Case Study: Original 1.2379 shredder knives delivered better quality & availability

Customer's Challenge

A UK-based alternative fuel production facility was looking for a more reliable and cost-effective solution for shredder knives used in demanding daily operation. The customer had experienced faster knife wear than expected, which increased maintenance frequency, reduced shredder availability, and created additional pressure on the maintenance team. The goal was clear: find a knife solution that could improve cutting performance, reduce wear, and support longer maintenance intervals.

 

Eurotools Solution

Eurotools supplied trial shredder knives for Lindner Komet OEM, size 172×57×28 mm , manufactured from 1.2379 tool steel with hardness 56–58 HRC. This material and hardness combination was selected to provide high wear resistance, stable cutting-edge performance, and reliable operation in intensive shredding applications.

 

Real Operating Trial

The knives were tested directly in the customer’s production environment and compared with knives from their existing supplier. The trial results were excellent:

✅ The Eurotools knives remained in very good cutting condition after 7–8 days of operation.

✅ The wear rate was reported to be close to 3 times lower compared with the previously used knives.

✅ The cutting edge showed approximately 5 mm radius after 7 days of use, while the comparison knives showed approximately 10 mm radius after a similar operating period.

✅ The customer also confirmed that the knives successfully completed a two-week trial without the shredder backing up.

 

 

Measurable Benefits

Based on the customer’s internal evaluation, the improved knife performance supported a return to a more efficient maintenance schedule and delivered clear operational benefits:

• Estimated annual saving per shredder: £26,228.80
• Estimated annual saving across two shredders: £52,457.60
• Additional production availability: +208 hours per year
• Maintenance labour released: 416 hours per year

In addition to direct cost savings, the customer gained improved shredder availability, reduced maintenance demand, and more predictable production planning.

 

Immediate Customer Decision

After the successful trial, the customer immediately placed an order for 2,000 pcs of Eurotools shredder knives as stock.

Eurotools issued an offer for 2,000 pcs of 172×57×28 mm knives for Lindner Komet OEM, material 1.2379, hardness 56–58 HRC, with a total order value of 33,600 EUR.

Result

The Eurotools shredder knives delivered:

Up to 3× lower cutting-edge wear
Improved shredder availability
Reduced maintenance frequency
Estimated annual savings of more than £52,000
Successful real-world trial in demanding operation
 

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates how the right material, hardness, and manufacturing quality can significantly improve shredder knife performance in demanding industrial applications. Eurotools knives made from 1.2379 tool steel, 56–58 HRC, proved to be a high-performance alternative that helped the customer reduce wear, lower maintenance costs, and increase production availability.

Eurotools – Precision That Performs.