Specific shredders are available to shred paper clips, as well as credit cards and other plastic or metal items.
Shredding confidential documents is necessary for data protection, but what are you doing with the paper after shredding? Incorrectly disposing of paperwork can compromise yours or your clients' safety, and may cause legal issues. Data protection has become a huge priority for businesses and governments in recent years, and with regulations constantly changing, it is essential to stay protected from hefty fines.
Unless your shredder manual says otherwise, you should only insert paper documents into the machine. Thicker materials like cardstock are suitable for industrial shredders, but not always for a standard machine. If you need to shred cardboard, you can find specific shredders for cardboard and similar materials.
It is important to empty the shredder bin once you notice it is full. Otherwise it can overflow, which can cause inefficiencies while shredding documents. Therefore, emptying the bin will help maintain optimal shredder performance and decrease the likelihood of errors or problems from occurring.
You should now have a better insight into mistakes to avoid when shredding confidential documents. To recap, you should avoid overstuffing the shredder, always use a suitable shredder, always remove staples before shredding, and make sure you dispose of shredded documents correctly. If your shredder is no longer working efficiently, it may be time for an upgrade. You can browse our collection of shredders here. We sell various types of shredders for different needs. For more information about our shredders, or to find a custom solution for your organization, get in touch today and speak to a member of our expert team.
]]>Cardboard shredders encourage recycling cardboard materials. Instead of throwing away used cardboard boxes and packaging, you can put these items into a cardboard shredder. The items will become cardboard shreds, which can be re-used as packaging material. For example, the cardboard shreds can be used as packaging peanuts, cushioning, and void-fill material for shipping.
Waste reduction refers to the systematic efforts to minimize the generation of waste materials, whether its solid waste, hazardous waste, or cardboard waste. The goal of waste reduction is to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment. Through converting used cardboard into packaging material, cardboard shredders help downsize the quantity of cardboard waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators. This minimizes the burden on waste management systems, and reduces the overall environment impact of waste disposal.
Resource conservation is the sustainable and responsible management of natural resources to make sure they are available for current and future generations while decreasing negative environmental impacts. Cardboard shredders lengthen the life cycle of cardboard by repurposing it into packaging material. This decreases the demand for new cardboard production, and allows for the conservation of trees and water, which are resources that are used to produce new cardboard. This minimizes negative environmental impacts.
Lowering the carbon footprint of business operations involves reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Production of cardboard is energy intensive and is often associated with higher carbon emissions. Recycling and reusing cardboard through shredding can reduce the carbon emissions that are associated with the production of new cardboard.
Minimal energy consumption, also known as energy efficiency, is the practice of using as little energy as possible to achieve a specific task or outcome. This practice reduces unnecessary energy waste and optimizes the use of energy resources to decrease energy-related costs and environmental impacts. Cardboard shredders run on electricity, but their energy consumption is low compared to other manufacturing or recycling processes. This lessens the environmental impact connected to energy consumption.
Local recycling is the practice of recycling materials within a small community to reduce waste, conserve resources, and foster sustainability. It reduces the need to ship recyclable materials over long distances, which can lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions affiliated with transportation. Cardboard shredders allow businesses to recycle cardboard in-house, which diminishes the need to transport cardboard waste to recycling facilities. This saves on transportation emissions and expenses.
Shredded cardboard can be used as a custom packaging solution. For example, the shreds can be used as protective packaging material for fragile items that need to be shipped. They can shield the fragile items from scratches and damage while being transported or stored. Cardboard shreds can replace less eco-friendly packaging materials like Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.
The majority of cardboard shredders generate cardboard packaging material that can be recycled again after being used. This establishes a closed-loop recycling process, where the same material can be used and recycled multiple times. Closed-loop recycling is beneficial because it reduces the overall environmental impact of resource extraction and waste disposal.
Sustainable packaging practices are a set of principles and strategies that work toward reducing the environmental impact of packaging materials and processes throughout the entire lifecycle of a product. Integrating shredded cardboard into sustainable packaging practices aligns with the growing trend of using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. These practices can enhance your business’ environmental image, and your business can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
A cardboard shredder machine at a business can serve as an educational tool and promote awareness about recycling and waste reduction. In fact, businesses and individuals that use these devices can contribute to the expansive understanding of environmentally friendly practices.
By repurposing cardboard waste into packaging material, cardboard shredders play a role in encouraging a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to waste management and packaging.
