Frequently Asked Questions

VCI film is polyethylene film loaded with volatile corrosion inhibitor compounds. Once a metal part is enclosed, the inhibitor vaporises and settles as a molecular layer one to three molecules thick on every exposed metal surface, including recesses the film does not touch. This layer blocks the moisture and oxygen reaction that causes rust. Protection begins within a few hours of sealing.
Up to 24 months, depending on packaging integrity and storage conditions. In a sealed bag kept indoors, Corrocontrol films reliably deliver 12 to 24 months. In an open or repeatedly opened pack, or in continuous outdoor exposure, expect 3 to 6 months. Protection resumes if the pack is resealed, provided the film has not been in open air for long periods.
No. VCI leaves no oily or greasy residue. Parts can go straight from the bag to assembly, machining or painting. This is the main labour saving over rust preventive oil, which requires a degreasing step before any downstream operation and generates solvent waste.
Ferrous film is formulated for iron and steel. Non-ferrous film is formulated for aluminium, copper, brass and zinc, and is nitrite-free so it will not stain or etch these metals. Multi-metal film protects both in a single pack and is used for assemblies containing mixed metals, such as gearboxes, pumps and engine sub-assemblies.
Not if the correct grade is used. Staining occurs when a nitrite-based ferrous film is used on non-ferrous metal. Corrocontrol's non-ferrous and multi-metal grades are nitrite-free and safe for aluminium, copper, brass and zinc. Always specify the metal type when ordering so the correct formulation is supplied.
Match thickness to part weight and edge sharpness. As a guide: 25 to 50 micron for small light components such as fasteners and bearings, 50 to 100 micron for medium machined parts and castings, and 100 to 200 micron for heavy castings, forgings, dies and sharp-edged parts where puncture resistance matters. Corrocontrol can advise on a sample basis.
The film often costs more per unit but is usually cheaper in total. Oil requires application labour, degreasing before assembly, solvent purchase, waste disposal and rework when coverage is missed. VCI needs one packing step and no cleaning. Most foundries and machining units find total cost lower with VCI once labour and rejection costs are counted.
Yes. Corrocontrol VCI film is polyethylene-based and recyclable through standard LDPE and LLDPE streams. The inhibitor is carried within the polymer and does not prevent recycling. Corrocontrol also recycles a share of its own production waste back into ordinary poly-film.
Yes, under normal industrial use. The inhibitor concentration in the air inside a pack is extremely low, and the film is non-toxic to handle. Corrocontrol supplies material safety data sheets on request for EHS documentation and customer audits.
Yes, and sea freight is one of its strongest use cases. Containers go through daily temperature swings that cause condensation on metal. Sealed VCI packaging maintains protection through 30 to 60 day transits and through customs delays. For high-value or long-transit consignments, VCI film is often combined with desiccant.
Yes. Corrocontrol manufactures bags, sheets, covers and tubing to customer dimensions, including gusseted bags for tall or bulky parts and printed film with part numbers or company branding. Tubing rolls are also supplied so bags can be cut and heat-sealed to size on your own shop floor.
Order quantities are set per product and per size. Contact Corrocontrol with part dimensions, metal type, required protection duration and monthly volume for a quotation. Samples are available for trial before bulk commitment.
Foundries, forging units, machining shops, automotive component and Tier-1 suppliers, bearing manufacturers, pump and valve makers, fastener producers, tool and die makers, and export packing houses. Kolhapur and the surrounding MIDC belt is a major automotive foundry cluster, which is where most of Corrocontrol's customers are concentrated.
Keep bags sealed and indoors, away from direct sunlight and standing water. Do not open a pack until the part is needed. Avoid storing on damp floors — use pallets. Do not combine VCI film with oiled or acidic paper, or with cardboard that has absorbed moisture, as both reduce inhibitor effectiveness.