If you have been shopping around for a bill counter or a counterfeit money detector, you have probably come across the phrase UV or ultraviolet. UV detection is an important part of verifying the authenticity of a bill. UV scanners are commonly used to detect counterfeit banknotes. The way UV detectors work is simple, yet very clever.

All US denominations, except the $1, have a UV stripe embedded in the banknotes paper / fabric. While it is visible with a back light, this stripe becomes illuminated when a UV light is held over it.

This shows you where the UV stripe is located on a $10:

We have a guide, found here, that shows you where the stripe is located on $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. You will notice that the strip is located in different places, depending on the denomination. There is a good reason for this. One popular method for counterfeiting a bill is to use a real bill, say a $5, bleach it and reprint a higher denomination on that bill. If you are unaware of where the stripe is located, the bleached bill may pass a counterfeit detector.

Ultraviolet (UV) counterfeit detectors come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are portable and require the operator to visually confirm the stripe, where others simply pull in the bills and use a sensor to scan them. While UV counterfeit detection isn’t 100% effective, it catches most counterfeit bills. Visual UV detectors catch just about everything, but SOME automated machines may be tricked by bleached bills. If you are using an automated counterfeit detector, I recommend you use one that implements several counterfeit detection measures.

Having used several types of manual UV counterfeit detectors, I do highly recommend using them indoors and if possible, in a darker setting. Direct sunlight or outdoor use is almost impossible with a manual UV scanner that requires visual verification.

This is a video of me using a very effective manual UV counterfeit detector (the ABC-75 found here):

We offer a great selection of bill counters with UV counterfeit detection here and a great selection of stand-alone counterfeit detectors with UV capabilities here. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact one of our specialists at 1-800-658-8788. You can learn more about counterfeit detection by reading our guide found here.

High security paper shredders, while not common in offices, are abundant in different makes and models. Most military and government agencies that use Level 6 shredders typically have to sacrifice the ability to shred CDs, DVDs or Blu-rays when using a high security shredder. A new shredder from Formax, the FD 8730HS (found here), has both high security shredding capabilities as well as the ability to destroy optical media.

At ABC Office we currently offer nearly 3-dozen different makes and models of high security paper shredders. While most of the shredders we sell are top-notch products, I am personally fond of Destroyit, Dahle and Formax shredders. Simply put, they are all solid machines. Formax, in particular, is such a great deal right now. Formax paper shredders have one of the best reputations with our customers.

The new Formax FD 8730HS is a unique beast. To begin with, ths NSA evaluated shredder can cross cut shred paper in a Level 6 pattern. This ends up being 1/32″ x 3/16″ (0.8mm x 4.8mm). This is as good as it gets when it comes to shredding top-secret information. A Level 6 cut document cannot be put back together, hence the title high security shredding. This shredder meets NSA/CSS specification 02-01 for Level 6 shredding.

The FD 8730HS has a very nice sheet capacity, capable of shredding 14-15 sheets of paper at a time. Considering the tiny cut pattern and the amount of cutting involved, that is a great sheet capacity. To compliment this capacity, the FD 8730HS is equipped with a generous 31-gallon bin. It takes a lot of shredding to fill a 31-gallon bin with paper. The feed opening measures in at 9 3/8″, which is wide enough to handle most paper.

Most military and government entities that destroy paper also need to destroy sensitive records stored on optical media. An independent slot, which measures in at 4 7/8″ inches, can be used to shred and destroy CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, credit cards and even CR-80 ID badges (30 mils thick). Having this independent slot eliminates the need to have two different shredders. The FD 8730HS even includes an independent 18.5-gallon bin to catch and separate the optical media particles from the paper particles. This is ideal for sorting and for recycling purposes.

The FD 8730HS keeps the operator in the know during the entire shredding process. The control panel lets the operator know exactly how much stress the motor is under by means of load indicator lights. The control panel also has a series of LED lights that let you know when the door is open, bag is full, when a jam occurs and much more.

The feature that I really like, which is uncommon in most paper shredders, is the automatic oiler. An oiler lubricates the intricate cutting blades as needed, which is a very nice feature to have on hand. It is well known and documented that oiled paper shredders last significantly longer than non-oiled shredders.

