ATM Powder Coating for Banking Equipment: Benefits and Applications

ATM powder coating refers to a powder coating specifically designed for application to the surfaces of automated teller machines (ATMs) and other financial self-service terminal equipment, providing a durable protective coating that combines decorative appeal, scratch resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance.

This article systematically introduces the concept, types, characteristics, functions, applications, considerations for selecting powder coatings, and solutions to common problems associated with ATM powder coatings. It focuses on the specific applications of ATM powder coatings to help readers better understand what ATM powder coating is and its characteristics and functions.

What Is ATM Powder Coating

ATM powder coating refers to powder coating applied to automated teller machines (ATMs), financial self-service terminals, their housings, and related components. It does not refer to a single natural ingredient, but rather to a type of specially designed functional coating material.

Types of ATM Powder Coating

According to the resin system, ATM powder coatings are mainly divided into the following types:

Pure Polyester: Excellent weather resistance and UV resistance, making it the preferred choice for outdoor ATM equipment housings.

Polyurethane (PUR): Offers excellent chemical and wear resistance and can effectively withstand cleaning agents and frequent touching and wiping.

Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid: Combines adhesion, mechanical properties, and decorative performance with good cost-effectiveness. It is widely used for indoor ATMs where high weather resistance is not required.

Characteristics of ATM Powder Coating

The main characteristics of ATM powder coating are as follows:

Excellent Chemical Corrosion Resistance: It can withstand frequent cleaning and disinfection, perspiration, cleaning agents, and chemical substances in the environment. This is essential for maintaining a clean appearance during long-term use in public areas.

Excellent Corrosion and Weather Resistance: It provides long-term corrosion protection for metal substrates. For outdoor freestanding ATMs, weather-resistant formulations can withstand UV exposure and maintain gloss and color for an extended period.

High Scratch and Wear Resistance: The coating is hard and wear-resistant, effectively resisting surface damage caused by daily use and intentional scratching, while maintaining the appearance of the equipment.

Excellent Adhesion: It bonds firmly with metal substrates such as steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum, with an adhesion rating reaching the highest standard, such as ISO 2409 Grade 0.

Why Do ATMs Need Powder Coating

The main functions of ATM powder coating are reflected in the following aspects:

1. Core Protection and Extended Equipment Service Life

This is the most basic and important function of ATM powder coating, equivalent to providing the equipment with a durable protective “armor.”

(1) Corrosion and Weather Resistance: ATMs are generally made of metal and are susceptible to oxidation and rust when exposed to air for long periods. The dense coating formed by powder coating effectively isolates moisture and oxygen, preventing corrosion. For outdoor models, weather-resistant formulations can withstand UV exposure, ensuring that the coating does not powder or fade under prolonged exposure to sunlight and rain.

(2) Scratch and Wear Resistance: The coating has high hardness and impact resistance, effectively resisting surface damage caused by frequent touching, cleaning and wiping, and even intentional scratching during daily use, thereby protecting the appearance of the equipment.

2. Functional Enhancement and Improved User Experience

In addition to basic protection, ATM powder coatings can also be designed with functions to address specific challenges in public environments.

(1) Anti-Graffiti Function: This is a highly targeted design feature. The coating surface is specially formulated so that even if it is marked with paint or markers, the graffiti can be easily removed with specialized chemical cleaners without damaging the coating itself, greatly reducing equipment maintenance costs and downtime.

(2) Chemical Resistance: It can withstand cleaning agents, disinfectants, perspiration, and chemicals in the environment, ensuring that the equipment remains clean under frequent cleaning and in complex environments.

3. Decorative and Identification Functions for Brand Image

As ATMs are terminals through which banks or financial institutions directly interact with users, their appearance is very important.

(1) Appearance Enhancement: Powder coatings can provide a wide range of colors, gloss levels from matte to high gloss, and various texture effects to meet the brand image and design language requirements of different financial institutions, allowing equipment to blend into various public environments.

(2) Functional Identification: Specific colors or coating designs can be used to distinguish different types of terminal equipment or indicate user operation areas.

Applications of ATM Powder Coating

Where is ATM powder coating used? Its specific application areas are as follows:

Core Application: Financial Self-Service Terminals: This is the primary application scenario for ATM powder coating, covering public locations such as bank branches, commercial areas, and transportation hubs. Whether traditional bank ATMs or self-service check-in and payment counters at airports and railway stations, these devices require high-performance coatings to withstand frequent use and potential environmental challenges.

Self-Service Equipment: With technological development, its application has expanded to a broader range of self-service equipment. For example, self-checkout machines in retail stores, self-ordering machines in restaurant chains, and increasingly common contactless hand-washing stations and temperature screening stations can all benefit from the protection provided by these coatings.

Applicable Substrates and Product Forms: ATM powder coating is mainly applied to metal cabinets, housings, panels, and other equipment components. It is suitable for various metal substrates, including common steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum.

How to Choose ATM Powder Coating

When selecting ATM powder coating, we may face difficulties in determining which product to choose. Based on our industry experience, we recommend focusing on the following aspects when selecting ATM powder coating.

1. Determine Core Requirements According to the Installation Environment

The environment is the first factor determining the required coating performance level, particularly the distinction between indoor and outdoor applications.

(1) Indoor ATMs: The main concerns are resistance to daily scratching, cleaning agents, and perspiration corrosion. Epoxy-polyester hybrid powder coatings can be prioritized because they provide excellent hardness and decorative performance with good cost-effectiveness.

