Factory acceptance testing
Bottle Labelling Machine FAT Checklist.
Prepare the evidence needed for a useful factory acceptance test.
Need a bottle labelling machine specified quickly? Send bottle dimensions, label size and output target.
Request specification adviceCall 01494 623015Use the FAT to prove the agreed application, not just that the machine runs.
A bottle labelling machine FAT is most valuable when it uses representative containers, production-equivalent labels and an agreed record of what will be checked. The purpose is to confirm the defined application before dispatch and to identify changes while the equipment is still in a controlled test environment.
| FAT area | Evidence to prepare | What the review should confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Product family | The smallest, largest, least stable and most presentation-critical containers, in the state in which they will be labelled. | Guides, spacing, label-head position and product control cover the agreed format range. |
| Label rolls | Production-equivalent rolls for the widest, longest, clearest or otherwise most demanding labels. | Web tracking, gap or registration sensing, dispense and wipe-down are suitable for the stated materials. |
| Placement standard | An approved labelled sample, marked container or drawing showing the required label position and front/rear relationship. | Everyone uses the same visual reference when checking first-off and repeat samples. |
| Changeover | The formats to be changed between, expected operator sequence and any recipe or setting records. | The machine can be returned to a known setup and the first-off check is practical. |
| Line interfaces | Conveyor direction, upstream and downstream equipment, stop/start signals, coder, inspection and reject requirements. | The labeller is tested as part of the intended process rather than as an isolated mechanism. |
Agree the FAT scope before samples arrive
Record which formats are included, which labels will be used, how many changeovers will be demonstrated and what constitutes an acceptable labelled pack. Where exact placement tolerance is important, it must be defined from verified project requirements and measured by an agreed method; it should not be assumed from a generic catalogue statement. If filled product changes bottle stability, flexibility or surface condition, use safely prepared representative packs rather than empty containers alone.
Dry and safety checks
Confirm guards, interlocks, emergency stops, controls, machine direction and access points in accordance with the agreed project scope. Site-specific risk assessment and final installation responsibilities remain separate from a factory demonstration.
Product trials
Run the agreed container and label combinations long enough to observe feeding, separation, sensing, dispense, wipe-down and outfeed behaviour. Record interruptions and adjustments instead of presenting only the best labelled sample.
Changeover demonstration
Reset guides, reel, sensors and label position between representative formats. Check that settings, recipes or reference marks are sufficient for the intended operators to reproduce the setup.
Evidence and actions
Photograph approved samples, record the label-roll identity and list any open actions with an owner and due point. Separate cosmetic preferences from genuine functional non-conformities.
What to send with the FAT pack
- Container drawings or measured dimensions, plus photographs from several angles.
- Production-equivalent label rolls with artwork orientation and roll specification confirmed.
- A line layout showing conveyor height, direction and neighbouring equipment.
- The expected code, barcode or inspection requirement, including its position on the pack.
- A format list and the intended changeover sequence.
- An acceptance sheet with each check, evidence required and sign-off responsibility.
Use the sample-testing checklist to prepare representative materials, the label-roll worksheet to remove reel ambiguity and the commissioning checklist to carry the agreed evidence forward to site.
Prepare an application-specific FAT plan.
Send Lancing the container family, label rolls, line interfaces and the presentation standard that must be demonstrated.