This shredder is fast, reliable and is a great value. As is the case with all Formax shredders, the FD 8730HS features durable metal construction, pristine cutting blades and the best electronics available for paper shredders.

You can find the Formax FD 8730HS high security shredder here and our entire selection of high security paper shredders here. Please feel free to contact one of our experts at 1-800-658-8788 with any questions.

High security paper shredders, while not for everyone, serve a very valuable purpose when it comes to National Security and the destruction of extremely sensitive documents. One model, which qualifies as a Security Level 6, is the Dahle CleanTEC 41334 high security shredder (found here). This is my review.

A Security Level 6 is the highest security level that a paper shredder can be given. This means it can be used to shred top secret information and some of the most sensitive documents. In the case of the Dahle CleanTEC 41334, it can shred a sheet of paper into 1mm by 4.7mm particles. This means that it will turn a single sheet of 8 ½” x 11″ paper into 15,500 particles. Try reassembling that. It is impossible. That is why these shredders are so popular with the DOD (Department of Defense), NSA (National Security Agency), federal government, military and more.

This shredder features a large 23 gallon shred bin, which easily pulls out (via a cabinet door) for easy emptying. The wide 10 ¼” throat width is wide enough to handle most paper you will find in an office. The Dahle CleanTEC 41334 has an 8 sheet maximum shredding capacity. While 8 sheets may not seem like much, keep in mind how small the paper is being cut. Higher security level shredders always have smaller sheet capacities.

The Model 41334 carries the name CleanTEC because of its special filtration technology. All paper shredders generate dust. The higher the security level, and the more cuts made, the more paper dust that is created. This dust can easily become airborn and can cause surface dust on furniture and can agitate people’s respiratory system. The CleanTEC filter, located in the back of the shredder, filters and traps 98% of that dust. This provides a much cleaner and healthier work environment.

While the  CleanTEC technology is very impressive, this German-made paper shredder features a lot more perks that are rarely found in comparable machines. The CleanTEC 41334 implements a full safety package. One of its most impressive features is its voice recognition capabilities. While you can turn this shredder off by pressing an emergency shutoff switch (found on the back of the shredder) or by tapping the cover of the machine, it will also turn off by simply saying “stop.” The mouth of the paper shredder also contains sensors that can detect the presence of fingers, which will also turn the shredder off.

While every shredder has a maximum shredding capacity, nobody ever actually counts out the sheets to make sure they aren’t going over capacity. The 41334 has ESP (Electronic Sensing Protection) that will gauge how much stress the motor is under and will visually let you know if you are reaching the maximum capacity. If for any reason the capacity is breached, the shredder will turn off to prevent damage, allowing the operator to adjust the amount. Green means the shredder is fine, yellow means it is getting close to maximum capacity and red means you have reached the maximum capacity.

Cross cut paper shredders have very complicated cutting blades and high security shredders, like the Dahle 41334 has an extremely intricate design. Because so many cuts are being created, and so much friction is involved, a lot of heat is generated. The 41334 has an automatic oiler, called the Dahle Evenflow, which will keep all necessary parts lubricated. This dramatically extends the life of the shredder and ensures proper shredder maintenance. I especially like this feature because few shredders offer auto oilers, requiring the shredder to be oiled manually.

The final feature that really sets the Dahle CleanTEC 41334 apart from the competition is the SmarPower energy management system. Paper shredders use electricity, and paper shredders that are inactive typically still draw electricity, often referred to as a vampire draw. The CleanTEC 41334 will put the shredder in standby mode after 10 minutes and will completely shut the shredder down after 20 minutes of inactivity. This saves energy and cuts down on electricity costs.

Overall this is a solid paper shredding machine. It is packed with features, touts precision German engineering and Dahle has a great reputation with our customers. You can find the Dahle CleanTEC 41334 high security shredder here and our entire selection of high security paper shredders here.

Please feel free to contact one of our experts at 1-800-658-8788 with any high security shredding questions.

Martin Yale has a rich history in being one of the oldest and most well-known manufacturers of paper folding machines. Popular classics include the 1501X (CV7), 1217A and the 959. A new machine from Martin Yale, which actually replaces the very popular Model 959, is the Mark VII paper folding machine. This is an overview of the new machine.