(2) Outdoor ATMs: These must withstand sunlight, rain, temperature fluctuations, and even coastal salt spray. High-weather-resistance resin systems, such as pure polyester, polyurethane (PUR), or higher-grade FEVE fluorocarbon resin, must be selected. They ensure that the coating does not powder or undergo severe fading under prolonged UV exposure. Pure epoxy powder coatings are prone to chalking and are therefore unsuitable for outdoor applications.

2. Refine Product Selection Based on Performance Indicators

Evaluate specific technical parameters to identify the appropriate product.

3. Select Special Functions According to Additional Requirements

In addition to basic protection, ATM powder coatings can provide several “advanced options.”

(1) Anti-Graffiti Function: The coating surface is specially designed so that even if it is marked with spray paint or markers, the graffiti can be easily removed with specialized cleaners without damaging the coating itself. This is a highly practical maintenance function for public equipment.

(2) Appearance Customization: Powder coatings can provide a wide range of colors, gloss levels from matte to high gloss, as well as fine textures or sand-textured finishes. This not only meets brand image requirements but also uses textures to effectively conceal minor substrate imperfections.

Common Problems and Solutions for ATM Powder Coating

The most common problems encountered during the use of ATM powder coating are mainly reflected in the following aspects. Based on our industry experience, we have proposed corresponding solutions to help effectively resolve powder coating problems you may encounter.

1. Insufficient or Failed Anti-Graffiti Performance

Problem Description: After being marked with a marker or spray paint, the marks are difficult to remove completely and may even penetrate into the coating, requiring recoating or replacement of the panel.

Possible Causes: This is usually caused by an unsuitable anti-graffiti additive or incompatibility between the resin system and the anti-graffiti function. Anti-graffiti performance depends on the additive forming a hydrophobic and oleophobic “barrier layer” on the coating surface. If a dedicated anti-graffiti additive is not selected for outdoor ATM applications, its performance may deteriorate after prolonged exposure.

Solutions:

(1) Select Dedicated Anti-Graffiti Additives: Prioritize certified organosilicon-modified hydroxyl polyester resin additives specifically designed for polyester-isocyanate powder coatings, which can significantly improve resistance to marker wiping as well as hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.

(2) Optimize the Curing Process to Enhance Performance: The performance release of anti-graffiti additives is closely related to curing conditions. Appropriately increasing the baking temperature to 200–210°C and extending the baking time to 15–30 minutes can further improve resistance to marker wiping.

(3) Pay Attention to Production Isolation: Anti-graffiti additives containing silicone components are prone to cross-contamination during extrusion. When producing anti-graffiti powder coatings, it is recommended to use a dedicated extruder or evaluate cleaning feasibility to avoid contaminating other products.

2. Uneven Powder Application or Pitting on Complex-Shaped Areas

Problem Description: ATM cabinets often contain complex structures such as heat-dissipation grilles, recessed keyholes, and raised brand logos. After spraying, pitting may occur around edges, while powder application may be insufficient and the coating may be weak in recessed areas.

Possible Causes: Improper electrostatic voltage settings are the most common cause. Excessively high voltage, such as above 90 kV, can easily cause powder rebound and edge pitting, while excessively low voltage can result in insufficient powder deposition. In addition, spraying from too close a distance can cause electrostatic breakdown, resulting in pinholes or pitting.

Solutions:

(1) Optimize Electrostatic Spraying Parameters: Control the electrostatic voltage within 60–90 kV, maintain the current at 10–20 μA, and make appropriate adjustments according to the shape of the workpiece to avoid excessive powder deposition on edges.

(2) Adjust Spray Gun Distance: Maintain a distance of 150–300 mm between the spray gun nozzle and the workpiece to ensure powder application efficiency while avoiding defects caused by electrostatic breakdown or powder rebound.

(3) Control Atomization and Flow Rate: Maintain atomizing pressure at 0.30–0.45 MPa to help ensure uniform coating thickness. Control flow pressure at 0.30–0.55 MPa. Excessive pressure wastes powder, while insufficient pressure reduces deposition efficiency.

3. Decreased Coating Performance After Mixing Recovered Powder with New Powder

Problem Description: After recycling overspray powder generated during the spraying process, the coating color becomes lighter, gloss decreases, and even a granular appearance may occur, affecting the appearance consistency of the ATM.

Possible Causes: During powder spraying, some powder does not adhere to the workpiece, with the deposition rate typically being 50%–70%. The particle size distribution of this recovered powder changes, with an increased proportion of fine powder (<12 μm), while the fine powder content in new powder is relatively low. Improper mixing ratios of recovered powder and new powder can directly affect coating performance.

Solutions:

(1) Strictly Control the Mixing Ratio: The recommended mixing ratio of recovered powder to new powder is between 1:3 and 1:1. Exceeding this range may cause fluctuations in coating quality.

(2) Use a Supporting Powder Recovery Classification System: Use a cyclone separator to separate and reuse effective powder with a particle size greater than 12 μm, while ultrafine powder smaller than 12 μm should be sent to the cartridge recovery unit for centralized collection and cleaning and should not be reused, thereby maintaining the quality of recovered powder.

(3) Regularly Remove Fine Powder: Fine powder collected by the cartridge recovery unit should be regularly removed and packed for disposal rather than reused, preventing the continuous accumulation of fine powder from affecting coating performance.

If you encounter difficult-to-solve problems when using ATM powder coating, please feel free to contact us at any time for professional technical support. We are willing to discuss solutions together and promote the development of the powder coating industry.

We hope this article can provide you with a professional and reliable reference regarding the powder coating industry. We sincerely welcome you to consult us regarding powder coating product performance, industry standards, application methods, precautions, or any other related questions. Please feel free to leave a message or contact us directly at any time, so that we can provide you with more detailed product information, demonstration videos, or customized solutions to help you fully understand the functions and advantages of our products.