The six-step process for Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of machinery: ① Document Verification (Certificate of Conformity, inspection records, certification); ② Appearance & Assembly (paint, welds, bolts, leak checks); ③ No-load Test Run (power-on operation: checking for abnormal noise, vibration, temperature rise, and current); ④ Trial Production with Materials (using client materials: verifying precision, speed, and yield rates); ⑤ Performance Testing (item-by-item acceptance based on technical agreements: load, precision, safety devices); ⑥ Sign-off & Release (FAT acceptance form + archived test run video; packaging and shipping occur only after passing)—pre-shipment inspection is the final quality gate before delivery.
I.
Document Verification
Certificate of Conformity (factory inspection pass); Inspection Records (critical component testing/assembly records); Certification (CE/ISO certificates matching the nameplate); Technical Agreement (basis for acceptance standards)—documentation first (confirm “what needs to be inspected” before proceeding).
II.
Appearance and Assembly Inspection
Appearance (paint, welds, dents/dings, rust); Assembly (bolt tightness, clearances, lubrication); Leaks (hydraulic, oil lines, pneumatic lines); Electrical (wiring standards, protective covers, grounding)—five-point visual check (appearance, assembly, leaks, electrical; most defects are revealed at this stage).
III. No-Load Test Run
Power-up (verify voltage specifications); No-load operation (check for abnormal noise, vibration, temperature rise, and current levels); Safety devices (test emergency stops and safety interlocks); Parameters (record operating parameters)—The no-load test verifies “operational status” (checking for normal function before loading materials).
IV. Trial Production with Material (Core Step)
Material loading: Conduct trial production using the client’s actual materials or simulated materials;
Acceptance: Ensure precision, speed, and yield rates meet technical agreement specifications; Records: Archive trial run data and parameters; Video: Record the entire process as evidence—Trial production with material is the core of the FAT (verifying actual performance rather than just appearance; shipment is withheld if standards are not met).
V. Sign-off and Release
Acceptance Form: FAT sign-off (attended by the buyer, agent, or third party);
Rectification: Re-inspect after addressing any identified issues (release granted only upon passing re-inspection); Packaging: Moisture-proof and shock-proof packaging following release approval; Release Letter: Authorization to ship (based on inspection report and acceptance form)—Sign-off and release signify quality confirmation (linked to the milestone for final payment prior to shipment).
For overseas buyers, the factory acceptance test (FAT) comprises five steps: documentation review, visual inspection, no-load test run, trial production with material, and sign-off/release.
Key safeguards include trial production with material, video documentation, and third-party attendance;
final payment and shipment release occur only after successful acceptance.