This machine is not your standard paper folding machine for folding onesies and twosies. This is a high-end paper folding machine designed for industrial or daily folding applications. It can easy keep up with most copy center and business folding needs. The motor runs at a whopping 35,000 sheets per minute. This is fast enough to quickly burn through the 350 sheet hopper capacity.

Because it is a bottom-feeding folding machine, it is very easy to load more paper into the hopper and keep the machine running. Unlike the older 1501x and 1217A, the Mark VII has a superior feeding system that does not require the paper to be pre-fanned. An adjustable speed control makes it easy to fine-tune this machine to handle a variety of paper sizes and thicknesses.

Speaking of size and thickness, the Mark VII can handle paper sizes ranging from 3 ½” x 4 ¼” up to 14″ x 20″. I have used a lot of folding machines over the past decade and I can tell you that this paper range is very impressive. This makes it easy to fold brochures, menus, letters, invoices and much more. It can also handle a wide range of paper thicknesses. It specifically can handle 16-lb. bond up to 80-lb. index.It can also be outfitted with perforating and scoring wheels for additional projects.

Most friction-feed folding machines will choke on coated paper. This is because the slick surface slides on the silicon and rubber rollers, resulting in a jam. The Mark VII is actually designed to be able to handle coated paper. It can also handle laser paper, copy paper and even thicker card stock. It is very versatile when it comes to paper handling.

The Mark VII is made out of heavy-duty metal components. Even the exit tray, paper guides and folding plates are made out of metal. The build quality is extremely good.

This folding machine can create all the folds that you need most. This includes the:

• Letter Fold
• Z-Fold
• Double-Parallel Fold
• Half Fold
• Church Fold
• Engineering Fold

These are the six most common folds used today. Because the folding plates are manually adjusted, it is easy to create custom variations of all these folds. The folds themselves are clearly marked on the folding plates, making folds easy to set and adjust. While this isn’t a programmable folding machine, it does include a digital paper counter, which is pretty nice.

Overall this is a solid paper folding machine and is perfect for industrial or commercial folding applications. It weighs just over 100 pounds, so it isn’t going to fit on all tables, but will work on most desks and countertops. It is a robust machine designed for continuous operation.

You can find the Martin Yale Mark VII folding machine here and our entire selection of paper folding machines here. This is a fairly new machine, so if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-658-8788. We are more than happy to help point you in the right direction.

PVC shrink wrap bags provide a quick and easy way to quickly package a wide variety of material. These bags make packaging products as easy as inserting something into a heat shrink bag, sealing it shut and shrinking it down using a heat gun or shrink tunnel. The entire process takes just seconds and it is remarkably affordable. We have added two different types of shrink wrap bags to our site.

Dome Shrink Wrap Bags (found here)

The first type of bag we offer is called a dome shrink wrap bag. This bag has a special rounded dome end to it, which is primarily designed to fit around objects such as gift baskets. In fact, our dome bags are often referred to as gift basket bags. Simply open the bag, insert the basket and either tie or seal off the open end. The next step involves shrinking the film down.

Our dome heat shrink bags can be shrunk down using a heat gun or a shrink tunnel. This film has a 40% shrink rate, which means it will shrink down 40% from its original size. This provides a nice tight seal around everything. Because the PVC film is 100 gauge thick, it doesn’t easily tear or rip. The film is crystal clear once shrunk down. Our dome shrink wrap bags are also FDA approved for indirect contact use with food.

Square “Super Shrink” Stock Shrink Wrap Bags (found here)

These bags are more similar to what you imagine when you think of a shrink wrap bag. These bags are square in shape and can be used to package CDs, DVDs, video games, magazines, books, gifts, paper and much more. Using these bags is extremely easy and requires just a few basic tools. The open end of these bags can be sealed and cut off by using an I-bar shrink wrap machine or a heat sealer with a cutter. Shrinking can be done via a heat gun or heat shrink tunnel.

Our Super Shrink heat seal bags also have a 40% shrink rate, allowing them to quickly shrink down and wrap around corners and various shapes. Because the film is micro perforated, air is able to easily escape during the shrinking process. Our square shrink wrap bags are made from PVC and are 80 gauge thick.

