Approved scope
Use the latest agreed specification, drawings, options and interface schedule so the test does not validate an obsolete configuration.
Factory acceptance test
Factory acceptance testing for paste filling machines.
A useful FAT confirms the agreed machine functions under stated test conditions before dispatch. It does not replace site acceptance, but it should expose avoidable issues while corrective work is still practical.
UK buyer guidanceProduct-led specificationEvidence before sign-off
Purpose
Test the agreed requirement, not a generic demonstration cycle.
The FAT should trace each important requirement to a repeatable check. It should state the product, pack, machine configuration, measurement equipment, sample size, operating conditions and acceptance decision before testing starts.
Representative challenge
Include the lowest and highest required dose, the hardest normal product condition and the most demanding pack that can be tested safely.
Recorded evidence
Keep sequential measurements, photographs or video where useful, settings, deviations and the action owner for every open point.
Clear release decision
Separate passed items, accepted deviations, retest items and site-dependent checks that cannot be completed at the factory.
Protocol structure
Build the test matrix around product, pack, machine and line functions.
Not every project needs every test below. Select only the checks that correspond to the agreed scope and risks.
| Test area | Practical checks | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing | Prime the system, run sequential fills at agreed set points, identify each nozzle or head and record product temperature and settings. | Raw measurements, calculation method, scale or measuring-device identification and pass/fail result against the agreed criterion. |
| Product handling | Observe chamber refill, hopper level sensitivity, particle passage, aeration, settling, heating or agitation and product condition after pumping. | Comments, images where useful and any configuration limitation or operating window discovered during the test. |
| Nozzle and pack presentation | Check cut-off, suck-back, tails, neck or rim contamination, fill position, headspace, diving motion and container stability. | Accepted pack samples or photographs plus the settings used to produce them. |
| Container handling | Run representative empty and filled containers through guides, sensors, indexing, accumulation and transfer points. | Observed jams, scuffs, unstable packs, required guide settings and accepted change parts. |
| Controls and alarms | Check start, stop, emergency stop, guard or access devices within scope, no-container/no-fill logic, low-product conditions and controlled restart. | Completed functional checklist, alarm text review and deviations requiring software or hardware action. |
| Changeover and cleaning | Demonstrate agreed format changes, safe access, wetted-part removal, residual-product handling and restart after reassembly. | Timed or observed sequence where agreed, tool list, parts list and any instruction updates. |
| Integrated line | Run filling with the supplied conveyors, capping, labelling, coding or inspection equipment at a stable line condition and through minor stops. | Accepted-pack output, stop causes, recovery behaviour and interface actions. |
| Documentation | Review manuals, drawings, declarations or incorporation documents as applicable, spare-parts list, backups and training material within the order scope. | Document register with revision status and an outstanding-items list. |
Measurement discipline
Do not hide variation inside one average.
Record fills in sequence and identify each filling head. State whether the result is gross mass, tare-corrected net mass, converted volume or another method. Use equipment suitable for the required decision and record how tare variation, product density and temperature are handled.
Averages can be useful, but they should sit beside the individual results, range and any trend over time. A short test may miss drift caused by product warming, hopper depletion, air release or inconsistent chamber refill.
Before the test
Confirm these items in writing.
- Approved product and pack samples with enough quantity for priming, adjustment, testing and repeat runs.
- Acceptance criteria and sample plan agreed before the first result is seen.
- Witnesses and decision authority identified for both supplier and buyer.
- Safety and test limitations including any product SDS, temperature, pressure or cleaning controls.
- Deviation process covering ownership, target date, evidence and whether retesting is required.
FAT and SAT
Keep factory and site acceptance responsibilities separate.
The FAT proves what can be demonstrated at the supplier's premises. Site acceptance confirms installation, real utilities, production product supply, upstream and downstream interfaces, site safety arrangements and operator use under the agreed site conditions.
Factory acceptance normally concentrates on
Machine build, agreed functions, product and pack trials, format parts, control logic, alarms, changeover evidence and document readiness.
Site acceptance normally concentrates on
Installation, utilities, line interfaces, production operating conditions, site controls, training, handover and any checks explicitly deferred from FAT.
Prepare the requirement first with the paste filling machine specification guide, then use the product sample trial guide and commissioning and site acceptance guide.
Need a testable acceptance plan?
Send the product, pack formats, fill range, required line functions and the evidence your team needs before dispatch. Lancing can review which checks belong in the machine scope.