Cortec® VpCI® Corrosion-Inhibiting Bags

ECORR Systems offers Cortec® VpCI® corrosion-inhibiting bags for protecting metal parts, components, assemblies, tools, and equipment during manufacturing, storage, handling, and shipment.

As an Authorized Cortec® Distributor, ECORR Systems provides stock and custom bag options in multiple sizes, styles, closures, and film constructions. We can help select the appropriate bag based on the metal type, part dimensions, packaging process, storage environment, shipping conditions, and required protection period.

Clean and Convenient Corrosion Protection

Cortec® VpCI® bags provide a clean alternative to traditional oil-based rust preventatives. Metal parts can be placed directly inside the bag and enclosed without applying a heavy oil, grease, or coating to every surface.

This can reduce application labor and eliminate the need for time-consuming degreasing before the protected parts are assembled, processed, inspected, or placed into service. Many VpCI® bags are transparent or translucent, making it easier to identify and inspect packaged components without opening the package.

How Cortec® VpCI® Bags Protect Metal

Cortec® bags are manufactured with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors incorporated into the packaging material. After a metal item is enclosed, VpCI® molecules migrate through the package atmosphere and form a protective molecular layer on accessible metal surfaces.

The protective vapor can reach exterior surfaces as well as recessed areas, cavities, crevices, and other locations that may be difficult to cover with an ordinary coating. Protection remains most effective when the bag is properly sized, enclosed, and kept free from tears or punctures.

Common Applications for VpCI® Bags

• Machined and fabricated metal parts
• Fasteners, bearings, gears, and shafts
• Automotive and transportation components
• Aviation and marine replacement parts
• Engines, motors, pumps, and gearboxes
• Tools, fixtures, dies, and molds
• Electrical and electronic components
• Maintenance, repair, and operations inventories
• Work-in-process components
• Finished goods and replacement parts
• Export shipments and overseas transportation
• Seasonal and long-term equipment storage

Cortec® VpCI® Bag Types

Flat VpCI® Bags

Flat bags are well suited for individual parts and components with relatively narrow or uniform profiles. They provide a simple packaging format for storage bins, production areas, maintenance inventories, and shipping cartons.

Gusseted VpCI® Bags

Gusseted bags expand along the sides or bottom to accommodate large, bulky, or irregularly shaped equipment. They are commonly used for machinery, engines, pumps, assemblies, palletized components, and other items that require additional bag depth.

Heat-Sealable VpCI® Bags

Heat-sealable bags can be closed using compatible sealing equipment to create a controlled protective package. They are useful for production packaging, export shipments, long-term storage, and applications requiring a consistent closure.

Zip-Lock VpCI® Bags

Resealable VpCI® bags provide convenient access to parts that may need to be inspected, counted, removed, or returned to storage. They are commonly used for fasteners, small components, service parts, tools, and maintenance supplies.

Custom VpCI® Bags

Custom bags can be manufactured for components that do not fit standard dimensions or require a particular film thickness, closure, color, perforation, or packaging configuration. Minimum order quantities and production lead times may apply.

Compostable and Environmentally Responsible Bags

Cortec® offers selected compostable and environmentally responsible film and bag options. Compostability, biodegradability, corrosion protection, disposal requirements, and certifications vary by product and should be verified before selection.

Shop Cortec® Bag Categories

» All Cortec® Bags
Browse available VpCI® bags and specialty packaging options for industrial storage, handling, preservation, and shipment.

» Gusseted VpCI® Bags
Expandable bags for large machinery, bulky assemblies, palletized components, and irregularly shaped metal equipment.

» Heat-Sealable VpCI® Bags
Sealable bags for production packaging, export shipping, storage, and controlled preservation applications.

» Zip-Lock VpCI® Bags
Resealable corrosion-inhibiting bags for small parts, fasteners, tools, service components, and frequently accessed inventories.

» Biodegradable and Compostable Bags
Selected specialty bags and films for operations seeking alternatives to conventional packaging materials.

Metals Protected by VpCI® Bags

Selected Cortec® VpCI® bags provide multi-metal corrosion protection for metals commonly used in manufacturing and industrial equipment, including:

• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel
• Cast iron
• Galvanized steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Brass
• Other ferrous and non-ferrous metals

Metal compatibility varies by product. The metals and alloys present in the packaged item should be identified before selecting a bag.

Choosing the Correct Bag Size

The bag should be large enough to hold the part without excessive stretching, sharp folds, or pressure against corners and projections. Allow enough material for the selected closure method while avoiding unnecessary empty space inside the package.

When measuring a part, account for its width, depth, height, irregular projections, protective cushioning, and the material needed to fold, tape, zip, or heat-seal the opening. Gusseted bags should be selected using all three bag dimensions rather than width and length alone.

