He who rests, rusts? In most cases, the long-term storage of metal components is used to keep spare parts in stock for a period of up to 15 years. Such a period requires different measures for corrosion protection than preservation for a manageable transport period of a few weeks. This is because the longer metals are exposed to environmental conditions, the higher the probability of corrosion.
Due to the usually large number of parts stored, the economic risk is also higher. To avoid damage and returns, EXCOR Corrosion Research develops suitable, reliable corrosion protection concepts for the long-term storage of your metal parts.
‘Excor has proven to be a reliable partner for long-term storage. We particularly appreciate the in-depth advice that has been tailored to our specific requirements. The collaboration helps us to protect our components from corrosion in the long term.’
Mirela Nowak – Technical Administrator
Volkswagen Salzgitter
The principles of corrosion protection packaging also apply to long-term storage, but here every single step counts twice. This is because errors in the corrosion protection concept often only become apparent after years, when it is already too late.
For decades, we have been planning and implementing tailor-made corrosion protection solutions that eliminate the typical risks of long-term storage from the outset. Because we know that cutting corners today means paying the price tomorrow.
Below, we outline the most common pitfalls in the long-term storage of metal parts and provide you with practical solutions to protect your goods from corrosion for years to come.
Mechanical damage to the corrosion protection packaging
Mechanical damage to the corrosion protection packaging, for example due to improper stacking or transport movements, can significantly impair the protective effect of corrosion protection systems and considerably shorten the storage period.
Therefore, make sure that corrosion protection packaging is free of damage before packing. In particular, damage caused by incorrect handling or lack of component securing should be identified and avoided before long-term storage.
Inadequate surface preparation and contamination
Residues on the metal surface, such as fingerprints, grease, oil or production residues, can significantly impair the effectiveness of the corrosion protection. Contamination can result from improper handling, for example, packaging without gloves, as well as from inadequate cleaning after upstream production steps.
Therefore, ensure that metal parts are clean, dry and free of corrosion before long-term storage.
Unsuitable corrosion protection systems
A common mistake in long-term storage is the use of unsuitable corrosion protection systems.
In one practical case, a steel component was treated with an oil-based corrosion inhibitor after cleaning and then packed in VCI bags. During long-term storage, the oil used resinified into a sticky film. The VCI film stuck to the metal. After ten years of storage, quality control discovered the damage.
Therefore, always ensure compatibility between corrosion protection products and surfaces and do not combine materials that are not intended for joint use and the intended storage period. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for each product used.
Unfavourable storage conditions
Corrosion protection packaging is developed for defined storage periods under specific storage conditions. If unfavourable critical climatic conditions also come into play during storage, the corrosion protection system may fail earlier than planned. A concept that was only designed for short-term storage or shipping cannot meet the requirements of long-term storage lasting several years.
Always choose corrosion protection concepts that are suitable for the planned long-term storage in terms of storage duration, environmental factors and packaging system. We help you find solutions that also take the unpredictable into account.
Lack of control and monitoring
Storage conditions can change over time. Even with properly packaged metal parts, damage to the outer packaging or changes in environmental conditions often go undetected.
You should therefore plan specific monitoring measures to guarantee the protective effect of your packaging in the long term. Regular visual inspections and the use of moisture indicators are recommended for this purpose.
Our expertise for your products
Our many years of experience in the field of corrosion protection enable us to develop the right solution for every storage environment and duration.
Particular attention is paid to the careful selection of corrosion protection agents and the correct implementation of the packaging process, especially for corrosion-critical long-term storage. Our team of experts will find the optimum corrosion protection for your storage conditions.
Packaging measures for long-term storage
Testing the parts for surface residues from previous processes
Residues from the mechanical machining processes or grease residues from cleaning baths can have a corrosive effect on the one hand and on the other hand hinder access for VCI or ICB agents. A chemical analysis of the parts surface is therefore necessary.
Hermetically enclose the packaging unit with a sealed barrier film
e.g. with a box cover made of aluminium foil as a container liner
Fixing the individual components in the packaging
e.g. by using compartments made of hollow chamber plates with VCI or ICB or by using corrosion protection bags made of bubble wrap to prevent mechanical damage during transport.
Use VCI/ICB carriers rich in active ingredients
e.g. by using a thicker film or hollow chamber material
Addition of desiccants
These dehumidify the sealed-in air.
Testing the stackability
Depending on the storage conditions, this can be a criterion.
Testing a prototype of the packaging
The packaged product should be loaded in an EXCOR climate chamber using data loggers (which can be read from the outside) in order to recognise any weak points in the packaging.
More than just advice - the services of EXCOR corrosion research
Application technology with climatic stress tests
Research and development in relation to corrosion protection products and systems
Analysis of damage cases
Manufacture of corrosion protection products
100% quality assurance from the start to the finished product
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about long-term storage
What special requirements does long-term storage place on corrosion protection?
The longer the storage period, the greater the corrosion protection requirements. Intelligently combined and tailor-made corrosion protection systems are the right choice for reliable, cost-effective and long-term storage of metal parts. They meet specific needs better than standard solutions available on the market.
What mistakes lead to corrosion during long-term storage?
Typical mistakes in long-term storage include mechanical damage, inadequate surface preparation, insufficient protection systems, unsuitable storage conditions and a lack of monitoring. These factors can compromise protection and should be avoided.
How can the effectiveness of a long-term corrosion protection concept be tested?
To test the corrosion protection concept, we rely on a proven combination of experience and a supercritical climate change test. We subject your concept to extreme conditions and specifically test its tightness, material suitability and the corrosion protection used.
Find out more about our solutions and get advice from our experts.
Telefon: +49 5541 7062-00
E-Mail: info@excor.de
