How to specify the right turnstile finish

1 September 2019 Access Control & Identity Management

Purchasing a turnstile gives you a large amount of flexibility when it comes to choosing the right finish. The right finish should be appropriate for where the turnstile is located, for example in an internal or external, as well as inland or in a coastal environment, and should do an exemplary job at resisting any corrosion or physical damage. So, it is therefore vital to consider where the unit will be located and what conditions it will be subjected to before deciding on a finish.

Turnstar’s Titan turnstiles are available in a number of finishes, each specifically suited to the demands of the local environment in which they will be deployed. The experience of the Turnstar Systems’ team allows the company, in consultation with clients, to provide the optimum finish for the application. The Titan turnstile is not only designed and manufactured to be corrosion-resistant, but is cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing.

Let’s unpack the various finishes available for the Titan:

1. Mild steel with UV-resistant polyester exterior powder coat finish (standard charcoal blue hammertone; other colours available on request). This finish is a tough, industrial grade finish and is suitable for inland outdoor and coastal indoor applications. This finish holds up to most scratching/rough use and will provide many years of service. Powder coating is done in-house in Turnstar’s chemical pre-treatment plant and powder coating system.

2. Mild steel with hot dip galvanised finish. Hot dip galvanising is the process of applying a protective sacrificial zinc coating over steel to prevent rusting. The turnstile components are placed in a series of chemical pre-treatment tanks and are then dipped in a bath of molten zinc. The zinc bonds to the steel and then forms a zinc oxide layer. The coating ensures that the zinc will undergo the anodic reaction before the steel substrate is affected. Galvanised steel helps guard against corrosion and stands up well to water and salt exposure. This finish is the most hard-wearing and works well in outdoor environments, even at the coast.

3. Stainless steel is a more expensive material of choice but in terms of its aesthetic value, corrosion resistance and longevity, coupled with the fact that it is completely recyclable, it is a hands-down winner.

4. 304 grade brushed stainless steel. While this grade of stainless steel can be used in outdoor applications, it is better suited to inland environments. Stainless steel Titan turnstiles will keep their integrity no matter how scratched they become. When treated properly, these cabinets are very aesthetically pleasing and provide a modern look to physical access control systems.

5. 316 marine grade stainless steel contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The molybdenum is added to help resist corrosion to chlorides (like sea water and de-icing salts), making it suitable for use in corrosive coastal environments.


Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

New State of Physical Access Control Report from HID
HID Global Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
HID released the 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report, identifying five key trends shaping access control's future and painting a picture of an industry that has been undergoing considerable transformation.

Read more...
Smart intercoms are transforming access control
Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions
Smart intercoms have emerged as a pivotal tool in modern access control. They provide a seamless and secure way to manage entry points without the need for traditional security guards to validate visitors before granting them access.

Read more...
Easy, secure access for student apartments
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management Surveillance
Enhancing Security and Convenience at Beau Vie II Student Accommodation, a student apartment block located at Banghoek Road, Stellenbosch, with Paxton's access control and video management solution

Read more...
Invixium acquires Triax Technologies
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Invixium has announced it has acquired Triax Technologies to expand its biometric solutions with AI-based RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems) offering for improved safety and productivity at industrial sites and critical infrastructure.

Read more...
ControliD's iDFace receives ICASA certification
Impro Technologies News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
The introduction of Control iD's iDFace facial biometric reader, backed by mandatory ICASA certification, underscores the commitment to quality, compliance, and innovation.

Read more...
The future of workplace access
HID Global Access Control & Identity Management
Mobile credentials are considerably more secure than physical access control, because they eliminate the need for physical cards or badges, support multiple security protocols, and add layers of protection on top of basic card encryption.

Read more...
Integrated, mobile access control
SA Technologies Entry Pro Technews Publishing Access Control & Identity Management
SMART Security Solutions spoke to SA Technologies to learn more about what is happening in the estate access world and what the company offers the residential estate market.

Read more...
Bespoke access for prime office space
Paxton Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry)
Nicol Corner is home to a six-star fitness club, prime office space, and an award-winning rooftop restaurant. It is also the first building in South Africa to have its glass façade fully incorporate fritted glazing, saving 35% on energy consumption.

Read more...
Next-generation facial recognition access control system
Enkulu Technologies Products & Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry)
With a modern and innovative design, iDFace is the ideal device for monitoring and controlling people entering and exiting a building using facial recognition technology, including liveness detection, for enhanced security.

Read more...
Long-distance vehicle identification
STid Security Products & Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry)
The STid SPECTRE reader can identify vehicles up to 14 metres away, across four traffic lanes, ensuring secure access to an estate without disrupting the traffic flow.

Read more...