Both our dome and square shrink wrap bags are very affordably priced and ship out quickly. We currently offer these bags in 1,000 count bulk quantities. If you plan on purchasing thousands of these, we may be able to offer a quantity discount. Call 1-800-658-8788 for more details.

You can find our entire selection of shrink wrap film here and shrink wrap machines here.

Key organization isn’t one of those things many of us think about. We usually keep keys in a pocket, on a peg in the kitchen or sitting on a counter. If you manage a fleet of vehicles, construction equipment or even multiple rooms in a building, a security key cabinet can be a lifesaver. Carl, a leading manufacturer of office equipment, makes 3 different secure key cabinets.

Having worked as a custodian myself (keeper of the keys), I have used a key cabinet for key organization. The cabinet I used, however, was open-faced and had no front door. It was easy to reach in and grab a key. While this wasn’t as big a deal for me at the time, security is a growing concern. If keys aren’t meant to be used, they shouldn’t be easily accessed.

Carl has developed a unique key management system. Their line of secure key cabinets use a special color coordination system, combined with numbers. A color-coded tag is attached to each key, which coincides with a color coded hangers. Keys can easily be removed and added without much thought.

The best feature of the Carl secure key cabinets is that they can be locked. The cabinet can actually be closed and locked with one of 2 included keys. When locked, access to contained keys is near impossible. Once needed, an authorized person can open the cabinet and access keys. It’s that easy.

Carl currently offers 3 different models

1. Carl CKB-32 Secure Key Cabinet (32 total keys)
2. Carl CKB-48 Locking Key Cabinet (48 total keys)
3. Carl CKB-64 Security Key Cabinet (64 total keys)

These cabinets can be easily mounted to a wall for stability and security. These cabinets are also portable, featuring an easy carrying handle. The build quality on these cabinets is excellent, designed to hold up for years. Not only are they functional and affordable, but they look also great.

Time permitting, stop by and check out our entire line of security key cabinets here.

Carl rotary paper trimmers are some of the most popular trimmers we offer. There are many reasons for this. To begin with, Carl paper cutters are extremely affordable. There are a variety of different designs to choose from and many of them are available with interchangeable blades. Car trimmers are a huge hit with scrapbookers, photographers, hobbyists and others that need precision cutting. We are proud to announce that we have just added 7 new models to our site.

Carl has made many changes to their new lineup of rotary paper trimmers. These changes, in my opinion, are for the better. To begin with, their new paper trimmers are made from recycled materials. This is environmentally friendly and a rarity among paper trimmer manufacturers.

I’m also a big fan of the new color scheme. Carl trimmers used to have a blue and gray look, but now have a metal gray and black look. The new look is very modern and looks excellent sitting on a desk or table. Most of the new Carl trimmers are extremely portable and many even include a built-in handle.

One of the biggest changes is the addition of a luminous paper holder. This holder has a fluorescent yellow/green look to it. It is designed to gather ambient light; focusing the light on the item you are cutting. Because it is easier to see what you are trimming, cuts turn out better.

Here are the new Carl trimmers we just added to our site:

• Carl DC-95N Personal Rotary Trimmer
• Carl RBT-12 Personal Rotary Trimmer
• Carl RT-200N Professional Rotary Trimmer
• Carl DC-300N Premium Rotary Trimmer
• Carl DC-238N Heavy-Duty Rotary Trimmer
• Carl DC-210N Personal Rotary Trimmer
• Carl DC-220N Heavy Duty Rotary Trimmer

We are excited to have these new trimmers on our site. We have always had great luck with Carl. A few years ago I purchased an RT-200 for my wife and she loves it. I am certain you will love these new rotary paper trimmers. You can find our entire selection of rotary paper cutters here.

If you are familiar with paper shredders, you have probably heard of Intimus. These German-made paper shredders not only have a great reputation, but are also known as being some of the quietest paper shredders on the market. We have added a total of 14 new Intimus paper shredders to our site. These shredders are best used in offices and departments, however, some smaller models may also be used for home use.

I have personally used Intimus paper shredders for the past 10 years. They are great machines. When I first started using Intimus paper shredders, they were owned and managed by Shleicher. Martin Yale, who has been manufacturing office equipment for decades, now owns the Intimus line.

