Перейти к содержанию 
A factory acceptance test should verify the agreed machine scope against measurable requirements before shipment. It is not simply a demonstration that the machine moves. Buyers and suppliers should agree the products, packaging materials, test duration, acceptance methods and responsibility for unresolved items before the FAT begins.
Buyer focus: Treat this guide as a requirement-building tool. Confirm final equipment suitability with representative product, packaging materials, factory conditions and written acceptance criteria.
Define What the FAT Must Prove
Convert the purchase specification into observable tests. Separate requirements that can be proven at the supplier’s factory from site-dependent items that belong in the SAT. Identify essential pass conditions, observations and open actions.
Prepare Products and Packaging Materials
Use production-intent materials where possible and record revision, quantity and condition. Include enough material to stabilize the process, run the agreed test and repeat critical checks. Document every substitute and the remaining validation work.
Verify Scope and Construction
- Machine identity and ordered modules
- Installed options and tooling
- Product-contact parts and finishes
- Guards, access and operator stations
- Utilities and interface provisions
- Drawings, software and documentation revisions
Run the Agreed Product–Format Matrix
Demonstrate the formats identified by the contract or risk-based plan. Record product condition, package material, recipe, tooling and settings so results can be reproduced. Include difficult formats where they represent the intended operating range.
Measure Sustained Saleable Output
Define test duration, acceptable packs, rejects, stops, adjustments and material replenishment. Record the time and cause of interruptions rather than reporting only a short peak rate. Use the capacity guide to align the measurement basis.
Inspect Package Quality
Apply the agreed checks for fill, dimensions, appearance, coding, seal or leak performance and rejection. Acceptance limits and methods must come from the approved project specification or buyer validation plan, not be invented during the test.
Challenge Controls, Safety and Recovery
Test normal start and stop, emergency functions, guards, alarms, recipe access and recovery from agreed fault conditions. Connected-machine signals may be simulated at the factory and then confirmed at site.
Test Changeover and Cleaning Tasks
Observe the complete process, including tools, lifting, removed parts, settings and first-pack approval. Confirm how change parts are identified and stored and which cleaning tasks can be demonstrated at the factory.
Close Documentation and Open Items
Review manuals, drawings, declarations, parts lists, maintenance schedules, backups, training and the punch list. Every deviation needs an owner, required evidence and due date. Conditional acceptance should state the condition and re-test method.
Separate FAT From SAT
SAT confirms installation, site utilities, final interfaces, local materials and operators. Carry unresolved FAT items into the SAT plan without treating shipment as evidence that they are closed. Return to the buyer’s guide for the earlier specification steps.
Freeze the FAT Protocol Before the Test
The approved protocol should name the machine configuration, test product and materials, utilities, run duration, sampling plan, required output and package-quality criteria. It should also state what is excluded because some site-dependent functions can only be completed during installation or site acceptance testing.
Use calibrated or otherwise agreed measuring equipment. Record actual settings, alarms, stops, rejects and operator interventions rather than reporting only a final average. Retain representative package samples or photos where practical.
Close Deviations Without Losing Traceability
Classify each issue as resolved during FAT, required before shipment, accepted for site completion, or commercial scope change. Record evidence, owner and due date. Shipment approval should not erase open items; the final dossier should preserve the signed protocol, raw data, software and drawing revisions, certificates and closure evidence.
Standards and Industry References
The following resources provide general guidance for equipment selection and review. Final requirements should be determined according to applicable regulations, customer standards and site-specific risk assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a factory acceptance test for packaging equipment?
It is a structured test at the supplier facility to verify agreed machine functions, performance, package quality, safety features and documentation before shipment.
When should FAT criteria be agreed?
Agree the protocol and pass criteria before the purchase order or design freeze so the test reflects the commercial specification.
How long should a FAT run last?
Long enough to expose the agreed performance and stability risks. The duration depends on machine type, product, package and contractual criteria.
Should the buyer provide product and packaging materials?
Usually yes, because representative production materials reduce uncertainty. Responsibilities, quantities, storage and acceptable substitutes should be written in advance.
Is FAT the same as site acceptance testing?
No. FAT tests the machine at the supplier, while SAT confirms installation, utilities, interfaces and performance under site conditions.
Can a machine ship with open FAT items?
Only when the buyer explicitly accepts the risk and every item has a documented owner, due date, completion location and verification method.
Turn your requirement into a testable HUALIAN proposal
Send product details, package samples, output targets, SKU range and factory conditions. We can review an appropriate equipment path and the evidence needed before purchase.
Review Automatic Food Thermoforming Vacuum Skin Packaging Machine
Related Resources
- How to Choose Food Packaging Equipment: A Practical Buyer’s Guide
- Food Packaging Machine RFQ Checklist
- Recommended next guide: How to Calculate Food Packaging Machine Capacity
