Historic French manufacturer expands its partnership with SACMI-SAMA. By adopting the PHO451 + OFM solution, Gien is focusing on quality, automation and process repeatability, highlighting the effectiveness of isostatic pressing technology, even with special materials like faïence.
Faïencerie de Gien has gone for SACMI-SAMA isostatic pressing technology, installing a new PHO451 press complete with an OFM 8-38 universal finisher. With nearly two centuries of success behind it, Faïencerie de Gien is one of the most respected names in the French ceramic tradition. Founded in the heart of the Loire Valley, the company is synonymous with craftsmanship and high-end tableware. It is internationally renowned for its refined shaping and superb decorations.
The supplied configuration delivers outstanding versatility and efficiency, even in the handling of non-round items. More specifically, the PHO451 can press items of varying shape and size. With round and oval items, it can produce plates up to 38 cm in diameter. Downstream, smooth integration with the OFM 8-38 universal finisher lets Faïencerie de Gien control finishing of all product types with the utmost efficiency thanks to automatic perimeter detection and fast format changeovers.
Quality, automation, and process repeatability are the hallmarks of SAMA isostatic pressing: it’s a tried and tested technology, and a tableware industry benchmark. This project highlights the fact that it’s also suitable for faïence products, the characteristics of which differ from classic porcelain and Vitreous China.
To ensure optimal manufacturing results, all the preliminary pressing and finishing tests were conducted on the SAMA pilot plant, confirming the Weissenstadt facility as a key customer support hub for process innovation.
For Faïencerie de Gien, this isostatic pressing project yields a dual advantage: a surge in quality in terms of automation and consistency, and a simplified process that eliminates the need for a dryer.
It also broadens the scope of the partnership between SAMA and Faïencerie de Gien following on from the latter’s recent investment in the DUO immersion solution. In short: SACMI-SAMA continues to strengthen its presence in the high-end artistic and decorated tableware segment of the prestigious French market.
This large-scale project received financial support from the Centre Val de Loire Region and the European Union, amounting to € 300,000. This partnership highlights the strategic importance of this innovation for the region and for the French ceramics industry.