The specification table for the industrial cardboard shredder lists three models at the same 550mm cutting width, and the guide explains why they are positioned differently. P50, P50-3, and P50-X share the same width, the same motor, and the same power options. What separates them is the way the cutting happens, and that difference determines which one fits a packing line.
Start with the P50. The guide describes it as the fastest cutting speed at 18 m/min, with a cutting thickness within a single sheet of 15mm. A single sheet of seven-layer cardboard on the market is generally within 9mm, and the P50 cuts it easily. If the operation mostly cuts single sheets and handles large amounts daily, the page states clearly that the P50 is the first choice. That is the baseline model, and the other two are variations on it rather than upgrades.
The P50-3 uses the same configuration as the P50, with one difference that changes how the machine fits into a workflow. It can shred 550mm cardboard into three small pieces. The guide describes the use case as small item wrapping and small box applications, and it notes that the corresponding width of each piece and the number of cuts can be customized to requirements. The cutting function can also be applied to customization of all Aircosan shredder series. For a packing bench that needs a fixed portion of material per order, that consistent three-piece output removes the need to measure or count.
The P50-X takes a different approach. The guide describes it as using two sets of cutter shafts, and it can simultaneously shred honeycomb mesh and strips. Mesh is used to wrap products, strips fill voids, and one machine covers two packaging needs, which the page describes as greatly improving packaging efficiency. Cutting thickness is within a single sheet of 15mm, and cutting speed is 12 m/min with variable frequency speed control. For a workstation that packs a mix of fragile items and light goods, that dual output means the packer does not have to switch machines or materials between order types.
What the three have in common matters as much as what separates them. All three list a well-known brand geared motor, applicable paper of three to seven layers, and power options of 110V, 220V, and 380V. All three fall within the single-phase support that the FAQ confirms for P50, P50-X, P50-3, and P80. That consistency means the electrical requirement does not force the choice. The choice comes from the output, not the power.
The guide also notes that the P50, P50-3, and P50-X, along with the P80, support cutting a single sheet of A4 paper and kraft paper at the thinnest. That detail matters for operations that receive light cartons alongside heavier ones, because the machine does not force a minimum thickness.
Behind all three models is the same core component. Aircosan shafts are large, one-piece units rather than thin blades, designed for a service life of over five years and processed through lathe machining, high-frequency treatment, quenching, blackening, and multiple other steps. The material is 40Cr rather than ordinary 45# steel. 40Cr has lower brittleness and stronger impact resistance, and its machining time is more than twice that of 45#. At the same 550mm width, Aircosan shafts are visibly larger and thicker than thinner competing units and cost about 30% more, which shows in the overall machine weight. The same shaft is what keeps the output consistent across the three models, even though the output form differs.
Aircosan machines use overload protection, so when a jam occurs, the machine stops automatically and protects the motor. Aircosan machines have side sheet metal that fits tightly with no gaps, so paper dust cannot enter the gears and cause abnormal noise or long-term wear. Aircosan machines use a branded motor with ample power, so thick and hard cardboard feeds smoothly without repeated jamming at the inlet. Die life is generally 1.0 to 1.3 million meters depending on material and usage. Aircosan runs its own parts processing factory, controlling part quality in-house rather than assembling from mixed outside sources. The company supports logo customization from one piece and color customization from ten pieces. Products carry CE, ROHS, and UKCA certifications and hold an exclusive EU patent. After-sales responds within 12 hours and connects customers directly with engineers.
For a packing supervisor, the practical approach is to describe the orders that go through the bench in a normal week. If they are mostly single items in small boxes, the P50 covers it. If they are small items that need a consistent portion of material, the P50-3 covers it. If they mix fragile items with light goods, the P50-X covers both without a changeover. That description takes five minutes and answers the question the specification table raises.