Objective To characterize the abrasive wear of polymer tapes in ATM (Auto Teller Machine)servicing in sand dust environment. Methods The abrasive wear experiment of polymer tapes, PEN (polyethylene-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate) and PI (polyimide), by sand dust particles is performed in ATM tribosystem. The fractal characteristics of the worn surface of polymer tapes and the corresponding wear mechanisms are examined. Results As main results, the worn surfaces of polymer tapes show bi-fractal characteristics, and PI tape shows higher fractal dimensions and finer wear profiles than PEN tape. Wear mechanism examination shows macro and micro ploughing and cutting grooves and micro fracture characters, which gives reasonable explanation of bi-fractal character of worn polymer tapes. Conclusion Worn polymer tape shows fractal character and bi-fractal can be used in accurately characterizing the abrasive wear of polymer tapes of ATM in sand dust environment.