Published August 13, 2010VCI paper is coated with rust inhibiting chemicals. These chemicals vaporize into the air around the metal parts protecting them from rust and corrosion. VCI paper used in shipping metal parts eradicates the need for airtight packages.
Look for environmentally safe VCI paper approved by the US military.
With all those chemicals vaporizing, is VCI paper healthy for the environment? Not all VCI papers are alike in this respect.When purchasing rust inhibiting VCI paper, make sure to enquire whether the papers are environmentally safe, fully recyclable and repulpable, biodegradable and non-toxic. Some VCI Paper contain nitrites or heavy metals, and can harm the environment. In addition, not all VCI papers are approved on the prestigious Qualified Product List (QPL) for Military specification MIL-PRF-3420, an approval that dates back to 1983. When choosing VCI paper, it is important to check to ensure that the paper is approved on this list.
Choose the Right Paper for your Metal.
Different types of VCI papers are specifically manufactured to provide the best rust protection for each particular metal. There are VCI papers designed specifically for different types of metals, and for length of time to be protected.There are huge differences in metal composition and one VCI paper does not meet all metal protection needs for every metal. You can use a rust inhibitor paper or an anti rust paper.A knowledgeable sales person can tell you exactly how much VCI is contained in each paper type, and which will keep your products corrosion free for years.
For instance, VCI Paper for ferrous metals is designed to protect steel parts and wires, die casting, springs, bearings, and stampings.VCI Paper for non-ferrous metals is designed to protect non-ferrous metals. VCI multi-metal papers prevent corrosion on non-ferrous metals and multi-metal products like zinc, aluminum alloys, copper alloys and dissimilar metal components such as circuit boards.
Choose a VCI Paper Coated on Both Sides.
Make sure the VCI papers you purchase are impregnated with VCI on both sides. This avoids confusion about which side to place against the part when packing, as well as the ability to interleave the paper within a pallet of parts so that less paper is required in the packaging.
Sue McCrossin is a freelance writer working with Green-VCI to shed light on the subject of VCI Paper and options that can be used when packaging and shipping metal parts to avoid rust and corrosion. For more information on metal rust removal visit www.green-vci.com.
Published March 1, 2010One of the biggest reasons why metal parts become rusted is because of improper handling of those parts while they are in your plant. Metal parts should never be left exposed to the air in your plant. Contaminants in the air, fork truck exhaust, and by-products of your manufacturing process can all contribute to accelerating rust and corrosion.
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
Metal parts that are in-process or waiting for secondary operations should be covered with VCI paper or placed in a VCI bag for corrosion protection. By keeping your parts protected with VCI, you will prevent the contaminants in the air, and corrosion-causing elements (oxygen, salt, moisture, etc) from affecting your parts. It’s important to remember that VCI’s will completely evaporate when parts are removed from the VCI, so no cleaning or removal is necessary, even if the parts are to be welded or painted.
CREATE A BARRIER
One final suggestion is to make sure that your metal parts are not in direct contact with wooden pallets, wooden crates, and corrugated boxes. Moisture, acids, and chlorine that is common in these products can all accelerate corrosion, especially in those areas where the parts are in direct contact with the wood or corrugated. This is known as contact corrosion, and it will be prevented if you create a VCI barrier between your parts and the wood or corrugated. Simply place a sheet of VCI paper or VCI poly sheeting between the parts and the wood or corrugated, or line corrugated boxes with a VCI poly bag or VCI paper.
By following these three simple procedures, you will greatly reduce the likelihood of corrosion and rust affecting your parts, your bottom line, and your reputation. Contact Green-VCI for more information, free reports, and a free corrosion consultation. Call toll-free 1-877-822-0552 or e-mail info@Green-VCI.com Visit our web site for tons more information and tips www.Green-VCI.com
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rust inhibitor bags, rust preventive paper, VCI Bags | 
Leave a commentPublished February 19, 2010Corrosion, and in particular rust, costs metal parts manufacturers and foundries an average of more than 350 billion dollars annually! During manufacturing and shipping, metal parts can be exposed to moisture, causing rust. Many times clients return these rusted parts, doubling shipping costs, and sometimes causing the company sandblasting, repair, or replacement costs.
VCI packaging can reduce corrosion of metal parts in the storage and shipping process. VCI stands for volatile corrosion inhibitor. The VCI process uses environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors that are coated on packaging paper or polyethylene. These materials are used to package metal parts so that the corrosion inhibitor chemicals completely cover all surfaces of the metal. This prevents oxygen and moisture from causing corrosion and rust on the metal.
There are several VCI packaging products, designed for different types of metal. These include VCI paper poly bags, and foam. In addition, there is a dry coat rust inhibitor liquid that can be used to coat metal parts for added corrosion protection. VCI packaging works because very small amounts of the inhibitor are continually released by evaporation into the enclosed air space in the package and then settle on the metal surfaces to form an invisible thin film of protection from corrosion.
Sometimes in addition to using VCI packaging, it is important for metal parts manufacturers to assess the manufacturing process to help insure corrosion free parts. Workers who handle metal parts should wear gloves because fingerprints containing salts and humidity that can cause corrosion. It is important to quickly package a ferrous part as soon as it is manufactured. These parts should be kept clean of moisture, dirt, or corrosion already present because VCI material cannot repair already damaged parts.
For best results, the metal part should be no more than 18 inches from the packaging, and metal objects like coils of steel wires should be tightly wrapped with overlapping VCI film. In addition, VCI Material should not to be stored for more than six months before they are used. Finally, it is best to test the packaging and shipping before ordering VCI material in bulk, and to consult with a VCI packaging expert to determine the best packaging method for your metal parts.
Published February 17, 2010Today’s tip will be a very short, but very important one. In nearly 20 years of solving corrosion and rust issues for metal parts manufacturers all over the country, one of the most basic, yet least observed rules of handling metal parts is to ALWAYS wear gloves when handling metal parts. I can recount to you dozens and dozens of times when I have been called in to discover the cause of corrosion and rust, only to find this most basic rule ignored. I have literally seen rust in the shape of fingerprints on metal parts! Acids, moisture and oils in human hands can cause and accelerate corrosion on metal parts. ALWAYS wear a pair of cotton gloves when touching, inspecting, handling, and packaging metal parts. Metal parts should be packaged in VCI paper or placed in a VCI bag as quickly as possible. This includes while the parts are in-process and while they are waiting in the que for secondary operations. Of particular importance is to have the metal parts packaged in VCI paper or in VCI bags during storage, and in shipment to your customers. Some manufacturers use VCI packaging only during the summer months, but this is a big mistake, as you can never tell when those parts will be shipped or used by your customer. In other words, even if you are packaging parts in January with low humidity, the parts may sit on your shelf or your customer’s shelf until they are used in July! Protect your parts year-round with VCI packaging form Green Packaging, Inc. http://www.Green-VCI.com
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