Our HSM ProfiPack C400 Cardboard Shredder is a portable and compact tabletop cardboard perforator that can shred cardboard into high-quality packaging material for economic and sustainable businesses. This shredder has a 16.3” throat feed which can accept 0.4" thick cardboard sheets. There is also a user-friendly intuitive operator control panel with LED indicators on a robust keypad that signals the operating status of the device. The cutting width can be easily adjusted. It runs on a 1.6 horsepower motor which can shred up to 36.4 feet of cardboard per minute. It is ideal for shipping departments, warehouses, and recycling centers.
Our Intimus PacMaster S Cardboard Shredder is perfect for businesses that want to reduce costs and waste by shredding obsolete and spare cardboard into packaging material to protect products during storage or shipping. The shredder replaces manually cutting and breaking down boxes, and saves time. It has patented cutting shafts that can tear through 2 to 3 layers of corrugated cardboard at once. The cardboard is cut into a packaging pad of up to 0.15” x 4.37”. All cardboard sizes fit into its 16.75” throat feed, and the cardboard strips that are not shredded are cut off. There is even a size guide on the work surface to ensure accurate cutting.
Our Intimus Vacuum Kit for Our Intimus PacMaster S Cardboard Shredder is a vacuum system that keeps your shredding area clean and neat. It comes with a dust extractor to help the Intimus PacMaster S Cardboard Shredder reduce paper dust while it is being used. The dust extractor decreases the air pollution or contamination from the shredded cardboard particles. The Intimus Vacuum Kit for the PacMaster S Cardboard Shredder has a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for solid and reliable performance.
]]>Also known as a franking machine, a postage meter machine adds postage markings to parcels before they are shipped. These machines are commonly used in organizations that frequently send out mail. They can save businesses money in the long term by completely erasing the need for stamps.
As with any machinery, the exact method a postage meter uses depends on the machine type. However, we are sharing the general methodology for how to use a postage meter below:
Parcel weight - You should put the letter or parcel on the postage meter so the machine can correctly identify the item's weight.
Select postage - Next, select the type of postage you need. For example, are you shipping a letter or a parcel? Do you need first class, second class postage, etc.?
Calculates postage - The machine will then calculate the postage cost and display the price for you to accept.
Print postage marking - Once you have established postage type and cost, the machine is ready to mark the parcel. Input your item into the machine, wait for it to add a postage mark, and your mail is now ready to be shipped.
Note: If you have bigger items that do not fit through the machine, the postage meter will print the marking on a label instead. You can then stick the label onto the parcel.
There are several benefits of using a postage meter. Some of these benefits include:
Using a postage meter is sure to save you time. First, you will spend less time going to and from the post office, as your machine can efficiently add postage markings and get your mail ready to be shipped. The device will also work out your postage costs, saving you the time-consuming task of manually calculating shipping fees. Additionally, there will be less risk of human error, as the machine does all the work for you.
With all the time you save with your postage meter, you can put this towards doing more valuable tasks instead.
Using a postage meter allows an organization to make significant cost savings. Many of these meters provide discounted postage rates. Additionally, postage meters can entirely replace the need for stamps, which can be expensive when buying large quantities. As the machine will automatically calculate costs itself, you can be assured that you will be paying an accurate price, and are safe from overpaying, which can happen if manually calculating shipping costs.
When you get a postage machine, the machine does everything you need to ship parcels from the comfort of your home. A postage meter brings the post office to you, instead of the other way around. This means you can instantly ship mail - you don’t have to worry about post office closing hours or cut-off times. Instead, you can mark your parcels and ship them off whenever necessary.
A postage meter will make sure every letter and parcel you ship has a clean, professional look. Postage markings are accurately displayed and will be consistent with each parcel. Using a postage meter also helps to maintain a professional brand image, and shows your customers your dedication to professionalism.
Postage meters are exceptional pieces of equipment, and are best for businesses that regularly mail items. They allow organizations to save time and money, while providing complete convenience and accuracy. Youl have seen the benefits of a postage meter above, which you can easily take advantage of. If you are interested in purchasing a postage meter, or would like more information about them, browse all our postage meters here. Alternatively, if you need assistance with any office or mailroom equipment, feel free to get in touch with our expert team who will be happy to help.
]]>Shredder oil is a specialized type of lubricant for sharpening and cutting the blades of a shredder. It is essential for regular maintenance of almost every shredder, as it extends the life of your shredder. Not only that, it also keeps your shredder running smoothly and efficiently by clearing buildup and thick paper jams.