Choosing the Right Film Thickness

Film thickness should be selected according to the size, weight, shape, and handling requirements of the packaged item. Lightweight parts may be suitable for a thinner film, while heavy machinery, sharp edges, palletized loads, and demanding transportation conditions may require a heavier construction.

Edge guards, cushioning, caps, or other puncture protection may be needed around sharp corners and projections. Increasing film thickness does not eliminate the need to protect the bag from cutting, abrasion, or improper handling.

Proper Use of VpCI® Bags

1. Make sure parts are clean, dry, and free from corrosive residue.
2. Wear clean gloves when handling prepared metal surfaces.
3. Place the part inside the correctly sized VpCI® bag.
4. Add compatible cushioning, emitters, or desiccants if required.
5. Remove unnecessary excess air without tightly drawing the film over sharp edges.
6. Close the bag using the intended zip closure, tape, tie, fold, or heat seal.
7. Inspect the package for punctures, open seams, and closure problems.
8. Keep the packaged item protected from standing water and physical damage.

Benefits of Cortec® VpCI® Bags

• Protect metal without coating every surface with oil or grease
• Reach recessed surfaces, cavities, and difficult-to-access areas
• Reduce cleaning and degreasing before parts are used
• Provide options for ferrous, non-ferrous, and multi-metal parts
• Allow visual identification through many bag constructions
• Support storage, work-in-process, shipment, and export packaging
• Offer flat, gusseted, heat-sealable, and resealable formats
• Allow stock or custom sizing for different packaging operations

Factors That Affect Corrosion Protection

The protection provided by a VpCI® bag depends on more than the packaging material alone. Surface cleanliness, residual process chemicals, humidity, salt contamination, storage temperature, package volume, closure quality, film condition, and exposure duration can all affect performance.

Highly corrosive environments, long export shipments, frequent package opening, or extended outdoor exposure may require additional protection such as a compatible coating, emitter, desiccant, cushioning material, or secondary weather barrier.

Related Cortec® Packaging Products

» VpCI® Films and Sheeting
Corrosion-inhibiting film for wrapping equipment, machinery, pallets, and components that do not fit inside a standard bag.

» VpCI® Paper
Protective paper for wrapping, interleaving, lining containers, and separating metal components.

» VpCI® Emitters
Corrosion-inhibiting devices for enclosed packages, cabinets, electrical enclosures, bins, and hard-to-reach spaces.

» Layup and Preservation Products
Packaging and corrosion control solutions for equipment storage, shutdown, shipment, and long-term preservation.

Why Choose ECORR Systems?

ECORR Systems is an Authorized Cortec® Distributor helping manufacturers, industrial buyers, maintenance teams, parts suppliers, and packaging professionals identify the correct VpCI® bag for their corrosion protection requirements.

We can help evaluate the part dimensions, metal types, film thickness, closure method, storage environment, shipping route, protection period, and packaging volume to recommend an appropriate stock or custom Cortec® bag.

FAQ

What are VpCI® bags?

VpCI® bags are packaging products made with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor technology. After metal is enclosed, protective molecules migrate through the package atmosphere and form a molecular layer on accessible metal surfaces.

Do parts need to be coated with oil before being placed in a VpCI® bag?

Often they do not. VpCI® bags can provide clean corrosion protection without applying a heavy oil or grease. However, demanding environments or extended exposure may require a compatible supplemental corrosion preventative.

Do VpCI® bags need to be airtight?

The package should be securely enclosed to retain the protective atmosphere. A heat seal may provide the most controlled closure, but appropriately folded, taped, tied, or zippered bags may be suitable for other applications.

Can VpCI® bags protect multiple metals?

Many Cortec® VpCI® bags are formulated for multi-metal protection. Compatibility should be confirmed for all metals and alloys inside the package, particularly when several different metals are packaged together.

Can the bags be reopened?

Yes, but repeatedly opening a package releases the protective atmosphere and introduces fresh air and moisture. Resealable zip-lock bags are preferable when frequent access is expected. The bag should be securely closed again after each opening.

Can VpCI® bags be used for overseas shipping?

Yes. VpCI® bags are commonly used for export packaging and extended transportation. The complete packaging system should account for humidity, salt exposure, condensation, handling, puncture risk, and the length of the shipment.

Are custom bag sizes available?

Custom sizes, film thicknesses, colors, closures, and constructions may be available for qualifying orders. Minimum quantities, manufacturing requirements, and lead times vary by specification.

How long do VpCI® bags protect metal?

Protection duration depends on the selected product, package integrity, environment, metal condition, closure method, and storage conditions. Certain Cortec® film systems may provide multi-year protection when used according to the product instructions.

Can ECORR Systems help determine the correct bag size?

Yes. Provide the part dimensions, weight, shape, metal types, desired closure, packaging quantity, storage environment, and shipping conditions. ECORR Systems can help identify an appropriate stock or custom bag.