Publish Time: 2025-12-15 Origin: Site
In the automotive manufacturing sector, thousands of parts must work in harmony to ensure the vehicle operates smoothly. Among them, the engine system, transmission system (gears, bearings, transmissions, etc.), and various stamped and sheet metal parts can be considered the “heart” and “bones” of a vehicle. These components face some of the most stringent rust prevention requirements— not only must they resist corrosion, but they must also do so without oil and without requiring cleaning, to avoid contamination or disruption of subsequent processes.
So, how can manufacturers meet these demanding corrosion resistance standards? The secret lies in Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology.
VCI works by slowly vaporizing at ambient temperatures, releasing corrosion-inhibiting gases that adsorb onto exposed metal surfaces. This forms a stable protective film just one or two molecules thick, effectively preventing corrosion caused by oxygen, moisture, and other environmental elements. VCI technology provides a unique and effective solution for protecting metals during storage and transportation, while ensuring the protection remains intact without affecting the material's subsequent processes.
At VCI EP New Materials (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., we have been specializing in corrosion protection for over 15 years. Our focus is on providing cutting-edge, eco-friendly solutions for the automotive industry, ensuring high-quality rust protection for critical automotive components. We have successfully served numerous automotive OEMs and component manufacturers globally, using our patented VCI technology to protect everything from complete engines to intricate metal parts.
The following case study highlights how we have helped several companies in the automotive industry solve their rust problems with tailored anti-corrosion solutions for four key automotive components.
Engines are critical components that require robust protection during storage and transportation to ensure they perform as expected when assembled into the vehicle. Any corrosion during this phase can negatively affect engine performance, leading to costly repairs and delays.
For complete engine assemblies, we use VCI protective film packaging to envelop the entire engine. This packaging is combined with desiccants to control moisture and ensure optimal rust protection during transit. To safeguard particularly vulnerable parts, such as the flywheel, we apply VCI paper in specific areas for concentrated protection. For marked or exposed areas, we recommend the use of water-based rust inhibitors to offer additional layers of protection.
This solution offers reliable rust protection and maintains the engine's integrity during storage and transportation, preventing corrosion without requiring post-arrival cleaning or oil treatment.
Engine parts, including the cylinder block, cylinder head, crankshaft, flywheel, and piston rings, are highly susceptible to corrosion during manufacturing, interim storage, and transport. These components often face a unique set of challenges, as they must be protected without interfering with the manufacturing process.
Cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, and crankshafts: These critical engine components can be effectively protected using rust inhibitor bags sealed with a rust-inhibiting agent. This simple and cost-effective method provides short-term rust protection that can last up to one year and is easy to implement without requiring extensive labor.
Piston rods: For steel components like piston rods, we use VCI paper or VCI film in combination with VCI packaging, ensuring comprehensive protection without the need for oil-based treatments.
Flywheels: For cast-iron parts like flywheels, we apply a water-based rust inhibitor, followed by a layer of VCI film. This method not only provides excellent corrosion protection but also eliminates the need for oil treatment, reducing the overall cost and the risk of contaminating the parts.
By using these tailored solutions, we can prevent corrosion during manufacturing, assembly, and transportation, ensuring that these critical engine components maintain their integrity and performance.
The car body is one of the largest and most complex components in any vehicle, and it requires effective corrosion protection, particularly during short-term storage before further processing (e.g., welding, painting, or assembly). Any rust formation on the body can lead to significant delays and additional costs.
To protect the car body during short-term storage, we recommend the use of VCI films or bags. These protective materials can provide corrosion resistance for up to 15 days without affecting subsequent processes like welding. The best part is that the packaging is reusable, offering a cost-effective solution for manufacturers who need to store multiple car bodies over time.
The VCI film ensures that the metal surfaces remain free from rust and corrosion, allowing for smooth transition to the next manufacturing step. This solution is particularly effective in preventing rust formation due to environmental factors such as humidity and temperature fluctuations during storage.
Other key components, including synchronizers, differentials, clutches, universal joints, bearings, and parts of the transmission system (gears, shafts, etc.), all require careful rust protection during storage and transport. These parts are often susceptible to rust due to their intricate designs and exposure to environmental elements.
Transmission system components (gears, shafts, and bearings): We recommend the use of water-based rust inhibitors applied directly to the surface of the components for initial rust protection. This is followed by packaging in VCI bags or paper, which seals the components and ensures a protective environment during storage and shipping.
Synchronized parts and differential assemblies: These parts can be effectively protected using a combination of VCI rust inhibitors and VCI films. This ensures a protective layer around each part, preventing corrosion for up to one year, while also preventing contamination or interference with assembly processes.
These protection solutions help automotive manufacturers avoid the costs associated with rust damage, reduce downtime, and maintain the quality of their products.
Rust and corrosion are persistent challenges in the automotive industry. When protective measures are insufficient, corrosion can wreak havoc on the production timeline and cost structure. As manufacturers, the key to successfully fighting corrosion lies in understanding its causes and implementing the right preventative measures.
At VCI EP New Materials (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., we have been providing innovative, eco-friendly rust protection solutions to the automotive sector for over 15 years. With our advanced VCI technology, we offer a wide range of corrosion protection products, from VCI films and VCI paper to VCI powders and water-based inhibitors, all designed to protect critical metal components during storage and transit. Our comprehensive, customized rust prevention solutions have helped automotive manufacturers save costs and improve operational efficiency.
By addressing rust at the root with VCI EP New Materials, you can ensure the longevity of your components, reduce waste, and safeguard your products from corrosion-induced damage. We continue to lead the way in delivering cutting-edge anti-corrosion technologies to our global partners, and we’re committed to helping the automotive industry achieve higher standards of durability, efficiency, and sustainability.
How does VCI technology work to protect automotive parts?
VCI technology releases corrosion-inhibiting vapor that forms a protective layer on metal surfaces, preventing corrosion from oxygen, moisture, and other environmental factors.
What types of automotive components can VCI products protect?
VCI products are ideal for protecting engine assemblies, transmission parts, car bodies, and various components like gears, bearings, and synchronizers during storage and transportation.
Are VCI products safe and eco-friendly?
Yes, VCI products are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and meet global sustainability standards, making them a reliable choice for corrosion protection in the automotive industry.
How long can VCI solutions protect parts during storage?
Depending on the application and packaging method, VCI solutions can protect automotive components for periods ranging from several months to over a year, significantly reducing the risk of rust and corrosion.
What makes VCI EP New Materials different from other providers?
With over 15 years of experience in rust prevention, VCI EP New Materials specializes in providing tailored, innovative corrosion protection solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly, helping automotive manufacturers achieve optimal performance and cost savings.