ATM powder coatings are powder coatings specifically designed for the surface finishing of automated teller machine (ATM) housings and metal components of self-service terminals.
This article systematically introduces the definition, characteristics, functions, applications, selection considerations, and solutions to common problems associated with ATM powder coatings. It focuses on their functions to help readers better understand what ATM powder coatings are, as well as their characteristics and applications.
What Are ATM Powder Coatings?
ATM powder coatings refer to powder coatings specifically designed for the surface finishing of automated teller machines (ATMs) and similar self-service terminal metal housings.
They are formulated to meet the requirements of ATM housings for thin-film coverage, abrasion and scratch resistance, chemical resistance, electrical insulation, and decorative appearance.
The specific coating system, such as epoxy-polyester, polyester, or weather-resistant pure polyester/fluorocarbon, depends on whether the equipment is used indoors or outdoors.
Characteristics of ATM Powder Coatings
The main performance characteristics of ATM powder coatings include the following:
Thin-Film Application: Classified as thin-film powder coatings, these products feature relatively fine particle size control, enabling uniform coverage and smooth flow at reduced film thicknesses while balancing appearance and cost.
Mechanical Protection: They offer abrasion and scratch resistance, strong adhesion, and a dense coating film, helping withstand daily scratches and cleaning in public environments where equipment is frequently touched.
Chemical Resistance: They resist the effects of common cleaning agents and chemicals. Some products are also available in anti-graffiti formulations.
Electrical Insulation: Powder coatings inherently offer good electrical insulation properties, providing an additional benefit for ATM terminals containing electrical components.
Customizable Appearance: Available in various colors and surface finishes, including high-gloss, matte, textured, and metallic effects.
Functions of ATM Powder Coatings
The specific functions of ATM powder coatings include the following:
Protective Function: They form a dense coating on ATM metal housings, providing corrosion, scratch, and abrasion resistance. This helps extend equipment service life in public environments with frequent use.
Functional Benefits: Powder coatings inherently provide good electrical insulation, offering an additional benefit for ATM terminals containing electrical components. Some formulations can also be specifically designed with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.
Decorative Function: They are available in various colors and surface finishes, including high-gloss, matte, and textured effects, meeting equipment appearance design and brand identification requirements.
Applications of ATM Powder Coatings
What types of ATM-related equipment are suitable for powder coatings? The main applications include the following:
- Core Application: Financial Self-Service Terminals
The primary application is the metal housing of automated teller machines (ATMs). Several powder coating manufacturers explicitly list ATMs as coating applications in the information technology (IT) industry. In manufacturers’ product classifications, ATMs are generally grouped under the “thin-film powder coating” category alongside computer cases, laptops, and safes.
- Extended Applications: Similar Self-Service Equipment
Since ATMs share highly similar structures, operating environments, and coating requirements with self-service check-in and checkout terminals in airports, railway stations, and supermarkets, powder coating manufacturers often include these devices within the same application category. These devices also require coatings with abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and customizable appearance.
- Expanded Applications: IT and Telecommunications Equipment Housings
The broader category of “powder coatings for information technology applications,” to which ATM powder coatings belong, also covers a wider range of metal equipment components, including desktop and laptop computers, printers, scanners and fax machines, network routers and hubs, servers, telecommunications equipment, and gaming consoles. ATMs are just one typical application within this category.
How to Select ATM Powder Coatings
When selecting ATM powder coatings, buyers may face difficulties in determining which products are most suitable. Based on our industry experience, we recommend focusing on the following considerations:
- Select the Resin System Based on the Operating Environment
This is the primary factor in product selection. Choosing the wrong resin system can compromise subsequent coating performance.
Indoor or Semi-Outdoor Applications (Common Scenarios): ATMs are usually installed in sheltered locations. Conventional epoxy-polyester hybrid or polyester systems are generally sufficient to meet requirements for adhesion, hardness, abrasion resistance, and appearance while offering good cost-effectiveness.
Fully Outdoor Exposure: A system with excellent weather resistance is essential. Pure polyester, particularly TGIC-free grades, as well as polyurethane and FEVE fluorocarbon systems, are suitable options for resisting UV-induced chalking and fading. Pure epoxy powder coatings are unsuitable because they may yellow and become brittle under UV exposure.
- Define Key Performance Specifications
After determining the coating system based on the operating environment, the following parameters should be clearly specified in the technical requirements:
Film Thickness: Thin-film application is a common feature of ATM powder coatings. However, for outdoor models, the film thickness may typically need to reach 80–120 μm to ensure adequate protection. Indoor thin-film applications may use lower thicknesses, but mechanical protection must be confirmed with the supplier.
Corrosion Resistance (A Key Requirement for Outdoor Applications): For outdoor models, refer to the DIN EN ISO 12944 standard. The corrosion category should reach at least C4 (high). For coastal areas, CX or higher-level coating systems should be considered.
Mechanical Performance: Since ATM equipment is frequently touched in public environments, scratch and abrasion resistance requirements must be clearly specified. Suppliers can be asked to provide test data for pencil hardness, adhesion (cross-cut test), and impact resistance.
