VCI Embossed Film: Corrosion Protection with Enhanced Active Surface and Light Mechanical Protection

What is a VCI embossed film?

A VCI embossed film is a specialised corrosion protection film made from polyethylene (PE), with full-surface embossing that works on the VCI principle (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor). Corrosion inhibitors incorporated into the film are released in controlled doses into the packaging atmosphere and distribute themselves within the sealed packaging. These agents settle on metal surfaces, forming an invisible protective layer that effectively inhibits corrosion caused by moisture and oxygen.

A key advantage: there is no need for direct contact between the film and the metal component – as long as a sufficient VCI concentration is present within the packaging space, the protective atmosphere also acts inside cavities, bores and hard-to-reach areas. If the packaging is briefly opened, the protective atmosphere largely remains intact – provided the packaging is resealed promptly.

The VCI principle briefly explained

VCI stands for Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor. The active agents contained in the film enter the vapour phase and settle on metallic surfaces, where they inhibit the electrochemical processes that lead to corrosion. Unlike oil or wax coatings, VCI agents leave no oily residues on the metal – parts are ready for immediate further processing after unpacking, without any complex cleaning.

What makes the embossing special?

The full-surface embossing means that the actual surface area of the film is significantly larger than its base area. This enlarged surface can promote the release of VCI agents and, through its three-dimensional structure, provide a dampening effect against contact points and light impacts. The VCI embossed film thus combines corrosion protection and light mechanical protection in a single product.

Why the embossing makes the difference: more active surface, more protection

Compared to a smooth VCI flat film, the embossed variant offers two key properties that make it particularly interesting for demanding applications.

More active surface for agent release

Thanks to the full-surface embossing, the film has an enlarged effective surface area that can support the build-up of VCI concentration within the packaging space. Within the same packaging volume, the embossing can support and potentially accelerate the build-up of the protective atmosphere. This can make a noticeable difference, particularly with large-volume packaging or parts with complex geometries.

Light mechanical protection through the embossed structure

The three-dimensional structure of the embossed film can act as a light cushion between the packaging and the metal component. This dampening effect against contact points and light impacts can help protect surfaces from scratches and mechanical stress during transport and handling – without the need for separate padding. The VCI embossed film is therefore particularly suited to components that require both corrosion protection and light mechanical protection.

Protective atmosphere remains intact when briefly opened

Briefly opening the packaging – for example for a visual inspection or during handling – does not significantly affect the protective atmosphere, provided the packaging is resealed promptly afterwards. This considerably simplifies handling in day-to-day warehouse and dispatch operations.

Applications: where the VCI embossed film excels

The combination of VCI corrosion protection and light mechanical protection makes the VCI embossed film suitable for a wide range of industrial applications – wherever metal parts need reliable protection against corrosion.

Mechanical engineering and automotive suppliers

In mechanical engineering and automotive supply chains, sensitive metal components – from gears and bearings to engine parts – are packaged, stored and transported on a daily basis. The VCI embossed film can effectively protect these parts against corrosion without the need for time-consuming pre-treatments such as oiling. Parts are ready for immediate use after unpacking.

Export packaging and overseas transport

During export and long-distance transport, corrosion protection is particularly critical: temperature fluctuations, high humidity and changing climatic conditions can attack unprotected metal parts within a short time. The VCI embossed film is suitable as a component in export and overseas packaging, as it can maintain a stable protective atmosphere over extended transport periods.

Long-term storage of metal parts

For components that are stored for extended periods, a consistently effective corrosion protection is essential. The VCI embossed film continuously releases its active agents and can provide lasting protection as part of a long-term packaging solution – over months to years, depending on the application and packaging conditions – without requiring regular retreatment of the parts.

Which metals does the VCI embossed film protect?

The range of metals protected by the VCI embossed film depends on the type of active agent used. Depending on the variant, it can protect ferrous metals such as steel and cast iron, as well as non-ferrous metals including aluminium, copper and brass. For applications involving mixed metals, variants with multi-metal protection are available that can cover several metal types simultaneously.

Important for optimum protection: the metal parts to be packaged should be dry and free from residues that promote corrosion – including salts from washing baths, fingerprints and acidic or alkaline substances. These can impair the protective effect of the VCI film or accelerate existing corrosion processes.

VCI embossed film from BRANOpac: products and individual solutions

BRANOpac develops and manufactures VCI corrosion protection films and offers the VCI embossed film as part of the BRANOfol product range – complementing the rust protection embossed film for iron-specific applications. The films are available in various versions, thicknesses and formats – as roll stock, flat film or custom-cut formats.

In addition to the standard range, BRANOpac develops individual packaging solutions on request, tailored to the specific requirements of each application – for example with regard to active agent type, film thickness or packaging format. BRANOpac's sales team is available at any time for a no-obligation consultation.

*The content on this page was generated in part with AI support and reviewed by editors.