Anti-static and VCI stretch film

Ordinary film builds a static charge as it is pulled off the roll and stretched round a load. For most cartons that is a crackle and nothing more. For bare circuit boards, components and sensitive electronics it can be enough to do harm, and in some plants any spark is a hazard. Anti-static film is made to keep that charge low. It is often tinted so it can't be mistaken for ordinary clear film on a busy dock.

Bare steel parts shipped in clear film can arrive with flash rust if the load sweats on the way. VCI film carries an inhibitor that slowly fills the space inside the wrap and forms a thin protective layer on the metal. It works best with the load fully closed in, top included, and for the time stated on the maker's data sheet. Ask us for that sheet, and say what metal you ship, before you rely on it.

Anti-static film only helps if the rest of the chain is controlled too: grounded wrapping areas, packaging made for electronics inside the cartons, and staff who know which loads need it. Treat the film as one layer of protection, not the only one. VCI film works by vapour, so it needs a closed space: wrap the top as well as the sides, keep the parts inside clean and dry before wrapping, and don't leave gaps where outside air can sweep the inhibitor away. Both films are best kept in their cartons until used, since exposure can weaken their additives over time.

Contract electronics assemblers, distributors of components and computer hardware, and data-centre equipment shippers ask for anti-static film. Steel service centres, gear and bearing makers, machine shops, agricultural equipment plants and exporters of machined parts ask for VCI. Military and aerospace packaging often comes with its own written requirements; follow those first and quote the specification in the request.

VCI rolls are usually supplied in sealed wrapping to hold the inhibitor in; reseal part-used rolls. Anti-static additives work best within the shelf life the maker gives, so rotate stock.

Can one film be both anti-static and VCI?

Ask for it; some films combine them. Usually the load needs one or the other: electronics need static control, bare metal needs corrosion protection.

How long does VCI protection last?

As long as the maker's data sheet says, under the conditions it states. Ask for the sheet with the quote and check it against how long your parts stay wrapped.

Do I still need corner boards on metal parts?

Often. VCI protects against rust, not against a sharp edge tearing the film. Use blown film and corner boards where parts have edges.

Is anti-static film the pink film I have seen?

Anti-static film is often tinted so it is easy to tell from ordinary clear film. The colour is a signal, not the protection itself.

Can VCI film touch painted or plated parts?

Most VCI products are made for bare ferrous metal, and some suit other metals too. Coatings, plating and mixed-metal assemblies vary, so check compatibility on the maker's data sheet before wrapping finished parts.

• Automotive parts

  Bare metal, sharp edges

  Where VCI film is asked for most.

• Blown film

  Tough on edges

  For heavy, sharp metal loads.

• All specialty film

  One job each

  Back to the specialty range.