Bare steel rusts. The rate depends on humidity, temperature fluctuation, and surface condition. In a South African industrial environment — where seasonal humidity and temperature variation are significant — surface rust on bare steel can develop within days in storage.
The problem is most acute at three points in the production cycle: between manufacturing stages, in finished goods storage waiting for dispatch, and in spares holding.
Why standard storage does not prevent it
Storage racks, packaging, and wrapping slow oxidation but do not stop it. Bare steel in any humid environment will develop surface rust. The question is how quickly.
Oils and waxes provide temporary protection but require degreasing before painting or assembly. They also attract dust and contamination. In food-adjacent or clean environments, oil coatings are often not acceptable.
What the iron phosphate layer does in storage
When steel is treated with Corrosion Assassin, the phosphoric acid reacts with any surface oxidation and leaves an iron phosphate layer. This layer is chemically stable — it does not continue to oxidise. It slows the rate at which new rust develops on the treated surface.
The treated surface remains paint-ready. When the part reaches the next stage — painting, assembly, or dispatch — it does not require re-treatment or rework for rust developed in storage.
Where this applies in a manufacturing workflow
- Between machining and painting — parts sitting in queue oxidise. A treatment step before queue eliminates rework at the painting stage.
- Finished goods holding — parts awaiting dispatch treated before going to the rack arrive at the customer without surface rust.
- Spares and components — long-term storage of replacement parts treated on receipt maintains part condition.
- Pre-shipment — parts treated before packing for export arrive without transit corrosion.
Application in a production environment
Corrosion Assassin is supplied ready to use. It is applied by brush, sprayer, or through a dip bath arrangement. It does not require special ventilation in standard application. The treated surface is wiped or rinsed, dried, and ready for the next stage.
It is available in 5L, 25L, and 1000L IBC for high-volume production environments.
Keep reading: what scrapped, rusted stock costs versus preventing it, or see the Corrosion Assassin rust remover.
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