Cortec Examines Advantages of VCI Bags for Gears and Transmissions

VCI bags allow auto parts manufacturers and suppliers to eliminate greasy rust preventatives and opt for the dry protection of VCI film instead. Unfortuntely, some VCI bags are doomed to failure, leading to the very corrosion that the VCI bag user was trying to prevent. To avoid these negative consequences, Cortec shares the best path to making sure your next VCI bag is the corrosion solution and not the problem.

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VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) bags are an excellent choice for corrosion protection of automotive components. Whether lining a bin of newly stamped gears or individually packaging engines or transmissions, automotive suppliers can easily protect metals from corrosion during shipping and storage using VCI bags. When closed, VCI bags release corrosion inhibiting vapors that condition the inside of the package and form a molecular protective layer on metal surfaces, allowing the component to be protected against corrosion without the use of greasy rust preventatives. When the part is removed from the VCI package, it is typically ready for immediate installation.

Unfortunately, some users of VCI bags still experience corrosion, not realizing that their VCI bags may be at fault. In one case, an automotive manufacturer who was seeing corrosion submitted two samples of their VCI bags to Cortec Laboratories for testing. Both samples failed razor blade testing (which tests contact corrosion inhibiting ability) and did poorly in VIA testing (which tests corrosion inhibiting ability in the vapor phase). Another time, Cortec collected several samples of VCI film from a user’s plant on one day. All samples were from one VCI film supplier but had visible color variations, showing a clear inconsistency between batches. Both scenarios potentially stem from outsourced manufacturing, a common practice among many VCI film companies who may receive cost savings in return for less oversight on consistency and quality. As a result, some VCI film users do not get the protection they are counting on. Thus, a small savings from purchasing outsourced VCI film may result in thousands of dollars’ worth of corrosion damage.

In contrast to the patchy results of other VCI brands who outsource their manufacturing, Cortec Corporation can keep a close eye on quality and consistency through vertical integration. Cortec oversees the entire process from start to finish, manufacturing each corrosion inhibitor masterbatch and testing it for corrosion protection before it is compounded and extruded into VpCI Bags. Each box is labeled with a lot number and all bags are printed with the year and quarter to help with traceability and shelf-life questions in case an issue does arise.

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Metal Protection Made Easy with VCI Poly Bags

While famed for being sturdy and reliable, metal items do have their weaknesses, the most notable being corrosion. In fact, corrosion and rust can severely degrade these materials, leading to costly repairs and replacements. And while it may be fairly simple to protect a metal item in a dry, indoor space, it is not necessarily as easy when trying to ship them across locations where they will be exposed to the elements.

For many operations managers responsible for shipping metal goods, this raises the question: how can you safely ship metal items without worrying about corrosion?

Enter VCI poly bags—a straightforward and highly effective metal packaging solution. These specialized bags provide a robust defense against corrosion, ensuring that your metal goods remain in prime condition during storage and transport.

In this article, we explore the transformative features and benefits of VCI poly bags. This includes delving into how they simplify the task of metal preservation, as well as sharing guidance on how you can purchase them with confidence. Read on to learn more!

Understanding Corrosion and Its Impact on Metals

Before we dive into the packaging, let’s briefly recap how and why corrosion occurs.

In simple terms, corrosion is caused by metal being damaged through exposure to water and oxygen. This not only affects the physical appearance of metal components but also compromises their mechanical properties, leading to costly replacements and repairs.

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Corrosion is tricky to handle and hard to stop in its tracks once it begins to occur. This is particularly felt in industries where metal components are critical, making effective corrosion protection strategies essential for maintaining operational efficiency and reducing financial losses.

Unfortunately, the harsh nature of shipping goods means the products are very rarely environmentally controlled and often will need to spend time in damp or even wet conditions. For this reason, having a packaging product that shields a good from direct water contact and moisture is paramount.

What Are VCI Poly Bags?

VCI poly bags are a type of rust prevention packaging that are crafted from a special polyethylene film infused with corrosion inhibitors. These chemicals vaporize and form a protective molecular shield around the metal surfaces enclosed within the bag. This shield acts as a barrier, preventing corrosive agents from reaching the metal. You will see VCI poly bags being used across a spectrum of different industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics, providing protection for everything from small precision components to large automotive parts.

