How to Choose the Right Shredder: Single Shaft vs. Double Shaft

Whether you’re recycling plastic, e-waste, metal, or rubber, choosing the right shredder is a critical decision that affects your efficiency, output quality, and bottom line.

The two most common types are Single Shaft Shredder and Double Shaft Shredder — but which one is right for your material and business needs?

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference?

FeatureSingle Shaft ShredderDouble Shaft Shredder
BladesOne rotor with stationary counter bladesTwo interlocking rotors with blades
Cutting StylePrecise, high-speed slicingTearing, shearing, and crushing
Output ControlUses screen to control particle sizeNo screen (more irregular output)
Material FlowForced feeding (pusher)Self-feeding, high torque
Ideal ForPlastics, film, paper, textiles, woodMetal, tires, e-waste, bulky items

When to Choose a Single Shaft Shredder

Choose a Single Shaft Shredder if you:

Need uniform and fine output size
Process soft to medium materials like plastic, textiles, or wood
Want to feed material into granulators or extruders after shredding
Prioritize precision and controlled particle size

💡 Common Uses: Plastic pipe & film recycling, textile shredding, RDF processing, wood pallet shredding

When to Choose a Double Shaft Shredder

Go with a Double Shaft Shredder if you:

Handle bulky, dense, or tough materials
Need high torque and throughput
Don’t require precise particle size
Want a machine that handles metal, tires, e-waste, radiators, or mixed scrap

💡 Common Uses: Car tires, aluminum scrap, refrigerators, computer parts, electric motors

Performance Comparison

FeatureSingle ShaftDouble Shaft
Output Size ControlPreciseIrregular
Speed FasterSlower (more torque)
Throughput CapacityMediumHigh
MaintenanceModerateHeavy-duty
VersatilityLimitedWide range

What to Consider Before Buying

What materials are you processing?
– Soft plastics → Single shaft
– Metal/tough composites → Double shaft

What output size do you need?
– Small granules → Single shaft
– Coarse size for further crushing → Double shaft

How much throughput do you need (kg/hour)?

What’s your next step after shredding?
– Extrusion, briquetting, pelletizing?

At Gomine, we offer:

Single Shaft Shredders – for precise, clean cutting
Double Shaft Shredders – for high-volume, industrial crushing
Custom solutions for plastic, metal, tire, e-waste, and more

Feel free to contact us to help you select the perfect shredder for your material and capacity needs.