Packaging program prevents oxidation in overseas shipments
The relative humidity within a seagoing shipping container can stay pretty close to 100% during transit. With daily temperatures fluctuating as much as 50°F or more, a virtual microclimate is created within a shipping container that may even include rain and fog due to condensation. Steel parts begin to rust at 40% relative humidity, so effective packaging must create a moisture barrier to prevent corrosion on ferrous materials shipped overseas.
“We take great pride the in the quality of our products. We were disturbed to hear that some of our customers were receiving [our ultrasonic welders and heat staking equipment] in less-than-perfect condition,” comments Jerry Daniel, manager of manufacturing operations at Sonic & Thermal Technologies, Inc., Milford, MA. Daniel explains that the company had been using a polywrap system with enclosed desiccant. “No matter how much desiccant we added, it just wasn’t enough. We simply needed to keep moisture from entering the packaging in the first place.”
New design specifications—including corrosive-resistant plating and coatings, along with stainless steel fasteners—did not solve the problem. After researching other alternatives, engineers settled upon a protective packaging program from Shield Pack, Inc., West Monroe, LA. This system includes custom, vacuum-sealed 3D foil-laminate barrier bags, pre-measured desiccant and an optional humidity indicator. The bags are said to have the lowest Moisture vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) in the packaging trade; the bags typically maintain interior humidity at less than 5% over the course of several months.
Three custom designs were selected by Sonitek to accommodate products of varying sizes and occasional permutations in product design. Sonitek started packing their presses in the bags back in February, following up with every shipment to overseas customers; not a single complaint about corrosion was noted. Cost savings include reduced packaging time (overwrapping) and elimination of retail desiccant prices.
This custom program is designed for shipping and storing corrosion-sensitive electronics and machinery as well as hygroscopic chemicals.
—SG
For more information:
Circle 226—Shield Pack Inc, or connect directly to their website via the Online Reader Service Program at
www.RSLeads.com/?111df-226
Circle 227—Sonic & Thermal Technologies Inc, or connect directly at
www.RSLeads.com/?111df-227
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The relative humidity within a seagoing shipping container can stay pretty close to 100% during transit. With daily temperatures fluctuating as much as 50°F or more, a virtual microclimate is created within a shipping container that may even include rain and fog due to condensation. Steel parts begin to rust at 40% relative humidity, so effective packaging must create a moisture barrier to prevent corrosion on ferrous materials shipped overseas. 
New design specifications—including corrosive-resistant plating and coatings, along with stainless steel fasteners—did not solve the problem. After researching other alternatives, engineers settled upon a protective packaging program from Shield Pack, Inc., West Monroe, LA. This system includes custom, vacuum-sealed 3D foil-laminate barrier bags, pre-measured desiccant and an optional humidity indicator. The bags are said to have the lowest Moisture vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) in the packaging trade; the bags typically maintain interior humidity at less than 5% over the course of several months.
Three custom designs were selected by Sonitek to accommodate products of varying sizes and occasional permutations in product design. Sonitek started packing their presses in the bags back in February, following up with every shipment to overseas customers; not a single complaint about corrosion was noted. Cost savings include reduced packaging time (overwrapping) and elimination of retail desiccant prices.