WD40 is a multi-use blend of lubricants that acts as a lubricant, rust preventive, penetrant, and moisture displacer. The lubricant aspect of WD40 leads many people to believe that it can be used as a replacement for shredder oil.
Oil is the most important thing in keeping your shredder working well, so making sure you regularly oil your shredder is crucial. Lubricating a cross cut or high security shredder is essential for prolonging the life of the cutting head. Oil the shredder frequently!
We recommend that you oil your shredder whenever you empty it, or when you use the shredder intensively. In this case, you should oil the blades. Micro-cut shredders generally need oiling more than cross cut and strip cut shredders.
While WD40 can be useful for other things such as hinges, it’s not recommended to use WD40 on a paper shredder. WD40 is not designed to lubricate a shredder head properly, and it would cause a paper jam. This is because WD40 would wet the blades and gum up, causing your paper to stick together, which could create a real problem.
It’s always best to use shredder oil specifically designed to lubricate the shredder head without becoming sticky or generating a buildup issue. This is why we recommend using dedicated shredder oil.
No, it is not recommended to use universal lubricants or penetrating oils to lubricate your shredder. Also, you shouldn’t use vegetable oil, olive oil, or another type of generic oil as a lubricant for your shredder. These types of generic oils can damage your machine.
You should always use official shredder oil. You can check your shredder’s user manual to find out what type of oil is recommended by the manufacturer. You can also use shredder oil from Whitaker Brothers.
Whitaker Brothers oil is high-cling, high viscosity, light weight, and specially formulated for business/commercial paper shredders. This is high-quality, petroleum-based shredder oil, which is perfect for all types of shredder.
It is always recommended to use a petroleum-based shredder oil, because if you resort to using the inexpensive water-based shredder oil, it will be of no benefit to your commercial grade shredder. This is because the heat generated by a commercial grade shredder causes low quality oil to turn into a waxy buildup. This buildup will cause problems in your shredder that could have been avoided if you had used a high-quality oil.
]]>Get the best data destruction products from Whitaker Brothers
When you’ve finished using your customers’ data, you should destroy it. It’s important to do this because it is critical for preserving the privacy and security of the data, for both your company and your customers.
Identity theft is also a huge deal, so making sure you destroy social security numbers, credit card information, and other personal data you have on your customers is essential.
If you have machinery or documents that your company no longer uses, and if you have not destroyed the data on that machinery or in those documents, then the data is right there for an unauthorized person to get hold of - and that’s definitely not what you want.
There are several methods you can use to destroy the data you have on file. The most common types of data destruction include:
Each type of data destruction has its pros and cons. For example, reformatting and overwriting doesn’t actually destroy the previous data. Instead, it just writes over it, so it may be easier for hackers to get the previous data through this method. However, physical destruction and shredding can also cause problems if they are left unchecked. This is why it’s important to choose the best method to destroy your data.
The most widely-used method for data destruction is shredding. Shredding offers the chance to destroy not only the digital data, but to also physically destroy it too. This will make you more certain that the data is destroyed effectively. And shredders can be used on much more than just paper. In fact, Whitaker Brothers offers shredders for hard drives, CDs & DVDs, cardboard, flash media cards and drives, and more. So the options you have for shredding are numerous.
One of the big benefits of shredders is that they can be used to destroy a lot of different types of data storage options. Yes, they can shred paper, but they can also shred digital storage methods too. There are different security levels of shredders; in fact, there are seven. The smaller the particles produced by the shredder are, the higher the security level. Which level you need is entirely dependent on the sector you work in, and the type of data being handled.
Shredders are also compliant with every country’s privacy laws. A cross-cut or micro-cut shredder is a tool you can use to destroy and dispose of confidential documents safely.
Another benefit of using a shredder over another data destruction method is the cost element. You can buy shredders for a range of different budgets, and each price level has benefits. Smaller, cheaper shredders can be useful if you don’t have a lot of space, and massive industrial shredders are useful if you have a lot of data to destroy.
As one of the worldwide leaders in the data destruction industry, we here at Whitaker Brothers know how important data destruction equipment is for organizations. From shredders and disintegrators, to crushers and degaussers, you can destroy data securely with our brands such as Datastroyer, Formax, HSM, Intimus, MBM, Fellowes and more. Prices start from under $100.
We have over 75 years of experience in the data destruction world, so we know that the data destruction methods we offer work! We have NSA and GSA listed products, and with our products, you can be sure you’re destroying your data effectively and accurately. Contact us today to find out more about our shredders, degaussers, disintegrators, and industrial shredders.]]>