If you’ve ever wondered how ATMs (and cars, buses and trains) get dressed up with colorful images and graphics, just read on.
ATM Network recently landed a contract to provide three ATMs to Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC). As part of the agreement, RCTC wanted the ATMs to wear the school logo and colors.
That meant something called “wrapping”, where the machine is literally wrapped in sheets of heavy-duty glue-backed vinyl. Though the materials vary slightly, it’s the same process used to wrap cars, buses, trains and scoreboards in eye-catching imagery. Here’s how it worked in our case:
Digital mockup of the wrapped ATM
1. Our designer mocked up a digital image of how the machine would look.
The wrap design applied to a full-sized template.
2. Once the design was approved, the designer built a full-sized, full-resolution version using a digital template of the specific ATM model. In this case the model changed between mockup and contract signing, so the design changed slightly, too.
The finished vinyl panels, waiting to be installed.
3. The design file was emailed to a printer that specializes in vinyl graphics, which printed it on thick vinyl with a glue-covered backing. The finished panels were shipped back to ATM Network, ready to be installed.
Putting primer on the edges.
4. The installer first painted the edges of each machine with metal primer, to help the panel glue stick.
Applying the left panel.
Cutting the left panel.
Applying the right panel.
5. After aligning and applying the left panel, he cut the front edge to match the contour of the machine. Then he repeated the process with the right panel. The edges of each panel wrap around the corners of the machine for added purchase.
Applying the back panel.
6. Next the back panel went on.
A blowtorch?!?
7. Sometimes a blowtorch is needed to soften the vinyl so it can be stretched taut or bent around corners.
Applying the top.
8. Next the top went on, covering the seams of the other panels and sealing the whole wrap.
Smoothing the vinyl.
9. The installer used a scraper to smooth each panel flat and tuck it into grooves in the metal.
Applying the front.
10. After carefully laying the ATM on its back, the installer attached the front panel. If necessary he cut holes for things like keyholes, combination locks, levers, etc.
Cutting out the vent holes.
11. Lastly, the installer used a razor knife to cut out all the ventilation holes covered by the vinyl.
Three finished ATMs.
12. Repeat the process twice more, and voila! You have three eye-catching ATMs ready for delivery.
ATM Network can wrap or paint any ATM we sell. We can attach your design or help you design one. Visit our Upgrades page for more details.
