the armor sentinel
issue 8
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YOU ASK AND WE ANSWER—THIS COLUMN IS DEVOTED TO ANSWERING OUR CUSTOMERS’ MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QUESTION: What is the shelf life of ARMOR products?

Armor Protective Packaging® corrosion management products provide approximately three years of protection for metal parts and surfaces when used properly in normal warehouse conditions. To ensure successful results, parts must be completely wrapped or enclosed – airtight packaging is the most effective for best results and longest protection time. Variable conditions such as temperature and humidity extremes, airflow, production and process methods, surface conditions of metal to be protected, customer employee training and other factors are impossible for ARMOR to control so it is impossible to guarantee a specific length of protection.

To increase the effectiveness of ARMOR VCI packaging, take note of the five factors outlined below:

  1. Parts should be dry, clean and free from corrosion before packaging.
  2. Package clean parts as soon as possible after processing, manufacturing or cleaning.
  3. Use gloves when handling parts to eliminate corrosion caused by fingerprints.
  4. Make sure that coolants, rust preventative liquids and/or other liquids used within the manufacturing process are tested regularly for concentration levels, PH, and are fully titrated regularly.
  5. Provide frequent training to employees who are responsible for packaging or processing metal parts to ensure that they understand how and why VCI is used.

Shelf Life of ARMOR Packaging Materials

ARMOR packaging materials have a two-year guarantee that the amount of VCI that is impregnated into the packaging materials will be effective, provided they are kept in their original packaging and stored inside and away from the elements.

For best results, do not leave ARMOR VCI packaging materials in an open environment, either indoors or outdoors. Store in its original packaging or enclosed inside a container to ensure that the vapors remain in the packaging and are not volatized. As temperature and humidity levels increase, the rate of the volatilization of the chemicals contained in the packaging also increase, thus reducing the effectiveness and shelf life of the product.

ARMOR WRAP® Paper

  • VCI paper: Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the environment) so it is important to store in original packaging or enclosed inside a container. After VCI paper has been exposed to the atmosphere for a period of 24 hours, remove the outside layer of paper from a roll, or the top four sheets from a stack of cut sheets, and dispose of prior to using the rest of the product. Product should be stored in an environment that prevents material from getting wet or damp and at temperatures of 40° – 110°F (5° – 43°C).

ARMOR POLY® Film

  • VCI film: Product should be stored in an environment that prevents material from getting wet and at temperatures of 40° – 110°F (5° – 43°C).
  • VCI resin: Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the environment) so it is important to store in original packaging (the poly bag in the container should always be tied shut when not in use). If the resin absorbs significant levels of moisture, problems will arise during the extrusion or molding process. Product should be stored in an environment that prevents material from getting wet or damp and at temperatures of 40° – 110°F (5° – 43°C).

ARMOR SHIELD®

  • Emitters: Must be stored in original packaging. Once removed, the VCI chemicals will begin to volatilize into the atmosphere. If allowed to sit in the open for a long period of time prior to use, the emitter will have diminished corrosion inhibiting performance. Product should be stored in an environment that prevents material from getting wet or damp and at temperatures of 40° – 110°F (5° – 43°C).
  • VCI Liquids: Store indoors at moderate temperatures 40° – 95°F (5° – 35°C). Keep containers closed and store away from heat sources. Material should be kept in original packaging or equivalent during storage. Small amounts of pressure may build up in container over time during storage; periodically release pressure to avoid bowing of container. After six months of storage agitation may be required to assure a uniform blend of all components.
  • Desiccants: Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the environment) so it is important to store in original packaging with the lid or poly bag kept tightly closed at all times. If the desiccant pack absorbs significant levels of moisture it will not perform as designed. Product should be stored in an environment that prevents material from getting wet or damp and at temperatures of 40° – 110°F (5° – 43°C).

Following the above steps should dramatically improve the shelf life of ARMOR’s VCI packaging materials. For more than 30 years, ARMOR corrosion management solutions have protected the components and parts of many of the largest corporations in the world.

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