Matching the Solution to the Industry: Who Needs VCI Paper Most?

July 13, 2022

Corrosion inhibiting packaging in the form of VCI film or VCI paper has revolutionized the way that metals can be stored or shipped in rust-free condition. Instead of applying a greasy rust preventative for the end user to clean off, manufacturers can now package metal components in a Cortec® VpCI®-126 Bag or wrap them in CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper for protection during sensitive stages of the product life cycle. Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors in the packaging material diffuse throughout the package and form a protective molecular layer on metal surfaces inside. Often, all that remains for the end user to do is to simply unwrap the component and install it upon arrival, no special rust preventative removal required. Each packaging type has its own advantages and its own particular applications to which it is best suited. In the case of VCI paper, Cortec® Corporation has identified three industries in particular that stand out as good matches for this recyclable packaging material for metals.

Corrosion Inhibiting Packaging for Bearings
The bearings industry produces multi-billion dollars’ worth of sensitive components that are used throughout society in industrial, office, and home settings. VCI paper is especially good for bearings because it provides a degree of cushioning and humidity absorption as well as corrosion protection. In particular, VpCI®-146 Creped Paper offers extra cushioning and can catch residual oils/lubricants that may drip off the part. It also works well to achieve a close-fitting wrap around ringshaped bearings. Standard CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper (with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors on two sides of the paper) and EcoShield® VpCI®-144 Paper (recyclable barrier paper with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors) are also great options. All three papers are USDA Certified Biobased Products, adding to their sustainability profile.

Corrosion Protection for Firearms and Munitions
Another prime candidate for Cortec® VpCI® Paper is new firearms packaging. For example, paper strips of CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper laid inside the box of a new handgun or rifle serve as an emitting material, releasing Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that protect the many different metal components on the rifle or handgun during shipping. This potentially eliminates the use of protective oils or greases, which must be thoroughly cleaned off before the firearm can be displayed or used on the range. However, if for some reason grease is still desired, EcoShield® VpCI®-144 provides added corrosion protection along with barrier properties to help the paper hold up in the presence of grease and moisture. CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper may also be used in military applications to protect weapons or munitions in storage. This is especially needed for inventory being shipped through or stored in tropical environments. For instance, corroded metal cartridge cases heighten the risk of spontaneous explosion, in addition to reducing the usefulness of the ammunition. Using square sheets of CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper is one favorite method of corrosion protection for munitions manufacturers.

VCI Paper for the Auto Industry
The automotive industry is a third industry that benefits from VCI paper packaging. For example, it is quick and easy to package aftermarket and service parts in a piece of CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper to protect them from corrosion until use. Sometimes, liquid rust preventatives are not allowed on transmission parts, making CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper an excellent alternative. CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper can be used with automated equipment and is great for layering between new parts, such as brake rotors, in combination with a VpCI®-126 outer bag

The List Goes On
Beyond the key industries of bearings, firearms, and auto parts, the list goes on for applications in which Cortec’s VpCI® Paper variations can be used to advantage—from general manufactured parts to layers of glass with metal components. Whatever the case, Cortec® VpCI® can be a valuable addition to the packaging process, even to the point of eliminating cumbersome greasy rust preventatives if desired. Contact Cortec® to learn more about selecting the right VpCI® Paper for your application: https://www.cortecpackaging.com/contact-us/

Keywords: VCI paper, rust preventative, corrosion inhibitors, recyclable packaging, packaging for metals, packaging for bearings, corrosion protection, recyclable barrier paper, VCI paper for auto industry, Cortec

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