ZERUST® VCI Packaging Protects Automotive Stampings from Rust and Corrosion

  • Inventory Storage
  • Land Shipment
  • Work In Progress

Who?

Automotive stamping company

What?

Protection of stampings from rust and corrosion

Why?

Corrosion forming within 24 hours of stamping

How?

Numerous potential contributors to corrosion were identified and investigated by ZERUST’s laboratory, e.g., chlorinated paraffins in the stamping fluid, water quality, pH and bacteria control, and cardboard contact in packaging. ZERUST® implemented VCI packaging products (ICT®510 VCI Ferrous Film and ICT®420 VCI Kraft Paper) to protect stampings from rust and corrosion.

VCI packaging stamping
VCI packaging stamping
VCI packaging stamping

Problem

A Midwest automotive stamping company that supplies small stampings for various OEMs had an unexpected spike in customer rejects due to excessive rust. The corrosion began to form within 24 hours of stamping and became so severe that corrosion costs, including overtime, de-rusting, air freight, and scrapped parts, totaled more than $50,000 per month. In addition, stampings routinely sent to a third-party wash source four miles from the stamping facility exhibited corrosion upon arrival. The company’s sister plants in Michigan and Mexico were also affected by this increase in corrosion.

Solution

The stamping company approached the VCI supplier they were using for help; that supplier had plenty of products but no solutions. Then, on the recommendation from its sister stamping plant in Mexico, the plant contacted ZERUST®. ZERUST® immediately demonstrated a comprehensive approach to corrosion control. Numerous potential contributors to corrosion were identified and investigated by ZERUST’s laboratory, e.g., chlorinated paraffins in the stamping fluid, water quality, pH and bacteria control, and cardboard contact in packaging. The scientific process was invaluable in resolving the corrosion problem.

In addition to root-cause analysis from corrosion experts, ZERUST® provided VCI Packaging products for numerous live trials. Results showed that ZERUST® VCI Packaging products were as good or better than the incumbent products with lower minimum order quantities and a lower price. In addition, ZERUST® helped the stamping company realize additional savings by properly sizing bags to eliminate excess material. Also, testing proved that the incumbent’s foam pad emitter offered negligible corrosion protection and could be eliminated.

ZERUST® ICT®510-C protects ferrous metals from rust & corrosion
For years


ZERUST® ICT®420-35 protects metals from rust & corrosion
For up to 1 year


Customer Satisfaction
100%

Results

Corrosion costs have gone from over $50,000 per month to zero. Contact your ZERUST® Representative for a comprehensive corrosion management solution most effective for your metal assets.

The ZERUST® sales manager’s collaboration and technical support throughout this project not only contributed to the final solution, but ZERUST® was also able to reduce the cost of the VCI products we use. As a result, their solution was less expensive but more effective.
Representative from the stamping company
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