As fall arrives with its crisp air, changing leaves, and fluctuating temperatures, the risk of condensation and corrosion on metal parts increases. The warm days and cool nights create an ideal environment for condensation, which can lead to big rust and corrosion issues for metal parts and that means big problems for manufacturers.
Condensation occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cooler surface, causing the air to cool and turn into liquid droplets. It’s a familiar sight: you have a cold drink outside on a warm day, and condensation quickly forms on the outside of the glass because the cold surface cools the surrounding air. Similarly, metal parts can gather moisture due to changes in temperature, which can lead to rust. To keep metal parts clean and rust-free, protect them with vapor corrosion inhibitors (VCI), desiccants, or a combination of both.
THE DRYING POWER OF DESICCANT
Desiccants are drying agents that attract and capture moisture from their surrounding environment, to create dry conditions in an enclosed space such as packaging, boxes, bins or shipping containers. Made from hygroscopic materials like silica, clay, or calcium chloride, desiccants trap moisture through adsorption. When used correctly, they help to create and maintain a dry, corrosion-free environment for metal parts during storage or transport.
Desiccants are available in various pre-packaged forms and sizes, making them easy to use. Proper placement is crucial to ensure effectiveness. Avoid direct contact with metal parts, secure the pouches to prevent movement during transport, and seal the packaging tightly. This allows the desiccant to act as a dehumidifier, preserving the appearance and functionality of metal parts and eliminating the need for costly reworking or replacement.
USE VCI TO SIMPLIFY YOUR RUST PREVENTION
VCI (vapor or volatile corrosion inhibitors) are a class of chemical compounds that emit rust-inhibiting vapors into an enclosed space. When combined with materials like Kraft paper or polyethylene film, VCI creates rust-prevention packaging that is effective, even in humid conditions. Products such as ARMOR WRAP® VCI paper and ARMOR POLY® VCI film simplify rust prevention, and they are clean, safe and easy to use. VCI products eliminate the need for traditional rust-prevention oils and grease, saving time and labor
To use VCI for rust prevention, wrap or seal metal parts in VCI packaging material. Once metal parts are enclosed, the VCI vapors release to form an ultra-thin protective shield on the surface of the metal, displacing moisture and contaminants that cause corrosion. ARMOR VCI Nanotechnology™ adjusts to temperature and humidity fluctuations, ensuring optimal rust prevention performance even in changing environmental conditions.
DOUBLE DOWN ON RUST AND CORROSION BY DOUBLING UP ON PROTECTION USING VCI + DESICCANT
Using two rust prevention methods — VCI and desiccant – to protect metal parts exposed to temperature changes, high humidity, and condensation means double trouble for rust. VCI and desiccant protect metal parts in different ways, with VCI providing surface protection and desiccants managing moisture – a combination that ensures superior protection, especially during fall’s unpredictable weather.
The ARMOR SMARTY PAK™ combines VCI and desiccant into one user-friendly product. Each SMARTY PAK both releases ARMOR’s proprietary VCI Nanotechnology® for advanced rust prevention while also removing and adsorbing moisture. It’s this unique, dual-function design that allows SMARTY PAK to protect metal parts with an unmatched level of protection.
ARMOR uses a specialty desiccant in its SMARTY PAKs that accelerates moisture adsorption and ensures retention, even at high temperatures. Designed to be non-dusting and lint-free, ARMOR SMARTY PAKs are ideal for applications where traditional fibrous packaging materials cannot be used. Available in three sizes, the ARMOR SMARTY PAK is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to protect metal parts from rust.
Armor Protective Packaging® and its team of “Eradicators of Rust” have more than 40 years of experience in producing rust prevention and removal products that are designed to protect metal parts from corrosion while they are in process, in storage, or in transport. All ARMOR VCI rust-prevention products are clean, safe, easy to use, and effective – whatever the reason and whatever the season.
Visit ARMOR’s online store for all the rust-prevention packaging materials you need and get them fast with our Stock & Ready™ Program.
