I have run into a problem determining a corrective action for rust on parts. What has been deterimined is the root cause as moisture was left in the container. Of course I would love to say that my CA is getting rid of the employee but we all know that this can not be the CA.

The parts that have the rust are placed in an open container. Unfortunately this time the parts we not in their primary containers or their secondary container. The container used are for a different part. But I want to know what other people have done in the past.

I have run into a problem determining a corrective action for rust on parts. What has been deterimined is the root cause as moisture was left in the container. Of course I would love to say that my CA is getting rid of the employee but we all know that this can not be the CA.

The parts that have the rust are placed in an open container. Unfortunately this time the parts we not in their primary containers or their secondary container. The container used are for a different part. But I want to know what other people have done in the past.

How about a rust inhibitor (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=industrial+rust+inhibitor)?

I come from an industry where rust is sadly a cost of doing business. Once we have better control of our finished goods inventory, we may have control over the dreaded rust.

That being said...

Why did the employee use the improper container?
Why was the employee given the opportunity to use the improper container?
Why was the improper container in the area?

those are excellent questions and those have been asked. The answer I get is, we can't use those? Unbelievable.

Does anyone do anything with their packaging for rust?

Depending on customer requirements we have used rust inhibitor for some parts and others we have to use a VCI bag inside of our containers.

those are excellent questions and those have been asked. The answer I get is, we can't use those? Unbelievable.

Does anyone do anything with their packaging for rust?

As our parts are long bars of steels, "packaging" per se is not feasible. However, we do look at storage (proximity to bay doors, leaky roof, etc.) and trasportation (tarping, etc.).

Look at your work environment and consider the options within it.

Look also at relative humidity and dewpoints as "triggers" to do some extra checking/additional rust preventive use.

Depending on customer requirements we have used rust inhibitor for some parts and others we have to use a VCI bag inside of our containers.

We have used rust inhibitor as well, with customer concurrence. We have also used the dessicant bag type moisture absorbants, (limited effectiveness), inside containers shipped with steel formed parts. Also the different types of VCI coated(?) wrapping materials. Currently we are working with a VCI shrink wrap that we wrap the product with like a cocoon. It appears to be the most effective wrap method so far.

Now if I can just get them to close off the ends of the bundles!!!:bonk:

Yeah I see that the closing of the bag would be a big help. I don't know if my customer will allow for the VCI bag and the rust inhibitor they have already said that it will depend on what type due to flammable issues in welding.

Haueyman,

I am wondering specifically what sort of product are you having rust problems with? We do a lot of work in the automotive fastener industry and have experienced rust issues many times from many causes. We find our most common solution is a rust inhibitor of one sort or another. We have never had an issue with flammability during welding. There are many products available today to choose from and many are already approved materials for the "Big 3".

Depending on your material, process and product size, there are many immersion products you could use. Many of our larger applications can be sprayed in line either pre or post bake.

I will also state we have used desiccant silica bags on smaller parts but haven't had much success with them.

If you would elaborate a bit on your process, I or others here may be able to provide you with more ideas on how to limit your problems. I say limit because rust is a fact of life in our business and whenever I think I have "fixed" the problem another angle pops up. Sometimes I think I am playing "Whack-A-Mole".

Dave