Metal substrates

Versatile, efficient gas catalytic IR curing for every metal substrate in your operation

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3:1

Faster Curing

90%+

Metal Types Covered

30-40%

Energy Savings

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Metal substrates represent 85-90% of all powder coating applications worldwide. From lightweight aluminum extrusions to heavy steel equipment, each metal brings unique thermal properties that directly impact coating quality and cure efficiency.

Gas Catalytic IR technology handles this diversity with precision and speed. Whether you’re coating automotive wheels, architectural extrusions, or industrial machinery, catalytic IR delivers consistent results across all metal types—making it the reliable workhorse of modern powder coating operations. All of our products use Gas Catalytic IR:

Common Metal Substrates

Why gas catalytic IR out performs across different metals

aluminum

Thermal Conductivity

200–237 W/m·K

Why It's Challenging

Dissipates heat rapidly; thin gauge heats unevenly

Direct IR radiant energy compensates for rapid heat loss

galvanised steel

Thermal Conductivity

45–65 W/m·K

Why It's Challenging

Zinc coating outgasses above 390°F if overheated

Precise control keeps temperature safely below zinc threshold

satinless steel

Thermal Conductivity

16-24 W/m·K

Why It's Challenging

Slow, Uneven Heating Creates Heat Discoloration Risk

Consistent gas catalytic IR heat eliminates hot spots and heat discoloration

castings

Thermal Conductivity

15–25 W/m·K

Why It's Challenging

Thick sections heat slowly and unevenly

IR is absorbed by the powder—no need to heat the complete casting

The four main reasons gas Catalytic IR comes out on top

Quality, production output, cost savings and versatlity. What are you waiting for?

Improved Quality

Consistent radiant heating delivers:

• Eliminates orange peel from uneven gel temperatures
• Prevents sagging and bubbling
• Improves color consistency and gloss uniformity
• Precise control for temperature-sensitive substrates
• Uniform heating prevents stainless steel heat tinting

Faster Production Speed

Typical powder on steel:

• Convection: 20-30 minutes total cure
• Catalytic IR: 7-10 minutes total cure

Heat-up to gel point:

• Convection: 8-12 minutes
• Catalytic IR: 2-4 minutes

Impact: Increase throughput from 2-3 parts/hour to 6-8 parts/hour without changing line speed. WolfRayet’s Galaxy Boost is specifically designed for high-volume metal production.

Superior Energy Efficiency

Metallic surfaces absorb 90-93% of IR radiation (2-4 microns). Energy transfers directly to metal substrate through powder coating, heating both simultaneously. No wasted energy heating large air volumes.

Result: Same cure in one-third the time using 30-40% less energy per part.

Operational Versatility

Handles diverse production requirements:

• Stored recipes for different metal types
• Quick changeover between substrates (1-2 minutes)
• Independent zone adjustment for mixed production
• Handles everything from thin aluminum to heavy cast iron