A factory acceptance test is not a brief machine demonstration. For a straightening system, FAT should verify the agreed workpiece family, controlled drawing, méthode de mesure, voie de correction, released-state acceptance, sécurité, records and open-item process before shipment. It does not replace site acceptance, customer utility/interface checks, final installation validation or sustained production evidence.
This guide is a contract and quality framework. It does not claim that StraighteningTech uses a particular FAT protocol, supplies every document or can accept a machine without a customer-specific agreement. The contract, URS, risk review and controlled acceptance plan define the final scope.
*Illustration du concept d'ingénierie. It represents a candidate FAT process context, not evidence that a specific machine, safety function or performance result has been accepted.*
Freeze the FAT Inputs Before Testing
Confirm the machine configuration, controlled workpiece samples, drawing revisions, material/process stage, données, jauge client, acceptance characteristics, zones de contact autorisées, target test conditions, data fields, safety requirements and responsible signatories. A test cannot prove an undefined requirement.
| FAT input | Pourquoi c'est important |
|---|---|
| Representative and boundary samples | Demonstrates the agreed family, not only an easy demonstration part |
| Customer/approved gauge | Connects line readings to the intended acceptance method |
| Drawing and datum | Defines the characteristic actually being verified |
| Process/recipe revision | Prevents a test from using unapproved settings |
| Safety and handling scope | Ensures the test covers guards, interlocks and workpiece movement |
Verify Measurement and Released-State Acceptance
FAT should record incoming geometry, configuration des données, stations de mesure, correction events, réévaluation à l'état libéré, surface/feature inspection and the comparison to the approved reference method. A reading under force or temporary restraint is not a final acceptance result unless explicitly defined by the agreement.
*Illustration du concept d'ingénierie. It emphasizes released-state verification; it is not a customer FAT record or proof of a universal acceptance method.*
Utiliser mesure de rectitude en charge ou en libération et corrélation entre la jauge de la machine et la jauge du client to define the measurement boundary.
Test the Process, Not Only the Best Part
Include representative normal parts and agreed challenge/boundary parts. Challenge conditions may include a declared geometry condition, variation in the allowed product family, a valid changeover, a controlled hold/NOK event, a reseat check or another customer-approved scenario. The purpose is not to force a failure; it is to verify the defined response and records.
*Illustration du concept d'ingénierie. It shows workpiece-specific method selection, not an assertion that every candidate variant belongs in the FAT scope.*
Check Safety, Data and Exception Routes
Verify the agreed guarding, stop functions, handling safeguards, alarmes, data records, recipe/version identification, traceability functions where contracted, and PASS/NOK/hold routing. A display showing a status is not enough: the FAT should define what was challenged, the observed response, the evidence retained and who approved it.
For related controls, voir NOK sorting and rework limits et straightening-line traceability and DMC.
Record Deviations and Open Items
Every deviation should identify the requirement, evidence, impact, owner, corrective action, due date and closure method. FAT completion does not mean all deviations vanish; it means the agreed disposition is documented. Open items that affect safety, acceptance or the site installation plan must be carried into SAT and final handover.
FAT Checklist
- controlled samples, dessins, gauges and acceptance method available;
- configuration, fixture/tooling and recipe revision identified;
- measurement/datum and released-state method demonstrated;
- normal and agreed boundary/challenge parts recorded;
- surface/feature protection and required independent checks addressed;
- sécurité, manutention, alarms and exception response tested;
- records, traceability/exports where contracted and backup requirements reviewed;
- deviations, open items, owners and SAT carry-forward list documented;
- customer/supplier quality authorities sign the agreed report.
For site installation and sustained operation, use straightening machine SAT checklist after FAT. For sample evidence, voir Test d'échantillon de redressage et acceptation.
FAQ
Does FAT prove final production capability?
Non. FAT verifies the agreed factory test scope. Site conditions, customer interfaces, installation, gauges and sustained production require SAT and further evidence.
Can a short dry run replace workpiece acceptance?
Non. FAT needs controlled samples, datum/gauge method, released-state verification and documented response to the agreed conditions.
Can an open item be ignored after FAT?
Non. It must have a documented owner, risk/disposition and closure route, often carried into SAT.