Best Practices for Successful Corrosion Protection with VpCI^® Film

March 14, 2024

VpCI^® packaging is an outstanding solution for corrosion prevention in many ways, shapes, and forms. However, confident users of VpCI^® Film are sometimes surprised when they do not get the protection expected. If this happens, it is important to remember it may be no fault of the technology but simply due to an application error that compromised the package. Cortec^® therefore advises users to understand how VpCI^® Film technology works and how to avoid unwelcome and unnecessary damage.

Why Use VpCI^® Film Technology?

Cortec^® VpCI^® Film is the industry’s premier anticorrosion packaging film made under high standards of quality oversight and vertical integration. It is a logical replacement for traditional rust preventative oils and greases that must be cleaned off before the component can be used. VpCI^® Film provides a physical barrier and conditions the package interior with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that form a protective molecular layer on metal surfaces. Sometimes, a BioPad^® or other VpCI^® Emitter is added to the enclosure as an extra source of vapor-phase corrosion protection for large volumes or especially harsh conditions. These materials leave parts clean,dry, protected, and ready-to-use once the package is opened.

Why Can Perfectly Good Packaging Have Problems?

Unfortunately, even the best packaging can have problems if it is damaged or not used properly. A top quality VpCI^®-126 Bag that is torn in transit will not be able to keep out corrosive elements or trap Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors inside the package to create a protective environment. Some common causes for rips and tears include the following:

• Sharp edges
• Excessive jostling of components
• Improper sizing of bags
• Natural tightening of film as it is shrink-wrapped
• Windy outdoor conditions that make loose ends flap around too much

What Tips Do Preservation Experts Give?

Sometimes, the answer to problems with torn VpCI® Film is to simply get the right size of bag. For example, placing a component inside a VpCI^®-126 Bag with a tight fit is more likely to cause punctures than placing the component inside a roomier gusseted bag that is not held taut against metal edges. It is also important to keep the component as stationary as possible in the crate. This can be done by fixing contents in place with blocks, padding, or bands as appropriate. Eric Uutala (Cortec^® Technical Sales and Product Manager – Asset Preservation and CorroLogic^®) has done many preservation jobs with VpCI^®-126 HP UV Shrink Film and MilCorr^® VpCI^® Shrink Film and recommends padding sharp edges with foam or—better yet—extra scraps of VpCI^® Film to keep surfaces accessible to corrosion inhibitors.

At other times, a manufacturer may need test runs to identify and specify the best packaging procedure for regular shipping needs. This may involve trying multiple packaging, rust preventative, and cushioning options while using sensors to track temperature, humidity, and dew point throughout the journey. Mike
Gabor (Cortec^® VP Sales, Eastern North America) has worked with multiple manufacturers on protective packaging applications over the last 20 years. He
explained that what works best for one major client is placing new engine blocks and heads in two thin VpCI^®- 126 Bags. This allows for slippage and tearing on the outer bag while the inner bag stays intact. Other creative solutions await discovery by trial and error. What matters is to find the best option for each end user.

Are You Ready to Optimize Your Corrosion Protection Packaging?

Even the best packaging will not work right if it has been damaged or is not the appropriate pairing for the application. The tips above will help manufacturers and asset owners make the most of the outstanding packaging options available to avoid rust headaches caused by broken film. Contact Cortec^® if you need further help optimizing your corrosion protection packaging performance.

Keywords: packaging best practices, corrosion protection, VCI film, Cortec, what is VpCI technology, rust preventatives, avoiding package tears, avoiding rust during shipment, shipping solutions, anticorrosion packaging 

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