VCI Packaging for Metal Parts: Custom VCI Bags, Liners and Bubble Bags
VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) packaging protects steel, cast iron and other metal parts from rust and corrosion in storage and shipping, without oil, grease or other coatings to apply and clean off. We supply VCI bubble bags, gaylord and box liners, poly bags, bags on a roll, film and paper, made to your size, thickness and volume, for machined, stamped, cast and forged parts.
Get a VCI quoteWhy buy VCI from us
- Made to your size, thickness and pack: boxed or on a roll
- Unprinted, or custom printed
- Cast-metal and multi-metal VCI formulas
- Production volumes and recurring orders
- One supplier for bags, liners, bubble bags and rolls, film and paper
VCI Bubble Bags and Bubble Wrap Rolls
Cushioning and corrosion protection in one bag, for machined parts, bearings, tooling and precision components that can't be scratched or rusted in transit.
VCI bubble bags line the bubble film with a corrosion inhibitor, so a part gets impact protection and rust protection from a single bag. Most go out with a lip-and-tape closure: peel the liner, fold and press to seal, with no heat sealer needed.
We supply them by the carton for ongoing production, in stock sizes or made to the size of your part. For larger or odd-shaped parts, VCI bubble wrap comes on rolls, slit to width and perforated to length, or as cut sheets.
Options
- 3/16" or 1/2" bubble, blue tint so VCI parts are easy to spot
- Bags made to order from 2" x 2" up to 36" x 120"
- Lip-and-tape self-seal (1" to 5" lip) or open end
- Rolls slit 3" to 72" wide, perforated every 2" to 144", on 3" cores
- Cut sheets up to 72" x 160"
Popular sizes
VCI Gaylord, Box and Pallet Liners
Large gusseted VCI liners for gaylords, bulk boxes, bins and pallet loads of metal parts: castings, stampings, forgings, bar stock and coils.
A gusseted liner opens to a square bottom that sits flat in the container, so parts load straight in and the top folds or ties closed to hold the VCI inside. We make them in the exact footprint of your container, by the roll for fast tear-off or flat-packed in cases.
For pallet loads, the same film comes as fitted covers that slip over the load.
Quote VCI linersMade to order
- Any width x gusset x length
- 2 to 6 mil, or a multi-layer barrier film for long storage
- Rolls (perforated) or boxed
- Gaylord liners, box liners, drum liners, pallet covers
Common gaylord sizes
VCI Poly Bags: Flat, Gusseted and Reclosable
Clean, dry rust protection for individual parts and kits, from small fasteners to large assemblies.
Flat VCI bags
Open-top bags, 2 to 6 mil, from 3" x 5" up to 36" x 48" and larger. Heat seal, tape or fold closed.
Gusseted VCI bags
Side gussets for bulky parts and boxed components. Boxed or on a roll.
Reclosable VCI bags
Zip-top VCI bags for parts that get opened for inspection and closed again.
VCI Bags on a Roll for Automatic Baggers
Pre-opened VCI bags on a roll for automated bagging lines, made to your bagger's specs.
Send us your machine and bag size and we'll match the roll: bag width and length, film gauge, perforation and core. Blue-tinted VCI film is available so VCI bags can't be mixed up with standard bags on the line.
VCI Film: Sheeting, Tubing, Stretch and Shrink
For large equipment, coils and loads that don't fit in a bag.
VCI sheeting and tubing
Wrap machinery and long parts, or cut and seal tubing to any length. Sheeting up to 20 ft wide.
VCI stretch and shrink film
Unitize pallets of metal parts or shrink-wrap equipment for outdoor storage and export.
VCI steel wrap
Woven, puncture-resistant VCI wrap for steel coils, bar stock and plate.
VCI Paper, Foam and Emitters
VCI paper for interleaving and wrapping, and VCI foam pads, chips and emitters to add protection inside boxes, cabinets and enclosures.
How VCI Packaging Works
VCI film, paper and foam slowly release a corrosion inhibitor into the closed package. It settles on every metal surface inside, including threads, bores and recesses that oil can't reach, and blocks the moisture and oxygen reaction that causes rust. Parts come out clean and ready to use, with nothing to degrease.
Match the metal
Ferrous formulas protect steel and iron; multi-metal formulas also cover aluminum, copper, brass and other non-ferrous metals. Tell us what you're packing.
Keep it closed
VCI works inside an enclosed space. Seal, tape or fold the bag or liner closed so the inhibitor stays with the parts.
Clean and dry first
VCI prevents rust; it doesn't remove it. Pack parts clean, dry and at room temperature.
How to Size a VCI Liner
Measure the inside of the container, then add room for the liner to fold closed over the parts.
Width = box width + 1"Gusset = box depth + 1"Length = box height + ½ width + ½ depth + 6"
Example: a 40 x 48 x 36" gaylord takes a 41 x 49 x 86" liner.Flat width = drum diameter x 3.14 ÷ 2Length = drum height + diameter + 6"
Example: a 22.5" x 33.5" drum takes a 36" x 62" liner.Packing Tips for Rust-Free Parts
- Pack parts clean and dry, with no cutting fluid, fingerprints or chips on them.
- Let hot parts cool to room temperature before you close the bag, so moisture doesn't condense inside.
- Wear gloves when handling finished parts.
- Keep bare metal off untreated wood, corrugated and plain paper; line the box or pallet with VCI first.
- Close the package and keep it closed until the parts are used.
- Store away from forklift exhaust and big temperature swings.
VCI Packaging FAQ
What does VCI stand for?
Vapor corrosion inhibitor (also called volatile corrosion inhibitor). It's a compound built into the film, paper or foam that protects metal from rust inside a closed package.
What metals does VCI protect?
It depends on the formula. Ferrous formulas protect steel and iron; multi-metal formulas also protect aluminum, copper, brass and other non-ferrous metals. Tell us the metals in your parts and we'll match the formula.
Are VCI bags food safe?
No. VCI packaging is made for metal parts and is not for food contact.
Do you have VCI bags in stock?
Some sizes are available from stock and ship quickly, including popular VCI bubble bag sizes. Most VCI orders are made to the customer's size and volume. Contact us with your size and quantity and we'll tell you what's in stock and what we can make.
Can you print our logo or part information?
Yes. Bags and liners can be printed with your logo, part numbers or handling instructions, or left unprinted.
Do you have a minimum order?
Custom sizes have a production minimum that depends on size and gauge; we'll include it with your quote. Ask about stock sizes for smaller quantities.
How long does a custom order take?
Custom and bulk runs typically take 4 to 5 weeks. Stock sizes ship sooner. We confirm the lead time with your quote, and recurring orders can be scheduled as blanket releases.