Over the past year, Intimus has discontinued many of their older models and have replaced them with the 14 new machines we just added to our site. I mentioned earlier that Intimus shredders are known for being very quiet. I would say about 90% of the new shredders we just added use Silentec technology. This essentially consists of special spring shock absorbers that the shredder motor sits on. These springs absorb vibrations and sound, keeping the shredder to a dull hum.

These are the 14 new shredders we added. The CC3 line offers a security level 3 and the CC4 line offer a security level 4.

1. Intimus Pro 20CC3 Cross Cut Shredder (8 Sheet Capacity)
2. Intimus Pro 26CC3 Cross Cut Shredder (8 Sheet Capacity)
3. Intimus Pro 32CC3 Cross Cut Shredder (12 Sheet Capacity)
4. Intimus Pro 45CC3 Level 3 Paper Shredder (18 Sheet Capacity)
5. Intimus Pro 45CC4 Level 4 Paper Shredder (8 Sheet Capacity)
6. Intimus Pro 60CC3 Office Paper Shredder (18 Sheet Capacity)
7. Intimus Pro 60CC4 Level 4 Office Shredder (9 Sheet Capacity)
8. Intimus Pro 90CC3 Departmental Shredder (18 Sheet Capacity)
9. Intimus Pro 90CC4 Level 4 Office Shredder (9 Sheet Capacity)
10. Intimus Pro 120CC3 Heavy-Duty Paper Shredder (23 Sheet Capacity)
11. Intimus Pro 120CC4 Level 4 Cross Cut Shredder (15 Sheet Capacity)
12. Intimus 315 Cross Cut Shredder (25 Sheet Capacity)
13. Intimus Pro 175CC3 Heavy Duty Cross Cut Shredder (50 Sheet Capacity)
14. Intimus Pro 175CC4 Departmental Level 4 Shredder (25 Sheet Capacity)

I am confident, as long as you select the appropriate security level and sheet capacity, that you will enjoy these shredders. The cutting cylinders are made from hardened steel and most feature a lifetime warranty. Most of these shredders can also handle shredding CDs, DVDs, credit cards and some can even handle floppy disks.

You can find our entire selection of Intimus paper shredders here and our entire selection of paper shredders here.

Do you have questions about Intimus paper shredders? Call one of our specialists at 1-800-658-8788. They are more than happy to help answer your questions. Do you need Intimus paper shredder repairs, parts or servicing? Call our Service Department at 1-800-658-8788 x129.

When shopping for a paper shredder, chances are that you want something that’s affordable, a great value and reliable. It is possible to find the right shredder that hits all the points your business needs. One great option for a small business or organization is the Destroyit 3104 cross cut paper shredder from MBM. This review will cover its various qualities, specifications and if any, weaknesses.

If you’re new to the paper shredder industry, or are simply not familiar with MBM, let me get you up to speed. While there are a lot of “OK” brands out there, Destroyit is considered to be the “crème de la crème” of shredders. In other words, businesses and government entities that do a lot of shredding often go with the Destroyit shredders.

There are a lot of reasons why Destroyit shredders are so highly regarded, and the Destroyit 3104 cross cut shredder hits all these points. To begin with, the Destroyit 3104 is a German engineered and built shredder. This means it has been put together with the highest-quality parts available, unlike many comparable shredders that are built with “budget” parts.

While I personally think any business would be happy with the Destroyit 3104 cross cut, it is best suited for use in small to medium-size businesses or as a departmental shredder. I would say this shredder could easily be used constantly throughout the day by 5-10 people without a problem. By constant, I am referring to heavy use.

The MBM Destroyit 3104 utilizes a thermally protected motor that is designed to be used continuously without suffering from overheating. Many shredders require a cool down period. Not so with the 3104. The 3104 uses a 1 horsepower (0.64 KW) single phase motor that runs on 110-120 volts of electricity. The motor is powerful, fast (18 feet per minute) and reliable.

I remember years ago when we used to tell customers to remove paper clips and staples (if possible) prior to shredding paper. The Destroyit 3104 uses a strong hardened steel cutting shaft that can easily handle staples and paper clips without suffering any damage. It can also be used to not only shred paper, but credit cards, DVDs and CDs as well. MBM is so confident in the cutting shafts that they are covered by a lifetime warranty.

