#9 - A fresh perspective on anticorrosion ESD packaging for the new EV market

The EV (electric vehicle) market is expected to continue growing in the foreseeable future. How are automotive suppliers to meet this growing electronification? EcoSonic VpCI-125 HP Permanent ESD Film & Bags, which came on the scene in 2020, are gaining ground in the electronics world and are highly suited to the EV market. Here’s what EV suppliers need to know about meeting the need for dual corrosion and ESD protection.

More electronics and EV batteries
Even without the strong push for EVs, the auto industry is becoming more and more automated. It is estimated that traditional vehicles easily contain 1,000 electronic components, while EVs require more than twice as many. The volume is expected to increase. Many of these sensitive electronics will cross oceans or pass through multiple climates on the way to the EV assembly plant, encountering condensation from fluctuating temps and humidities or exposure to salt spray environments that may lead to corrosion. Added to this is the risk of static damage simply during handling.

The ROI of good packaging protection
With electronic components making up a large percentage of new vehicle costs, suppliers seeking adequate packaging protection are looking at a potentially significant return on investment. Although assembly plants or end users may not thank the supplier for preventing corrosion or static damage, they will almost certainly complain and demand reparations if they receive corroded or defective materials. Therefore, components that safely reach their destination represent dollars saved and good customer relationships preserved.

Goodbye, pink poly; Hello, permanent ESD
But what does successful packaging look like? Two to three decades ago, the iconic “pink-poly” ESD packaging of yesteryear was enough to satisfy the static dissipative demand of electronics suppliers. Not so with today’s increasingly sensitive electronics, which typically require permanent ESD or better for reliable, long-lasting protection.

Cortec Corporation has brought its newest generation of dual ESD/corrosion inhibiting films and bags up to this level with the development of EcoSonic VpCI-125 HP Permanent ESD Film & Bags. Although not a new concept to Cortec, the idea of combining ESD protection with corrosion inhibition for electronics packaging is new and exciting to ESD engineers who hear of the option. This film provides long-term static dissipation but also fills the package with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that form a protective molecular layer on multi-metal components inside the bag. When the electronic is removed, it can be installed immediately.

Case history: Electronics distributor chooses dual VpCI/ESD protection
The success of EcoSonic VpCI-125 HP Permanent ESD Film & Bags in the general electronics industry can be seen in the case of a major North American electronics distributor who has been using the bags since 2020. Before meeting Cortec, the distributor did not know that dual ESD/corrosion inhibiting packaging was an option. They liked the idea and tested Cortec EcoSonic VpCI-125 HP Permanent ESD Film & Bags according to their electronic standards. The film met the requirements, and the client continues to use the packaging for dual corrosion/ESD protection. Gone are the days of adding desiccant to moisture barrier bags, since EcoSonic VpCI-125 HP Permanent ESD Film & Bags is a one-stop solution that works for both their hand packaging and automatic bagging processes!

Moving forward
The number of EV electronics is likely to grow as the industry moves forward. Being ready with packaging solutions will help EV electronic parts suppliers maximize their quality assurance by minimizing corrosion complaints and static damage. Cortec VpCI Films are here to help manufacturers and distributors do both.