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Can You Use a Rotary Trimmer to Cut Foam and Mat?

If you're cutting a variety of materials on a daily basis or even less often, you may be wondering if you can save some money by cutting paper, stock, foam, or mat all with a rotary trimmer rather than buying several cutting units. The main problem with this idea is that foam and mat cutters typically use a straight razor that is inexpensive to replace, which is necessary because of the wear these thicker materials can put on a blade. Constantly replacing rotary blades (round, robust units often enclosed in plastic and installed as a single unit) can become very expensive. Compare a pack of replacement blades for a foam or mat cutter to that of a rotary trimmer. For a foam or mat cutter you can get a pack of 100 straight razor replacements for under twenty dollars; A single rotary blade might cost you fifteen to twenty alone. With that said, you can see the initial cost to buy a separate cutter is well worth it over time. I know we say this often, but don't skimp on quality and price early only to regret it down the road! If you have any questions about specific rotary or foam & mat cutters, please let us know!

Why You Might Need a High Security Paper Shredder

Paper shredders come in all sizes and capabilities. From desk-side office shredders to industrial shredders, and everything in between, the task of choosing a new shredder for your organization's office can be somewhat daunting. Much of the decision-making process is quite simple: size and capacity are the main factors. However, your particular situation may require a bit more detailed research. Are you shredding mostly confidential documents, perhaps bank statements or personal identification materials? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for a High Security Paper Shredder.

High security paper shredders are designed to cut paper into tiny confetti. Many government agencies require shredders meet NSA/CSS specifications 02-01, also known as Level 6 Security. This regulation requires a specific maximum shred size in order to protect secure documents. Be sure that any high security paper shredder purchased for government use is certified under this regulation. Most shredder manufacturers are very forthcoming with such information, so if it's hard to find, there is a good chance the particular shredder you're looking at does not meet these guidelines.  

Typically, high security shredders use some form of cross-cut technology to ensure paper size does not exceed GSA Regulations for High Security shredding. Some shredders are capable of cutting paper into confetti 3mm x 8mm in size. Pretty amazing, right? A shredder with this sort of security level is plenty sufficient for DOD applications that require shredding of Top Secret, COMSEC, INFOSEC, and CRYPTOLOGIC documents on a regular basis. In order to keep these and other important documents confidential, high security paper shredding is a must!

If you are having trouble narrowing your search, I have put together a short list of some popular options for you to consider before you purchase:

Deskside Shredder: The Fellowes MicroShred MS-450Cs is a perfect unit for personal or deskside use in your office. Typically best for light-duty use in an area with limited space, these shredders are great little workhorses.

Departmental Shredder: The Kobra 260 HS-2/6 High Security Shredder is perfect for a medium-size office with a number of people using the shredder. This particular unit is capable of shredding 1/32"x1/4" pieces with a capacity of 6 sheets at a time at a speed of 20 feet per minute.

Commercial Shredder: For heavy-duty applications in large offices, hospitals, or government agencies, the Dahle 20394 High Security Shredder is optimal. This unit is capable of shredding full sheets of paper into 15,500 tiny particles. It shreds up to 11 sheets at a time at 35 feet per minute.

What are Overlaminates?

Article courtsey of wiseGEEK and authored by Mary Elizabeth.

"Overlaminates protect material from UV rays, weather, fingerprints, grease, dirt, and graffiti. They can also ensure that items stay smooth and flat, reduce glare from a light source, and change textural appearance. There are specialized types of overlaminates for various functions.

"Uses of overlaminates include protecting flexible media, presentations and displays for businesses and in court, architectural renderings, mouse pads, banners, place mats, blueprints, photographs, posters, prints, certificates, and maps. They are also good for preserving small items such as labels, recipe cards, bookmarks, and wallet cards such as social security cards or library cards. Outdoor uses of overlaminates include protecting vehicle graphics, safety markings, and decals, as well as traffic and safety signage and other exterior signage.

"Overlaminates fall into three main categories: cold or pressure-sensitive films, thermal or heat-activated films, and liquid. Pressure-sensitive films can be applied at room temperature. Low temperature heat-activated films are best applied at 185-210°F (85–99°C). The high temperature range runs from about 210-275°F (99–135°C).

"The machines used for lamination may only apply the film to the item and press it into place, ensuring 100 percent contact between the item and the overlaminate, or provide heat to activate the process as well. The main types are the pouch laminator, so-called because the item is slid into a pre-made film pouch, and the roll laminator. There are heated and cold, pressure-sensitive versions of both types.

"Overlaminates have finishes similar to those of latex paint, with choices like textured, luster, matte, satin, and glossy. There are canvas textured overlaminates that – when adhered to a print – make the image appear to have been rendered on canvas. Other special texture overlaminates offer a range of options for altering the appearance of portraits and prints in artistic ways.

"Manufacturer’s descriptions enumerate the thickness, temperature, and UV ratings of overlaminates, and whether they are appropriate for indoor or outdoor use, or both. Some stand up well under direct lighting and are made to reduce surface glare, and this is also noted on the label, as is the method required for applying them. These guidelines are helpful in making a good choice for a particular project."

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Check out Pressure Sensitive Film, Cold Laminating FIlm & Adhesive, and Roll Laminating Film for details on specific laminates, films and overlaminates.