As a Level 6 security machine that gives
the user a relatively high capacity, the 20394 is designed as a
shredding solution for government agencies, government contractors, or
for any organization where the very highest security available is a
priority. In this article ,we looked at the 20394's features and compiled a list of what
we see as its strengths and weaknesses.
As a Level 6 security machine that gives
the user a relatively high capacity, the 20394 is designed as a
shredding solution for government agencies, government contractors, or
for any organization where the very highest security available is a
priority. We looked at the 20394's features and compiled a list of what
we see as its strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths:
The chief strength of the
20394 is its ability to shred documents at a Level 6 security standard.
Level 6 is the highest security available and is recommended or
required for the military and many other government agencies and their
contractors. It is this type of shredder that is used by the
Departments of Defense and Homeland security, and the 20394 meets the
National Security Agency's approval for NSA/CSS Specification 02-01.
Long story short, once a document does through the 20394, you can rest
assured that it will never be read again.
Level
6 security means that the 20394 reduces a sheet of paper to an
astounding 15,000 particles (1mm by 4.7mm). This is made possible by
two perfectly matched cutting cylinders milled out of a single bar of
the finest German steel. The cylinders are run by a chain and gear
mechanism that prevents any sort of slippage and greatly reduces the
chance of a paper jam. This design greatly reduces any kind of bar
flexing, and increases durability.
The feed opening of the
20394 is 16 inches wide, and is designed to not only handle just about
any of the most used paper sizes (letter, legal, etc) but also to
easily accommodate computer printout size sheets or tabloid sized
documents.
The sheet capacity of the 20394 is, for such a
high security machine, a rather impressive 18 sheets at a time. Its two
horsepower motor also allows it to run at a pretty decent speed of 35
feet per minute. These are great numbers for a Level 6 shredder.
The 20394 is very easy to operate and includes safety features such as
Auto shutoff when the cabinet door is opened, and an automatic reverse
in case you try to overfeed the machine. There is also a setting for
auto on/off and the machine will let you know (and turn itself off)
when the shred bag is full.
The casters are a very nice feature, considering that this machine weighs in at around 390 lbs.
Weaknesses:
Though
it's hard to argue with having the level of security that is the
highest available on the market, this machine might be considered
overkill for the vast majority of businesses in the private sector. The
sheet capacity is high for a Level 6 machine, but if you and your
business are simply looking to become FACTA compliant where it concerns
the shredding of the private information of your clients, customers and
employees, you will get along just fine (and likely enjoy higher
capacity and thus productivity) with one of Dahle's Levels 3-5 security
level machines.
This is a weighty machine, and when it
arrives, you would be well advised to have some help getting it off the
truck and into its final destination. The casters will, of course, make
that whole process a little easier.
If you are interested in more information about the Dahle 20394 High-Security Shredder, you might want to visit MyBinding.com. They offer a great price on this machine and they even offer Free Shipping. Plus, they carry the full line of Dahle Paper Shredders, shredder bags and shredder oil. Check it out today!
