Cardboard sawdust

Types of Cardboard Shredding Machines

Shredding is a process to cut down bulky materials into tiny, manageable pieces. A cardboard shreader is a machine designed to perform this task specifically for cardboard. However, it is not limited to only cardboards anymore as various materials are fed into it and accommodated through its cutting blades. This magnitude includes bulk packaging like plastic films and fstraps, rubber belts, fstrapsectors, etc.,.

The benefits of a cardboard shredder go beyond just recycling and creating a cushioning void fill. Cardboard shredders have now become an integral part of sustainable business practices worldwide by decreasing landfill waste and producing eco-friendly packaging solutions at low costs. With Eco-conscious minds driving demands in markets today, we must understand different types of shredders available that are suitable for various industries.

There are two basic types of shredders:

• Industrial scale shredders: usually used by large-scale factories who produce enormous amounts of cardboard waste on a daily basis. The continuous feed option allows for uninterrupted processing in high-volume situations, which is necessary when dealing with such large cardboards.
• Mid-size to small shredders: are suitable for use in offices or smaller facilities where only a small amount of cardboard is produced. Since people are not cardboarding-hungry in smaller businesses, the machine's capacities are limited

It is essential to understand that different shredders are available depending upon frequency and size/volume of cardboards produced by one's facility so as to save unnecessary costs and invest wisely towards sustainable practices.

Besides these two categories mentioned above, there are also models of shredders one can find if searched further . Some have been listed below:

• Strip Cutter: Using an uncomplicated cutting mechanism, strip cutters shred cardboard into long, continuous strips. These typical shredders are affordable but limit further processing.
• Cross-Cut Shredder: More complex than strip-cutters, this shredder creates a more sized piece by cutting crosswise in various directions. It offers a higher level of security than strip shredders, as reassembly is practically impossible due to its random cutting pattern. The disadvantage of this type of shredder is that its blades blunt faster with use, and replacement parts are expensive and hard to find.
• Envelope Shredder: Specifically designed to process envelops efficiently, this type of shredder incorporates thin cutting belts that precisely slice through the cardboard material without damaging the contents inside. Additionally, it offers drop-on/ drop-off feeding, allowing envelops to be easily fed into the machine, and then changed back to another type of feeding for different materials, making it versatile for various applications.
• Interleaved Cut Shredder: This specialized shredder uses a unique interleaved cutting method to create shreds that are easier to recycle or compost. It is ideal for businesses that generate a large volume of cardboard waste and want to maximize their material recovery.

Specification and maintenance of cardboard sawdust

The cardboard waste is produced through a variety of processes, depending on the type and quality of the material. It may have different sizes and shapes. This is one of the reasons why the specifications of a sawdust machine vary depending upon the material it is manufactured to process as well as the technology used in its production.

Some machines are manufactured to process a greater volume of material in one single sitting and some are better suited for smaller ones. This is often gauged by their feed-in abilities, that is, the size of the material they are able to saw into sawdust and the sawdust it produces is then discharged through an outlet known as a chute or a cyclone.

As mentioned earlier, there are two major types of sawdust machines, the crusher and the grinder. A cardboard crusher uses blades to cut the material into smaller pieces of sawdust. This may be referred to as pre-shredding. Crushers use less power because they cut through material with a ripping motion and have fewer blades. The blades in a crusher may vary depending upon the manufacturer. On the other hand, a grinder uses hammers to strike the material, which may further reduce it to finer cardboard sawdust. The hammers pulverize the material and are more power-intensive, as they use a swinging motion in the process. The grinder may also use knives in conjunction with hammers to produce the final product.

Rotating speed also varies among different machines and would depend on what kind of sawdust one is looking for. Some machines may have a higher rotation speed and may produce a finer product. Power (kilowatts) also varies, with grinders generally having a higher power requirement as they are more heavy duty.

Maintenance of any kind of machine requires taking care of the moving parts and ensuring they are well-lubricated so that there is no friction and the equipment runs smoothly. Belts and chains require regular checks and adjustment to ensure proper tension to avoid slippage, tearing, and wearing. Clean the machine regularly. Use a vacuum or an air compressor to blow away any dust or debris that may accumulate after use or during operation. Ensure all parts of the machine are dry before using a blower, which is a fire hazard. Check the manual to see which parts are required to be oiled or greased and those that have to be cleaned.

