Control the inputs
Freeze the product set, drawing revision, interface schedule and acceptance states.
FAT and SAT checklist
Packaging conveyor FAT and SAT checklist.
Define what can be proved before delivery and what must be validated on the installed packaging line. A controlled FAT and SAT schedule aligns products, line states, responsibilities and acceptance evidence.
Acceptance basis
Write testable outcomes before the conveyor is built or installed.
Terms such as “runs well” or “suitable for all products” are not acceptance criteria. Each test should identify the product, format, setting, line state, expected observation, evidence and person responsible for sign-off.
Use FAT to confirm the available mechanical, product-handling, controls and documentation evidence before dispatch. Use SAT to confirm the final working heights, transfers, site controls, utilities, guarding interfaces, access and performance with connected equipment.
Allocate FAT or SAT
State where each test can be completed and what simulation is permitted.
Record observations
Capture settings, products, results, evidence, limitations and open actions.
Retest changes
Repeat affected tests after any mechanical, electrical or software correction.
Packaging conveyor acceptance schedule
| Test group | FAT evidence | SAT evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical build | Configuration, dimensions available for inspection, workmanship, component identity and adjustment range. | Installed alignment, working heights, anchors, clearances and final transfer geometry. |
| Product handling | Representative product running, guide contact, transfers and agreed simulated line states. | Actual connected-machine entry/discharge, full product family and site operating conditions. |
| Speed and spacing | Available speed range and product pitch under the agreed test arrangement. | Good output, machine timing, inspection/coding presentation and recovery on the installed line. |
| Controls | Inputs, outputs, sensors, modes, faults and simulated ready/blocked signals. | Real machine handshakes, line-stop zones, reset, restart and reject sequence. |
| Accumulation | Defined product storage and release under the available test setup. | Real downstream stop, upstream response, usable capacity and stable recovery. |
| Safety and guarding | Supplied guards, devices, documentation and functional tests available off site. | Complete installed boundaries, interfaces, access, validation and site responsibilities. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Demonstration of access, removal, adjustment and available instructions. | Site cleaning method, isolation, drainage, service clearance and return to production. |
| Documentation | Drawings, component references, test record and outstanding actions. | Final revisions, settings, training, spares, acceptance record and handover items. |
Product and line states
Test the conditions that create risk, not only steady free flow.
Use the smallest base, tallest product, heaviest filled pack, most flexible format, most difficult sensor target and any decorated surface with contact restrictions. Each product should be tested in the relevant empty, filled, closed or labelled condition.
Line-state tests should include normal production, starved infeed, close products, blocked outfeed, stop, reset and restart. Add reject or inspection challenge conditions where those functions are part of the conveyor interface. Accumulation tests must state the incoming rate, stop duration, permitted product contact and recovery sequence.
The sample-trial guide, speed and spacing guide and controls guide provide the supporting schedules.
Site handover
Close the project with final settings, responsibilities and known limitations.
SAT completion should leave an operational record, not only a signature page. Retain guide positions, sensor locations, speed settings, control sequences, approved formats, cleaning instructions, maintenance access and unresolved limitations.
Where a site modification changes a transfer, guard, control sequence or product family, identify which acceptance tests must be repeated. Safety-related functions require the competent validation and documentation appropriate to the final assembly.
FAT and SAT checklist
Common buyer questions
Use these answers to prepare the next technical decision or enquiry.
What is the difference between FAT and SAT?
FAT is completed at the supplier or agreed test location before delivery. SAT is completed after installation with the site, utilities and connected equipment available. The project should state which evidence belongs to each stage.
Which products should be used for conveyor acceptance?
Use the formats that create the limiting conditions for stability, load, guide contact, transfers, sensing, cleaning or accumulation, not only the easiest or most common pack.
Should the target line rate be included?
Yes, but the rate must be defined with product pitch, operating state and connected-machine assumptions. A speed display alone does not demonstrate good output.
Can guarding be fully accepted at FAT?
Some guarding can be inspected at FAT, but interfaces, access openings and the complete machinery assembly may only be verifiable after site installation.
What should happen when an acceptance test fails?
Record the exact condition, expected result, observed result, evidence, responsible action and retest requirement. Do not close the item through an undocumented adjustment.
Does SAT replace operator training or maintenance records?
No. SAT confirms agreed installed tests. Training, instructions, settings, spares and maintenance handover remain separate project deliverables.
Start your conveyor enquiry
Get a conveyor quoteSend the product range, line duty and available layout.
Include representative samples, the required good output, machine interfaces and any cleaning, access or guarding constraints so Lancing can review the conveyor duty.