What's the Difference Between Single, Dual & Quad Shaft Shredders?

What's the difference between single, dual and quad shaft shredders?

With so many different shredders on the market it may be overwhelming to understand which shredder would work best for you. Many shredder manufacturers sell three main types of plant-based shredders: single shaft, dual shaft, and quad shaft. So, what are the differences between them, and how can you know which one is best for your business? Continue below and we’ll help guide you the solution that meets your application.

The main differences between these shredders, other than the number of shafts, are the shred size and shaft speed. Shred size determines whether the remaining scraps will be large and irregular, or small and of uniform size, while shaft speed affects throughput rates and the types of materials that can be shredded with that particular shaft type.

Dual shaft shredders are slow-speed shredders that produce large and inconsistent shreds that are the width of the knife by various lengths, sometimes up to 2’ to 3’ long depending on the material.

Single shaft shredders are high speed shredders that produce small, consistent shreds that are the size of the screen in the shredder. Single shaft shredders also incorporate a ram that force-feeds the material into the rotor.

Four shaft, or quad shaft shredders are slow-speed shredders that produce small, consistent shreds that are the size of the screen in the shredder.

How Do You Know Which Shredder Will Work Best for You?

There are two main factors to take into consideration when determining which shredder best suits your needs: the application and shred size. If you are needing a shredder that produces a consistent shred size for purpose of confidential document destruction, then you may be more inclined to purchase either a single or quad shaft shredder since these models contain screens that ensure each shred is reduced specific to the dimensions you need.

Alternatively, if you just need to reduce your waste in size with no specific size requirements you will likely want to purchase a dual shaft shredder.

While dual shaft shredders can be used for a wide range of applications, the most common applications for dual shaft shredders are: plastics, tires, e-scrap, paper and metals. Dual shaft shredders are used as a primary shredder for the size reduction of bulky material.

Quad shaft shredders are most used for e-scrap and medical waste due to the fact they efficiently produce small, consistent particle sizes across a wide range of materials.

Lastly, single shaft shredders are popular in the wood and plastics industry because they incorporate sizing screens to provide a uniform shred size.

All in all, the majority of these shredders can be used for a wide range of applications. However, what matters most in selecting your shredder is what you would like to do with your shreds in the end. Every business has unique requirements; our experts will work with you to find the best solution!