Design and Construction of an Automated Paper Shredder with a Cross-Cut Pattern

Abstract

A paper shredder can be used to shred or cut documents made of paper or plastic into tiny strips. Private businesses use it to shred sensitive papers, such as contracts, into tiny pieces or rubble. As a result, these gadgets secure information while reducing environmental waste. This research work focuses on the design and construction of an automated paper shredder with a cross-cut pattern. In order to actualize the design such as the construction of the metal frame, assembling of the cutter, integration of the electronic components, and programming of the automation technique; the design has been divided into two; Mechanical and Electronic Control Units. The Paper Shredder machine achieved a shredding dimension of 4x23 mm using a combination of Cross-Cutting and Strip-Cutting techniques. In addition, the fabrication process involves procedures like metal shaping, welding, machining, and the usage of mechanical fasteners. The cutting blades and shafts will consist of medium Carbon steel (gear). The machine uses an Arduino Nano microcontroller, a programmable integrated circuit to control the machine’s operation. Other significant sections for this design include the power supply, blades, dc motor, microcontroller, indicator, and many more. Different sizes of paper dimensions such as 210 x 297, 148 x 210, 105 x 148, and 74 x 105 (mm) were inserted in the machine for the shredding test, the output showed a properly shredded form that validates its performance.