Short answer
A factory acceptance test (FAT) proves a machine meets the agreed specification before shipment. Check documents, build quality and safety, then run the machine with your containers and product (or a matched substitute) at target speed, measuring fill accuracy, seal integrity, reject functions and changeover time — and record it on video.
Before the FAT
- Agree a written FAT protocol: speed, accuracy, test duration, acceptance criteria.
- Ship container, cap, label and film samples to the factory early.
- Confirm whether the test uses your product or a substitute with similar viscosity.
Documents to check
- Electrical drawings and PLC I/O list
- Operation & maintenance manual, spare-parts list
- Material certificates for product-contact parts (if required)
- CE declaration where applicable
Mechanical and safety checks
- Guard doors stop the machine when opened; emergency stops work
- No sharp edges; welds and finish acceptable
- Pneumatics labeled; air pressure and consumption as specified
Performance run
| Test | How to measure |
|---|---|
| Filling accuracy | Weigh 30+ consecutive containers; calculate deviation |
| Speed | Count output over 10 minutes at steady state |
| Seal integrity | Squeeze / vacuum / dye test on sealed tubes, cups or pouches |
| Capping torque | Torque meter on 10 caps |
| Rejects | Simulate missing cap, label or product |
| Changeover | Time a full size change |
Remote FAT by video
If you cannot travel, ask for a live or recorded video FAT that shows each check with a scale, torque meter and timer in frame. Every machine we ship includes a video outgoing inspection and test report.
After the FAT
Agree a punch list, re-test any corrections, then approve packing. Repeat the key checks at your site during installation (SAT).