How Do VCI Poly Bags Work?

VCI poly bags work by continuously coating the metal in substances that block the metal item from coming into contact with water or moisture. This coating disrupts the electrochemical reaction that leads to corrosion. The effectiveness of this protection is maintained as long as the integrity of the bag is intact, making VCI poly bags a reliable solution for long-term storage and safe transportation of metal products.

Tip: Make sure to ensure your bag is sealed so that the VCI substances can do their job effectively. Depending on the bag you purchase, there are plenty of ways to ensure a tight and secure seal, including heat seals, zippers, or fold tape. Your packaging supplier will happily guide you on this if you are new to VCI packaging.

Key Features of VCI Poly Bags

• Durability and Strength: VCI poly bags are designed to withstand physical stresses, ensuring that the protective environment around the metal is not compromised during handling or transit.
• Moisture Resistance: These bags offer excellent resistance to moisture, one of the primary catalysts for corrosion, thereby enhancing the level of protection.
• Customization: Available in various sizes and shapes, VCI poly bags can be tailored to fit specific items, making them a flexible option for different applications.
• Environmental Safety: VCI poly bags are formulated to be safe for the environment, aligning with modern sustainability standards.

Benefits of Using VCI Poly Bags for Metal Protection

• Cost Efficiency: By eliminating the need for costly rust-preventive coatings and reducing packaging material, VCI poly bags prove to be an economical option for corrosion protection.
• Simplicity of Use: The simplicity of using VCI poly bags—place the metal in the bag and seal it—eliminates the need for complex procedures or additional equipment.
• Superior Protection: VCI packaging provides robust protection against rust and corrosion, significantly extending the usable life of metal products.
• Versatility: Their suitability for a broad range of metals makes VCI poly bags an ideal choice for diverse industries, showcasing their adaptability and wide-ranging utility.

Choosing the Right VCI Poly Bag

Selecting the ideal VCI poly bag for your needs involves more than just picking a size; it is about understanding the specific requirements of your metal components under various conditions.

Let’s take a look at some tips to help you make the best choice for your VCI packaging needs:

• Consider the Type of Metal: Different metals have different susceptibilities to corrosion. Identify the type of metal you need to protect—be it steel, iron, copper, or aluminum—as this will influence the type of VCI poly bag required.
• Assess the Storage Conditions: The environment where the metal will be stored plays a crucial role in selecting the right VCI bag. Factors like humidity, temperature, and exposure to other chemicals can affect the bag’s effectiveness. Choose a bag that can withstand the environmental conditions of your storage area.
• Determine the Duration of Protection: How long will your metal components need to be stored? VCI poly bags are designed to offer protection for varying lengths of time, from short-term storage of a few weeks to long-term storage that can extend for years. Ensure the VCI poly bag you choose can provide adequate protection for the duration required.
• Evaluate the Corrosive Potential of the Environment: If your storage or transportation environments are particularly harsh, you will need a VCI poly bag with enhanced protective features. Environments with high salinity, industrial fumes, or fluctuating weather conditions require bags with stronger or specialized corrosion inhibitors.
• Size and Shape of the Metal Components: The physical dimensions of your metal parts also matter. Ensure that the VCI poly bag can comfortably enclose your metal components without stretching or tearing. Consider custom-sized bags for large or irregularly shaped items to ensure complete coverage and protection.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a VCI poly bag that offers optimal protection tailored to your specific needs. This ensures the longevity and reliability of your metal components, safeguarding your investments effectively.

Key Takeaways on VCI Poly Bags

VCI poly bags represent a cornerstone solution for combating metal corrosion. This is because they:

• Provide superior corrosion protection.
• Offer versatility across various industries.
• Ensure cost efficiency in packaging and shipping.
• Are easy to use and apply.
• Can be customized for different metal components.
• Promote environmental sustainability.

Looking to purchase quality VCI poly bags at budget-friendly prices? Crownhill Packaging, a SupplyOne Canada company, is your ideal partner for VCI packaging, offering solutions you can rely on across Canada and the USA. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that you receive the best products to meet your needs. We invite you to reach out to us for more detailed information, personalized consultations, and to explore our comprehensive catalog of VCI poly bags and other protective packaging solutions.

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