Define the FAT scope
A factory acceptance test should reflect the actual project scope. For capping machinery, that can mean the capper only, the capper with conveyor, the cap feed route, bottle handling, change parts and any integration assumptions.
Define the acceptance criteria before the test. Useful criteria include output range, cap application consistency, torque range, cap damage, bottle damage, cross-threading, line stops and operator access.
Use production samples
The most useful FAT uses real bottles, real caps and filled or weighted samples where fill weight changes stability. Empty bottles can behave very differently from production packs.
If the project has several pack formats, test the most difficult cases: tallest bottle, smallest cap, largest cap, lightest bottle, most flexible bottle and any closure that needs orientation.
Checks to include
Include checks for bottle infeed, guide stability, cap placement, cap feed recovery, torque consistency, guarding, controls, emergency stops, cleaning access and changeover steps. Record both pass/fail results and practical observations.
Video of the test can be useful when operators and maintenance teams were not present. It also helps confirm whether any site preparation or operator training points need attention before delivery.
Handover records
Record tested settings, sample details, agreed changes, spare parts, utilities, drawings, documentation and installation assumptions. A clear FAT record reduces confusion during commissioning.
Lancing UK can help turn the machine shortlist into a clearer FAT and handover plan when the capping stage is part of a wider packaging-line project.
Quick answers
Is an FAT always required?
It is strongly useful for automatic capping systems, integrated cap feeders and projects with multiple pack formats.
Should bottles be filled for the FAT?
Where fill weight affects stability, weighted or filled samples are much more representative.
What is the most common FAT mistake?
Testing perfect samples only, rather than the difficult bottle and cap combinations that affect real production.