Application Scenarios of Cardboard Sawdust

The ability of cardboard sawdusts to absorb moisture, produce energy, and provide stuffing make them ideal for numerous applications in various industries. This includes industries like agriculture, animal husbandry, biomass energy, and packaging.

• Animal Bedding: Cardboard shavings offer comfort because of their soft texture. They are also useful when it comes to absorbing moisture and controlling odor. In barns, stables, and hen houses, this makes them a great bedding option for horses, pigs, poultry, and other livestock. Using cardboard shavings as bedding can enhance the animals' health as well as reduce airborne pathogens.
• Pet Bedding: Similar to livestock, cardboard sawdust can also serve as bedding for pets. This applies to small pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits. It provides a comfortable and cozy habitat for them. Moreover, it helps to absorb waste and control smells. The risk of injury in case of falls is minimized due to its soft nature.
• Packaging Material: Cardboard sawdust is often used as a cushioning material when packaging fragile items. It serves to protect the items against impacts and shocks. This is particularly the case for glassware and ceramics. Furthermore, as the e-commerce sector keeps growing, cardboard sawdust is being used more often in eco-friendly packaging solutions.
• Bioenergy Production: Cardboard sawdust can be utilized as biomass feedstock in the production of bioenergy. This occurs through processes like anaerobic digestion, combustion, or gasification. During these processes, the chemical compounds in the sawdust are broken down, producing biogas or heat energy. This energy is later utilized to generate electricity, heat, or other forms of energy. When converted to bioenergy, this creates an alternative and sustainable source of energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Composting Additive: Cardboard sawdust acts as a carbon-rich material. This makes it a perfect addition to compost heaps. By adding it to the heap, the nitrogen and carbon ratio is balanced. Moreover, the porosity of the sawdust enhances airflow and breakdown of the organic materials in the heap. As a result, a nutrient-rich compost is produced, which can be used to enhance plant growth.
• Co-Firing in Power Plants: Certain power plants make use of sawdust cardboard as a co-firing fuel. This is especially applicable when it is combined with traditional fuels like coal or biomass. The thermal value of sawdust cardboard improves energy production. This results in lower carbon emissions and a reduction in waste sent to landfills.
• Construction Materials: Cardboard sawdust can also be utilized as an additive in the production of construction materials. This includes particleboard, fiberboard, and cement composites. These materials can later be used in construction projects. For instance, they can be used for making furniture, indoor decor, or light-weight construction materials.

How to choose cardboard sawdust

• Production capacity:

  Understanding the output is essential when selecting a machine. This piece of equipment transforms cardboard into sawdust, which serves as a vital raw material for the production of particle board.

• Automation:

  The degree of automation offered by a machine affects both the productivity and operational expenses of an enterprise.

• Output:

  The sawdust's specifications need to match the requirements of subsequent procedures or end applications. Different procedures yield distinctive types of sawdust.

• Energy consumption:

  Unavoidably, a machine will consume some energy while working. This consumption will directly impact the operational expenses of the enterprise.

• Safety:

  A machine's inherent safety features and build quality have a major influence on an enterprise's safety standards and accident prevention.

• Cost:

  Ultimately, the purchase cost and subsequent maintenance expenses are determining factors in the investment budget.

Q&A

Q1: How does a cardboard shredder create insert cushions?

A1: The transformed bulky cardboard pieces can create customized void fills in products. This type of packaging is called cushion insert or void fill packaging. The packaging can protect products like glass or electronic items from getting damaged during transit.

Q2: What is the difference between cushioning and voids in packaging?

A2: Both are used to support packages during transit. However, cushioning refers to an area or surface that supports the top, bottom, and sides of an item. At the same time, voids are open spaces in a package.

Q3: Why should one invest in a cardboard shredder?

A3:Using a shredder and turning discarded cardboard into packaging material is a sustainable practice that saves one money. Buying packaging material costs a lot compared to using a shredder. Moreover, it saves a lot of space in landfills.