Grey Iron vs Ductile (GS) Foundries in France — Buyer Checklist
2026-07-17
French foundries often describe iron families with local shorthand: fonte, FGL, Fontes GS. For European purchasing teams, the distinction between grey iron and ductile (spheroidal graphite / GS) drives mechanical performance, wall thickness strategy and machining allowances.
What the directory can tell you
In StålFe’s iron category, filter and open profiles to see whether public federation fields mention grey iron, GS/ductile, or only a generic “fonte” tag. Many members under-declare the split — treat missing GS language as a question for the RFQ, not proof of absence.
Buyer checklist
Metallurgy & grades
- Target EN grades (or customer equivalent) and hardness windows.
- Nodularity / matrix requirements for ductile programmes.
- Heat-treatment expectations (as-cast vs normalised / tempered).
Process fit
- Green sand vs chemically bonded for surface and dimensional class.
- Shell / Croning when thinner sections or better surface are required — see shell moulding.
- Core complexity and undercuts that force cold-box or furan routes.
Machining & finishing
- In-house usinage vs partner machine shops.
- Stock allowances aligned to ISO 8062 thinking.
Documentation
- EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 scope — certificate guide.
- NDT class for safety or pressure parts — NDT handbook.
Deep reading
CTA
Shortlist iron houses in the directory, then request a quote with grade, CT class and certificate level explicit on page one of the RFQ.