With corrosion costing the U.S. economy more than $300 billion a year, it seems clear that purchasing VCI packaging products whose performance is backed by unimpeachable scientific testing is more than just a luxury. It is the best way to protect investments in parts and raw materials -- items that will ultimately determine the integrity and standard of excellence in finished goods.
Manufacturers of metal products and electronics must maintain corrosion-free materials and finished parts for varying periods of time. Many manufacturers select VCI packaging to do the job. There is a need to consider all aspects of the process in order to select the right packaging media and VCI formulation. VCI protection is a function of:
- Which metals are in need of protection;
- What corrosion-inhibiting chemicals are used and their effectiveness on the metals;
- The ratio of chemicals in the formulation;
- The amount of VCI on the paper or in the film;
- The pH of the finished product;
- Water solubility and the effectiveness of the corrosion inhibitor in the presence of moisture and/or high humidity;
- Natural neutral kraft paper or polyethylene film used as the VCI carrier;
- The overall packaging design;
- The conditions expected during packing, shipping, and storing.
When VCI formulations or products are selected, the VCI packaging should be tested with the metals to be protected in conditions that best simulate the actual protection environment. Only the actual performance test should be used to validate the packaging''s efficacy.