Electrical Insulation/ESD (As Required): Powder coatings are inherently insulating. If the ATM contains sensitive electronic components, consider whether an electrostatic dissipative (ESD) formulation is required, with the surface resistance controlled within the range of 10⁶–10⁹ ohms to prevent electrostatic charge accumulation.
Appearance and Functionality: Specify the required color (RAL code or physical reference sample) and gloss level (high-gloss, matte, or textured). Anti-graffiti or fingerprint-resistant finishes may be selected for certain applications.
- Confirm Pretreatment and Conduct Trial Spraying
The performance of powder coatings depends heavily on pretreatment. Outdoor ATMs, in particular, require thorough degreasing, phosphating (or silane/zirconium-based conversion treatment), and surface preparation to ensure good adhesion.
When selecting a product, do not focus solely on powder coating specifications. Confirm that the coating system recommended by the supplier is compatible with your substrate and pretreatment process. Conduct trial spraying under your actual production line conditions and approve a reference sample before proceeding with bulk purchases.
Common Problems with ATM Powder Coatings and Their Solutions
The most common problems encountered during the use of ATM powder coatings are mainly as follows. Based on our industry experience, we provide targeted solutions to help effectively resolve powder coating problems you may encounter.
- Pinholes
Appearance: Small pits appear on the coating surface. In severe cases, the substrate may be exposed, directly affecting corrosion resistance and appearance.
Causes: Gas, moisture, or oil contaminants trapped in substrate pores or corroded areas escape during heating and curing, penetrating the molten coating film. Residual phosphating solution that has not been thoroughly rinsed off and oil or water in compressed air can also cause this problem.
Solutions: Thoroughly remove rust and grease; strengthen rinsing after phosphating to prevent residual solution from remaining on the surface; preheat porous substrates to release trapped gases before spraying; and inspect the compressed air drying and filtration system.
- Craters/Fisheyes
Appearance: Localized shrinkage forms crater-like depressions on the coating surface, often exposing the substrate and compromising the continuity of the protective coating.
Causes: Oil contamination, foreign powder, or other low-surface-tension contaminants on the substrate or in compressed air prevent the molten powder from wetting the affected areas, causing the coating to retract.
Solutions: Strictly control degreasing during pretreatment; thoroughly clean spray guns, powder hoses, and spray booths when changing powder types; ensure that compressed air is free of oil and moisture; and inspect hooks and hanging fixtures for contamination.
- Orange Peel
Appearance: The coating surface is uneven and has an orange-peel-like texture, reducing the perceived quality of the finish. This is particularly noticeable on ATMs because they are highly visible devices.
Causes: An unsuitable powder particle size distribution, with excessive coarse particles; excessive film thickness, resulting in high melt viscosity that prevents adequate flow and leveling; or excessively rapid heating during curing, which shortens the flow and leveling window.
Solutions: Control film thickness within the recommended range and avoid excessive application; reduce spray gun voltage and optimize atomizing air pressure to improve powder distribution uniformity; and confirm the actual metal temperature profile of the workpiece to ensure sufficient time for flow and leveling.
- Particles and Dirt
Appearance: Raised particles adhere to the coating surface, affecting its feel and appearance.
Causes: Poor air filtration in the spray booth or curing oven allows dust and fibers to enter; cured powder on hanging fixtures flakes off; or unmelted foreign particles are mixed into the powder.
Solutions: Regularly clean the curing oven and conveyor chain; pre-bake new hanging fixtures or apply a preliminary powder coating to help bind contaminants; strengthen spray booth pressurization and filtration, and maintain a slight negative-pressure environment to prevent external dust from entering.
- Poor Adhesion/Peeling
Appearance: The coating peels off in sheets or lifts at the edges, exposing the substrate and accelerating rust formation. This is a critical defect for ATM housings.
Causes: Incomplete pretreatment, with oil contamination or oxide scale remaining on the surface; uneven or missing phosphate conversion coating; or insufficient curing, resulting in inadequate crosslinking density.
Solutions: Ensure that degreasing, phosphating (or silane/zirconium-based conversion treatment), and other process parameters are properly controlled; regularly verify the actual workpiece temperature in the curing oven rather than relying solely on the oven temperature display; and avoid excessive film thickness at edges, which may generate internal stress.
- Color Mismatch
Appearance: The color of ATM housings varies within the same batch or between batches. After installation, adjacent panels may appear visually inconsistent.
Causes: Differences in pigment dispersion between powder batches; variations in curing temperature or time resulting in different degrees of resin yellowing; and film thickness variations affecting hiding power and color tone.
Solutions: Require the supplier to provide color difference inspection data for every batch; maintain a consistent curing oven temperature profile and conveyor speed; and use powder coatings from the same batch for the housings of the same ATM whenever possible.
ATM Powder Coatings — Creating Safe and Durable Surface Protection for Equipment
ATM powder coatings are specially designed for the metal housings and structural components of automated teller machines and financial self-service equipment. They offer good adhesion, corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and scratch resistance, helping improve equipment surface durability and appearance. Available in various colors, gloss levels, and surface finishes, they meet the appearance and protection requirements of different ATM devices.
With over 20 years of experience in powder coating manufacturing, we can provide customized powder coating products and solutions based on the operating environment, substrate, and performance requirements of ATM equipment. Contact us today for professional product selection advice!
