GIFF a.s. – A Tradition of Ironmaking in Frýdlant nad Ostravicí

Today’s casting production at the GIFF a.s. foundry successfully builds on a rich ironmaking tradition that has developed in our region over centuries. When it was founded in 1618, the plant originally focused exclusively on the production of pig iron, but over time the entire production process underwent fundamental development. Growing demand for strong structures also led in 1832 to the founding of the Vítkovice Ironworks (Vítkovické železárny), which at that time began as a branch plant of the Frýdlant ironworks.

The Foundry’s Transformation Phase

The installation of two modern cupola furnaces in 1852 therefore marked a fundamental turning point in the development of the entire plant in Frýdlant nad Ostravicí. This technological leap redirected production capacity towards the large-scale manufacture of cast iron products, especially the popular cast iron stoves with which the company successfully entered European markets.

In 1900, this historical chapter came to an end, as the final shutdown of the second blast furnace ended the primary production of pig iron. However, growing demand for precision castings called for the rapid integration of high-performance molding equipment.

The Development of the Frýdlant Ironworks: From FERRUM to GIFF a.s.

A key milestone came in 1913, when the joint-stock company FERRUM was founded. This company leased the ironworks for 50 years, which finally ended the plant’s administration under the Archdiocese of Olomouc. Following the social changes of 1990, the company became independent again under the traditional name FERRUM after being spun off from the state enterprise OSTROJ Opava.

The last major transformation took place on 1 September 2001, when the company officially adopted its current name, GIFF a.s.

The Foundry Today

Today, GIFF a.s. operates as a fully independent and technologically self-sufficient production unit with an annual output of over 5,500 tonnes of high-quality castings. Our production portfolio covers castings weighing from 2 to 100 kg with dimensions of up to 700 mm. We routinely process proven gray cast iron grades ČSN EN GJL 150, ČSN EN GJL 200 and ČSN EN GJL 250 (GG-15 to GG-25). In addition, we also produce high-toughness ductile iron ČSN EN GJS 500-7 (GGG-50).

The HSP – 3D Molding Line at the GIFF a.s. Foundry

The core of our modern operation is the automated production of sand molds. For this purpose, we use the state-of-the-art HSP – 3D line with flasks measuring 850 × 850 × 200 mm, which works on the principle of SEIATSU compressed-air impulse compaction followed by squeeze pressing. The newly added HSP – 3D2 line also significantly increases molding efficiency and reliably captures all fugitive emissions. Thanks to this advanced technology, we achieve a stable capacity of up to 60 complete molds per hour, with the entire process taking place in high-quality synthetic bentonite-bonded sand.

GIFF a.s. Foundry Equipment

We reliably meet the high demands of our customers thanks to comprehensive technological facilities. Our modern production park consists mainly of the following key units:

Electric induction furnaces: They ensure energy-efficient and precisely controlled melting of cast iron.
Automatic molding lines: They guarantee high productivity and dimensional accuracy of sand molds.
Computer-controlled sand preparation: It maintains consistent quality and optimal properties of the bentonite molding sand.
Automated core shooting machines: They enable the precise production of complex internal cores for castings.
Casting manipulators: They increase the safety and speed of handling heavy, hot parts.
Modern fettling shop with dust extraction and heat recovery: It provides perfect cleaning of castings with minimal environmental impact.
Machining of castings on CNC machines: It offers precise machining and finishing work in one place.
Laboratory and quality control department: They monitor the chemical composition, mechanical properties and geometry of products.
Pattern shop and CNC center: They ensure fast custom production and maintenance of pattern equipment.