When it comes to industrial rust prevention, ARMOR delivers solutions that are clean, safe, and easy to use—all powered by VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors). VCIs are chemical compounds that release corrosion-inhibiting molecules into enclosed spaces, such as packaging, boxes, or shipping containers. These molecules form protective vapors that bond to metal surfaces, creating an invisible shield that blocks dirt, moisture, water, and other corrosion-causing contaminants.
By eliminating the need for rust-prevention oils, grease, or chemical solvents, ARMOR VCI products provide manufacturers with clean, dry, and eco-friendly solutions for rust prevention. This innovative approach not only simplifies rust prevention but also aligns with sustainability goals.
Protecting metal parts from rust and corrosion is essential at every stage of their lifecycle—whether during production, storage, transport, or use. ARMOR offers easy-to-use, effective VCI solutions, including ARMOR WRAP® VCI paper and ARMOR POLY® VCI film. Both use ARMOR’s proprietary VCI Nanotechnology®—our “secret formula” of vapor corrosion inhibitors—designed to prevent rust on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Which option is best for your needs? Let’s break it down.
What is VCI Paper?
VCI paper is a clean, dry rust-prevention packaging material that is made by combining VCI with Kraft paper. It’s lightweight and flexible, making it easy to use in various industrial applications. VCI paper is most often sold in sheets or rolls and is pliable, durable, and easily adapts to a range of metal part sizes and shapes.
The process of applying VCI paper is very straightforward, especially if the VCI is coated on both sides of the paper like ARMOR WRAP®. Simply wrap or cover metal parts entirely in VCI paper. Once they are enclosed, the VCI vapors release to form a rust-preventing shield on the surface of the metal that displaces moisture and repels rust. ARMOR WRAP meets REACH and RoHS requirements and is recyclable and repulpable.
Advantages of VCI Paper:
- Rapid VCI Diffusion: The porous nature of paper allows for a faster release of corrosion inhibitors, enabling quicker formation of its protective barrier on metal surfaces.
- Environmentally Friendly: Made from neutral pH Kraft paper, it is biodegradable and recyclable, making it a greener choice for industries looking to reduce their environmental impact.
- Highly Adaptable: Conforms easily to various shapes and sizes for wrapping, interleaving, or lining pallets, crates, bins or containers.
- Economical: Low material and production costs make it a cost-effective choice for short-term storage and shipping in environments with moderate moisture or humidity.
What is VCI Film?
VCI film is a rust-prevention packaging material designed to keep metal parts clean, dry, and corrosion-free. Made from linear low-density polyethylene (poly film) infused with vapor corrosion inhibitors (VCIs), it protects metal parts in two key ways. First, it acts as a physical barrier, shielding metal parts from moisture, dust, and contaminants. Second, it releases VCI vapors that form an invisible, corrosion-blocking layer on the metal surface.
VCI film, such as ARMOR POLY® VCI film, features a thick, durable structure that retains corrosion inhibitors for extended periods. This allows it to provide continuous rust protection, even in harsh environments with extreme temperatures and high humidity. Available in rolls, sheets, bags, tubing, and shrink film, VCI film is versatile enough to meet a wide range of industrial needs. With additional benefits like transparency, heat-sealability, and recyclability, it offers an effective, hassle-free packaging solution for metal parts in long-term storage or during international shipping.
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.
Advantages of VCI Film:
- Superior Barrier Properties: Combines excellent moisture resistance with a strong physical barrier against dirt, dust, and other contaminants.
- Tough: Resistant to punctures, tears, and damage from physical impact or harsh conditions.
- Prolonged Protection: Provides extended rust prevention for metal parts during long-term storage or shipping in harsh environments.
- Multi-Format Solutions: Film is transparent for easy visual inspection of metal parts without unpacking, available in sheets, rolls, bags, and covers for a variety of applications.
Paper or Film: Which is Right for Your Needs?
Both VCI paper and VCI film are effective at preventing corrosion, but each has its own distinct set of advantages and is suited to different applications. Choosing which is best for your rust-prevention needs depends on several factors like environmental conditions, the level of protection needed, and your storage or shipping requirements. Below is a quick comparison of both materials, highlighting their key features in terms of protection, performance, cost, versatility, and application suitability:
Protection & Performance Against Elements
VCI Paper: Provides effective protection in controlled environments with moderate moisture and humidity, ideal for short-term storage.
VCI Film: Has a strong physical and moisture barrier to protect against humidity, dust and other contaminants, making it ideal for long-term storage or international shipping in harsh conditions.
Versatility & Durability
VCI Paper: Light and flexible, it easily conforms to irregular shapes and sharp edges of metal parts.
VCI Film: Strong, puncture- and tear-resistant, it offers superior protection against moisture and contaminants in heavy-duty applications.
Cost Effectiveness
VCI Paper: Made from paper fibers and produced through simpler manufacturing methods, resulting in lower material and production costs.
VCI Film: The cost of plastic materials and complex manufacturing processes is higher due to its enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
Application Suitability
VCI Paper: Ideal for wrapping, interleaving or layering between metal parts, and lining trays or bins.
VCI Film: Best used to cover large equipment, line storage or shipping containers, wrap multiple metal parts together, or package smaller parts in bags.
The ARMOR Advantage
At ARMOR, we understand that every industrial application is unique. That’s why we’re committed to helping you choose the best rust prevention solution tailored to your needs. Whether it’s ARMOR WRAP® VCI paper, ARMOR POLY® VCI film, or a combination of both, our products are designed to keep your metal parts corrosion-free and your operations running smoothly. Contact ARMOR today to discuss the best rust prevention solution for your industrial needs.
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