Walk into any shredding equipment trade show, and you’ll hear vendors throwing around impressive particle size specifications. The latest buzzword? The magical “1 x 5mm” shred size. But here’s the thing: when it comes to mobile shredding equipment, this specification is more marketing fantasy than engineering reality.

At Allegheny Shredders, we believe in straight talk about what’s achievable. After over 50 years of manufacturing industrial shredding equipment, we’ve learned that honest engineering beats marketing fluff every time.

What Is the 1 x 5mm Shred Size—and Where Did It Come From?

The 1 x 5mm particle size specification originates from NSA/CSS 02-01, the federal standard for destroying classified and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) materials. This isn’t some arbitrary number—it’s a legitimate security requirement for the most sensitive government documents.

However, there’s a critical detail most vendors conveniently overlook: this specification was designed for stationary disintegration equipment, not mobile shredding trucks rolling down your street.

The federal guidance is crystal clear about this limitation. According to official documentation: “Organizations that cannot shred or disintegrate paper-based CUI in a manner that meets the single-step standards may use a multi-step destruction process where they shred to a lesser standard, followed by additional destruction processes.” ~ DCSA

Why 1 x 5mm Isn’t a Single-Step Mobile Shredding Reality

Let’s talk physics. Mobile shredding trucks face significant engineering constraints that stationary equipment doesn’t. Weight limitations, power restrictions, and the need for portability all impact what’s achievable in a single pass.

Currently, no mobile shredding unit can reliably achieve 1 x 5mm particle size in one operation. The cutting chamber size, motor horsepower, and screen configurations required for this level of destruction simply don’t fit the mobile format.

High-capacity shredders in fixed installations can approach these specifications, but they require substantial infrastructure that mobile units can’t accommodate.

The Real-World Approach: Multi-Step Destruction

Professional security contractors understand that achieving ultra-fine particle sizes requires a systematic approach:

• First-Pass Crosscut Shredding: Mobile units typically produce particles ranging from 1/8″ x 1/8″ to 5/8″ x 2.5″. This initial shredding provides excellent security for most applications.
• Secondary Processing: High-security materials undergo additional destruction at processing facilities using cross-shredding systems or disintegrators.
• Final Reduction: Hydro-pulping processes can reduce particles to slurry consistency (less than 1mm), effectively achieving the target size through controlled industrial methods.
• This multi-step approach ensures genuine security compliance while maintaining operational efficiency.

How Allegheny Engineers for True Security

Rather than making inflated claims, we focus on delivering equipment that performs reliably in real-world conditions. Our complete shredding systems are designed to meet specific security requirements through proper engineering.

Key features include:

• T-18 Tool Steel Cutters: Our proprietary cutting technology virtually eliminates breakage while maintaining consistent particle size
• Proven Throughput: Systems capable of processing up to 25 tons per hour at specified particle sizes
• Compliance Documentation: Clear specifications that match actual performance, not marketing aspirations

When clients need ultra-fine destruction, we design multi-stage solutions that actually work. No shortcuts, no inflated promises—just engineered systems that meet compliance requirements.

Industry Integrity Matters: Why Misleading Claims Are Problematic

Overpromising shred specifications creates serious problems for everyone involved. Security contractors face compliance failures when equipment doesn’t perform as advertised. Procurement teams waste resources on systems that can’t deliver promised results.

Most importantly, organizations handling sensitive information deserve honest assessments of their security measures. Misleading specifications undermine the entire industry’s credibility.

As the original manufacturer of heavy-duty industrial shredders, we’ve built our reputation on delivering exactly what we promise. No inflated claims, no marketing gimmicks—just honest engineering backed by five decades of proven performance.

What to Look for in High-Security Shredding Equipment

When evaluating shredding equipment, ask the tough questions:

• Is the claimed particle size achievable in one pass or through a validated process?
• Can the vendor provide actual throughput data at the specified size?
• What federal standards does the equipment actually meet?
• Is the manufacturer transparent about system limitations?

Smart buyers focus on total system capability rather than isolated specifications. The best security solutions combine appropriate equipment with proper procedures to achieve compliance goals.

Ready to cut through the marketing noise and get straight answers about shredding equipment? Call Allegheny Shredders at (724) 468-4300 or complete the form on this page to discuss solutions that actually meet your security requirements without compromise.

Because when it comes to information security, engineering facts matter more than marketing fiction.