Cortec Custom ESD Foam Inserts VpCI 133 Self Adhesive 1 x 1″ (2.5cm x 2.5cm) Squares
Cortec Custom ESD Foam Inserts VpCI 133 Self Adhesive 1 x 1″ (2.5cm x 2.5cm) Squares
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Cortec VpCI 133 ESD Foam Packaging are high performance self adhesive foam inserts that provide multifaceted protection for sensitive metals and electronics travelling through the supply chain.
The dual action of VpCI Corrosion Inhibitors and Desiccant compliment the anti static action to give long term protection from the usual environmental hazards that lead to defect product. Available as standard pre-cut sizes bespoke custom shapes are available upon request.
We offer creative solutions for custom ESD foam inserts. As the Cortec® Master Distributor we supply both pre-cut and bespoke ESD Foam material.
Our solutions focus on the VpCI 130® series of custom ESD Foam Inserts. This patented formula contains a multifunctional VpCI® (Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitors) that is impregnated into the foam carrier itself. Each insert utilises the dual action of VpCI & Desiccant to give market leading corrosion and antistatic protection for your sensitive goods.
Using VpCI 130 emitter products essential eliminates the need for legacy rust prevention solutions. Parts are always protected and ready to use, with no manual coating removal or messy degreasing required.
VpCI 130 solutions can drastically decrease your bottom line, resulting in significant overall savings on both weight and labour.
VpCI molecules keep working into the long term. They are effective against the usual atmospheric hazards including humidity, condensation, aggressive atmospheres , marine air and residual impurities that occur during the manufacturing process.
Custom ESD Foam Inserts With Enhanced VpCI® Protection
The polymer matrix of each piece of cut foam (either pre-cut or custom) is impregnated with the VpCI formula throughout. Suitable for the protection of all metals, both ferrous and non ferrous, VpCI does not effect or alter the physical or chemical properties of electronic components. This makes any foam in the VpCI 130 series highly suitable for the protection of Printed Circuit Boards (PCB‘s).
VpCI 133 offers outstanding Multi Metal protection.
Compatible metals include:
- Aluminium
- Brass
- Solder
- Carbon Steel
- Silver
- Copper
- Zinc
Benefits of VpCI 133®
VpCI 130 product are both chromate free and nitrate free. They are fast acting and easy to apply. VpCI 133 is self-adhesive as standard making it easy to fix to the inside of packaging enclosures for export goods. Each foam shape contains approximately 10 x the amount of VpCI master batch per square meter of substrate when compared to more traditional rust prevention methods like VCI Paper and other anti corrosion wrapping paper solutions.
This makes VpCI 130 products very well suited to protect larger items. In addition in a variety of standard pre-cut sizes with bespoke ‘made to order’ formats that are ideal for larger export freight or items with larger surface areas. Aluminium and steel coils are often packaged in conjunction with custom ESD foam inserts as well as flexible packaging like Cortec VpCI 126 film for optimal protection.
VpCI 133 is our smallest standard pre-cut size. For larger standard sizes consider either VpCI 131 antistatic foam or the largest VpCI 132.
Where you position the ESD foam material does not effect performance. As long as there are no obstructions or barriers between the metal surface and the VpCI molecules. In this sense they essentially share the same air space.
This product is not intended to be used as a mainline cushioning foam. Consider VpCI 150 or 170 adhesive foam tape where cushioning properties are key.
The VpCI 130 range has a shelf life of 2 years if kept in its original packaging. To maintain strength unused foam should be kept sealed in plastic bags. Consider using one of our heat sealer machines.
Product Specifications (.PDF)
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Frequently Asked Questions
• What exactly is Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam and how does it work to protect my sensitive electronics?
Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam is a specialized foam insert designed to provide dual-action protection for electronic components and sensitive metals. It achieves this by combining Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCI®) with static dissipative properties. The VpCI molecules are impregnated throughout the foam's matrix, and they slowly release into the enclosed environment, forming an invisible, molecular layer on all metal surfaces, preventing corrosion. At the same time, its ESD properties dissipate static charges, safeguarding electronics from damaging electrostatic discharge.
• How is Cortec VpCI-133 different from a standard desiccant or regular anti-corrosion paper?