The control panel on the Destroyit line of shredders, including the Destroyit 3104, is one of the easiest-to-use available today. IF you look at the picture, you will see a large round button. MBM calls this the “Easy Switch.” You can run pretty much every operation on this shredder from that button. It tilts to turn the shredder on or put it in reverse and built-in backlit symbols let you know the status of the shredder. This includes when the cabinet door is open and the bag is full.

This is a video demo of the Destroyit 3104 in use:

The throat on this shredder measures in at 12″, which is more than enough for most paper, forms and documents. The sheet capacity on this shredder is 22-25 sheets at a time, which is impressive for a level 3 cross cut shredder. Once shredded, paper is turned into tiny 3/16″ x 1 1/2″ (4 x 40 mm) particles. A large 32-gallon bin holds the shredded paper, which is pretty large. This means fewer bag changes for you!

Overall I have to give this shredder a solid 5 out of 5 stars. I am confident you will enjoy this shredder. It should provide you with years of reliable use.

You can find the Destroyit 3104 cross cut paper shredder here and our entire line of Destroyit paper shredders here. We also offer a great selection of other brands. You can find our entire selection of paper shredders here.

Do you need repairs on your Destroyit paper shredder? Give our Service Department a call at 1-800-658-8788 x129. We are an authorized Destroyit service center and can provide you with repairs, parts, training and more.

What is it that you want in your office paper shredder? Most people would respond that they need speed, security, capacity and reliability. If these four points sound like something you need in a machine, consider looking at the MBM Destroyit 3804 cross cut paper shredder. This is my review.

MBM Destroyit (known as IDEAL in Europe) have been making shredders for decades. One thing remains constant, their shredders are considered to be some of the best in the industry. Shredder designs and styles range from home office up to industrial shredding. The Destroyit 3804 is one of the latest additions to this tradition.

The MBM Destroyit 3804 cross cut shredder encompasses pretty much everything I would want in a paper shredder. Let me start with capacity. This shredder hits high capacities on just about every level.

To begin with, the Destroyit 3804 has a massive 44-gallon shred bin. Consider the fact that most cars have a 15-25 gallon gas tank. This shredder can hold about double that amount in shredded paper. This means much fewer bag changes for you and makes it possible for multiple people to use this shredder without the “Bag Full” indicator always being on.

Another “capacity” feature of this shredder is the wide capacity shredder throat. This machine can shred paper up to 16″ wide. That means you can shred a lot of small stuff or larger computer forms. Not only can you feed paper into this beast, but it can also handle shredding credit cards and CDs and will accept staples and paper clips without a hitch.

The next feature that impresses me is the speed. While the Destroyit 3804 cross cut already has an impressive 20-22 sheet shredding capacity, it can shred that paper at a speed of 20 feet per minute. That means you can shred over a football field’s length of 20-20 sheets in an hour. That’s just plain fast.

Also consider the fact that this shredder cuts paper down to a Level 3 security level, which is the most sought-after security level for office paper shredding. That means the Destroyit 3804 CC cuts paper into 3/16″ x 1 1/2″ (4 x 40 mm). Break out a ruler and measure that out. Small….right? You aren’t putting that back together.

Shredding speed, capacity and security all make this shredder perfect for departmental and centralized office shredding. Now let’s cover the “dependability” part of this review.

While I love stuff made in the USA, I have complete respect for German products. German shredders are THE benchmark when it comes to office paper shredders. From the hardened steel blades to the twin drive single-phase motor, this shredder is designed for heavy-use.

Even the motor has been thermally protected for continuous use. You will never have to wait 30 minutes for the motor to cool down with a Destroyit paper shredder.

In summary, you can do much better than a Destroyit paper shredder, and the Destroyit 3804 cross cut is one of the best options you have for office paper shredding. The build quality is excellent, it is reliable, secure and very fast. I use Destroyit shredders here at ABC Office and love them.

You can find the MBM Destroyit 3804 cross cut paper shredder here, our entire selection of Destroyit paper shredders here and our huge selection of all our paper shredders here.

Feel free to call us at 1-800-658-8788 to speak with one of our paper shredding specialists.