Why it matters
Testing reduces the risk of discovering product or container issues only after the machine reaches site.
Acceptance testing
Filling machine acceptance testing confirms the machine against real production needs.
A practical FAT should check product filling, container handling, accuracy, repeatability, controls, safety and downstream integration before shipment or commissioning.
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Specification route
What to test
These are the main points to check before asking for a quote. They help avoid a filler that looks suitable on a catalogue page but fails in real production.
- Fill volume or weight repeatability across a sample run.
- Nozzle cut-off, splash, foam, drip and product presentation.
- Container gating, guides, conveyor handling and cap/lid route.
- Operator controls, safety checks and changeover settings.
Buyer checks
Practical checks before quotation.
These points help Lancing UK shortlist the right piston, pump, cup, semi-automatic or automatic filling route.
Best preparation
Provide real product and containers where possible so the machine can be checked against production conditions.
Related pages
Continue the filling-machine shortlist.
These related pages cover adjacent product types, machine formats and line-integration decisions.
FAQs
Common questions.
Factory Acceptance Testing checks whether the machine performs against agreed requirements before delivery or commissioning.
Where possible, yes, because product viscosity, foam and particles affect filling performance.
Fill accuracy, repeatability, speed, drip, splash, container handling and safety operation should be reviewed.
Yes, if the machine is part of an integrated line.
Need a machinery shortlist?
Send your product, fill volume, container, throughput target and any downstream equipment needed. Lancing UK will narrow the most practical filling route before quotation.
Acceptance evidence
Define FAT and SAT around products, packs, line states and measurable outcomes.
| Acceptance area | Factory evidence | Site evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Machine configuration | Heads, cylinder or module, valves, nozzles, controls, guards and documented options. | Installed layout, utilities, interfaces and as-installed configuration. |
| Delivered quantity | Agreed samples using available product or approved simulant and measurement method. | Production product, containers, operating conditions and site quantity-control method. |
| Line states | Prime, stable run, planned stop, restart, starvation and downstream block where practical. | Connected upstream/downstream response and site recovery procedure. |
| Changeover and cleaning | Demonstration of agreed parts, access, settings and documentation. | Site method, tools, services, verification and operator competence. |
| Documentation | Manuals, drawings, component information and open-item record. | Training record, completed checks, defects, actions and sign-off authority. |
Use the trial protocol and technical glossary to keep terms and measurements consistent.
Evidence and scope
Separate a feature demonstration from production acceptance.
What makes a demonstration inadequate as an acceptance test?
A demonstration is incomplete as acceptance evidence when it does not identify the product, pack, configuration, operating state and criterion being assessed. A normal-running video may show the mechanism but not restart, changeover or fault handling. Define which requirements it proves and which still require measured or witnessed evidence.
| Function | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|
| Tubing replacement | Assembly identity, channel results and any recalibration before release. |
| Checkweigher feedback | Command, acknowledgement, delay, eligible packs and behaviour on invalid data. |
| Cleaning route | Defined circulated and removed parts, exposure limits and application-specific results. |
| Handover | The approved recipe, drawings, parts list, outstanding actions and responsible parties. |
Use tube replacement, feedback and cleaning-route guidance to prepare the challenge list. Send Lancing the criteria before the trial so evidence is designed in rather than reconstructed afterwards.