Unlike a standard desiccant which simply absorbs moisture until it's saturated, or traditional anti-corrosion papers that may offer limited protection, Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam provides active and continuous corrosion inhibition by emitting VpCI molecules. These molecules create a protective layer even in recessed or hard-to-reach areas, and the foam itself contains approximately ten times more VpCI active ingredient per square meter than conventional VCI papers, offering far more robust and long-lasting protection.
• What dimensions does the standard Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam come in?
The standard Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam is conveniently provided as self-adhesive 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm) squares, making them incredibly easy to place and secure within your packaging or enclosures.
• Is this foam truly effective against both corrosion and electrostatic discharge simultaneously?
Absolutely! The Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam is engineered for exactly that dual purpose. It's impregnated with VpCI technology for comprehensive corrosion protection of various metals, and simultaneously, it possesses static dissipative properties to prevent electrostatic discharge, ensuring your delicate electronic components are safe from both environmental degradation and static damage.
• Does the VpCI-133 foam leave any residue or require cleaning of parts after protection?
One of the significant advantages of Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam is that the VpCI molecules form a monomolecular protective layer that is non-conductive and does not interfere with electrical, optical, or mechanical surface properties. Therefore, when your parts are removed from the protected environment, they are ready for immediate use without any need for cleaning or degreasing.
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• Where are some of the most common places I can effectively use Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam for optimal protection?
Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam is incredibly versatile. It's ideal for use inside electrical control boxes, relay cabinets, marine navigation equipment enclosures, communication equipment, fuse boxes, terminal boxes, and even scientific and measuring instruments. Essentially, any enclosed space where sensitive electronics or metal components need protection from corrosion and static can benefit from this foam.
• How do I properly install the self-adhesive Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam squares within an enclosure?
Installation is wonderfully straightforward! Each foam square comes with an adhesive backing and a release paper. Simply peel off the release paper from the back of the foam square and adhere it to a clean, dry surface inside your enclosure. The foam can be installed in any position, as the VpCI vapors will migrate to all surfaces within the shared airspace.
• How much area can a single 1x1 inch Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam square protect?
Each individual 1 inch by 1 inch Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam square is designed to effectively protect up to 0.5 cubic feet (0.014 cubic meters) of enclosed space. For larger enclosures, you'll simply need to use multiple squares to cover the entire volume.
• Can I cut the Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam into custom shapes or sizes if my application requires it?
While the standard product comes in pre-cut squares, the foam material itself can often be customized into bespoke shapes and sizes to precisely fit your unique packaging or enclosure requirements. It's worth discussing your specific needs with a supplier.
• Does the placement of the foam inside the enclosure matter, or will it protect everything regardless?
The beauty of VpCI technology is that the vapor phase corrosion inhibitors travel through the air to reach all metal surfaces. As long as there are no physical barriers obstructing the airflow between the foam and the metal, the VpCI molecules will effectively protect your components, regardless of the exact placement of the foam within the enclosed space.
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• Is it suitable for protecting items during overseas shipping or in challenging environmental conditions?
Absolutely. The patented VpCI formulation in Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam provides continuous, long-term protection that is highly effective even in aggressive environments, including those with high humidity, condensation, industrial atmospheres, and marine air, making it an excellent choice for overseas export packaging.
• What metals can Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam effectively protect?
This versatile foam offers excellent multi-metal protection. It is compatible with and effectively protects ferrous metals like carbon steels and galvanized steel, as well as non-ferrous metals and alloys including aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, solder, and silver.
• What is the typical shelf life of Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam before I use it?
When stored correctly in its original, sealed packaging, Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam boasts a shelf life of up to two years. Proper storage in a dry, indoor environment is key to maintaining its efficacy.
• How long does the corrosion and ESD protection last once the foam is installed in an enclosure?
Once installed within an enclosed space, Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam provides continuous corrosion and static dissipative protection for an extended period, typically lasting up to two years. It's recommended to replace the foam squares every two years for consistent, optimal protection.
• If an enclosure protected by Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam is opened occasionally, does the protection diminish?
