When components are manufactured, surfaces which are highly susceptible to corrosion are exposed, for example as a result of machining processes and degreasing. As a rule, aqueous machining fluids also promote corrosion. Effective drying and/or cleaning is thus advisable without delay after processing with aqueous or corrosive media. Chips and metallic abrasion must also be removed as quickly as possible, because this type of contamination may cause the formation of corrosion nuclei which in some cases are only visible under a microscope, and which then spread underneath protective layers. Storage times between the individual machining steps should also be kept as short as possible. However, due to the fact that this cannot always be assured, temporary corrosion protection is an imperative part of the manufacturing process for many workpieces.
Applying Corrosion Protection Media During Cleaning
It makes most sense to apply corrosion protection media while the parts are in the cleaning system. Aqueous media and oil-containing substances such as corrosion protection emulsions, oils, greases and waxes are available to this end. The protective action of these media lasts for a duration of a few hours up to several years, and duration becomes longer in the order in which the media are listed above, although removal becomes more difficult as well. For good protective action, it’s essential to assure that the parts are fully dried and cooled down to room temperature before packaging. Water quality also plays a role when parts are cleaned with an aqueous medium, and ambient conditions are influencing factors as well. For example, in particular during hot, humid summer months, the use of an additional corrosion protection package may be necessary, even if protection is only required for a short time. This type of packaging also offers ideal protection for lengthy periods of storage or during transport.
Corrosion Protection Packaging
Solutions of this sort include, for example, the so-called VCI materials (volatile corrosion inhibitors). Volatile corrosion inhibitors are released from these materials and generate a gaseous phase within the sealed package which protects against corrosion. They consist of either powders, granulates or liquids, or impregnated foils and paper. In the case of VCI emitters in the form of powders, granulates, liquids or paper, virtually airtight, sealed containers are required for effective use, in which the metal parts are stored or transported together with the VCI emitter. Sealed packages can be manufactured directly from VCI foils, especially in the form of bags or covers. After the metal parts to be protected from corrosion have been inserted, the openings are closed, for example by simply fusing or gluing them together.
Another technology provides corrosion protection by means of highly porous copper particles which are permanently cross-linked into a composite. They react much more quickly with elements such as salts, sulphur compounds, ozone, nitrogen oxides and other so-called “corrosive gases” which are present in the atmosphere and cause corrosion. The copper particles bind corrosive gases permanently and thus generate a neutralised atmosphere, which protects all of the materials stored within it from corrosion and ageing. Even moisture which migrates through the packaging is stripped of its corrosive elements and thus loses its corrosive effect. Packaging can be laid out for various protection time periods ranging from 6 months to 15 years. It’s utilised just as commonly in automobile, machinery and equipment manufacturing as it is in the electronics industry, aviation and aerospace, as well as other sectors.
In addition to media, processes and equipment for corrosion protection, solutions for preservation and packaging such as small load carriers, transport containers, foils, paper materials, drying agents, VCI materials and blister packs will also be presented as part of the COROSAVE product range which is incorporated into parts2clean. Further exhibition topics include services for the protection of surfaces against corrosion, measuring, test and analysis systems, products and services from the fields of test technology such as salt spray and environmental tests, cleanroom technology, logistics, science and research, technical literature, training and vocational education, as well as associations.
parts2clean, leading international trade fair for cleaning within the production and maintenance processes, will take place at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre from the 12th through the 14th of October, 2010. It presents the world’s most comprehensive range of solutions for the attainment, control and documentation of specified levels of cleanliness. Integration of the product range for corrosion protection, preservation and packaging makes it possible for visitors to gather information regarding solutions for the important tasks of “component and surface cleaning”, as well as “maintaining cleanliness”, by visiting just one single trade fair. Further information is available at www.parts2clean.com.
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