No, the VpCI protective barrier is self-replenishing. This means that even if the enclosure is opened briefly, the VpCI molecules will continue to re-saturate the atmosphere and re-adsorb onto the metal surfaces, maintaining consistent protection.
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• How can I tell if the Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam needs to be replaced?
Generally, if the foam squares or the integrity of the enclosure are compromised (e.g., large holes, tears, or significant loss of seal), the effectiveness may be reduced. For continuous optimal protection, it's advised to replace the foam every two years from the date of installation.
• Does temperature or humidity affect the performance of the VpCI-133 foam?
The VpCI technology within the foam is designed to be highly effective across a range of temperatures and humidity levels, providing robust protection even in environments with fluctuating conditions. The VpCI molecules continuously vaporize and condense to maintain their protective layer.
• Is Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam safe for use with sensitive electronic components?
Yes, it is designed specifically for this purpose. The VpCI-130 series foams, including VpCI-133, do not alter the critical physical or chemical properties of electronic components, making them perfectly safe for protecting printed circuit boards and other delicate electronics.
• Are there any harmful chemicals in Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam that I should be concerned about?
No, Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam is formulated to be environmentally responsible. It is free from nitrites and chromates, which are often found in traditional corrosion inhibitors and can be harmful. This makes it a safer choice for both personnel and the environment.
• Is this product recyclable or does it contribute to hazardous waste?
Cortec VpCI products are often designed with recyclability in mind. Since the foam does not leave a residue or require messy degreasing, the protected parts remain clean, and the foam itself typically does not contribute to hazardous waste, which can lead to significant disposal cost savings.
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• Does the VpCI-133 foam have any impact on the electrical properties of the components it protects?
No, the thin, monomolecular layer formed by the VpCI molecules is non-conductive and does not interfere with the electrical resistance or magnetic properties of the protected components, ensuring their functionality remains unimpaired.
• What is the approximate amount of VpCI chemical contained in each foam square compared to other VCI products?
Each piece of Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam contains approximately ten times more VpCI active chemical per square foot or square meter of substrate compared to traditional VCI papers and other wrapping materials. This higher concentration contributes to its superior and long-lasting protection.
• Is the Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam flexible, making it adaptable to different packaging needs?
Yes, the foam material is designed to be flexible, which makes it easy to integrate into various packaging configurations and enclosures, even those with irregular shapes.
• Does this foam also offer any cushioning properties for delicate items?
While the primary function of Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam is corrosion inhibition and static dissipation, it is important to note that it is not primarily intended to be a mainline cushioning foam. If cushioning is a critical requirement for your application, you might consider using it in conjunction with other dedicated cushioning materials or explore other Cortec foam tapes like VpCI-150 or VpCI-170, which offer cushioning alongside VpCI protection.
• Can Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam be used in conjunction with other Cortec VpCI packaging products for enhanced protection?
Absolutely! For an even more comprehensive and effective long-term VpCI packaging solution, Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam can be used in combination with other Cortec VpCI products, such as VpCI-125/126 film or VpCI bags, to create a highly protective enclosed environment.
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• Are there larger standard sizes available in the VpCI 130 series if the 1x1 inch VpCI-133 squares aren't sufficient?
• Where can I purchase genuine Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam?
You can purchase genuine Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam from authorized distributors like Valdamark Direct, who specialize in Cortec VpCI products and can ensure you receive the authentic product and necessary support.
• Is it possible to get bulk discounts when ordering Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam?
Many authorized distributors, including Valdamark Direct, offer bulk buying discounts for Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam, which can be beneficial for businesses requiring larger quantities for their packaging and protection needs.
• What kind of technical support is available if I have specific questions about integrating VpCI-133 into my packaging process?
Reputable suppliers of Cortec products usually offer excellent technical support. This often includes access to product specifications, data sheets, and expert advice to help you integrate VpCI-133 ESD Foam effectively into your existing packaging or storage processes.
• Are there any industry standards or certifications that Cortec VpCI-133 ESD Foam meets?
While the provided text mentions MIL-B-81705C for anti-static protection in other VpCI foam tapes, the VpCI-133 itself offers static dissipative properties designed to protect against electrostatic discharge, which is a critical aspect for electronics packaging. Cortec products are generally known for meeting high industry standards for corrosion protection.
