The acceptance test is the last chance to find a problem while the supplier is still on site. It should be planned before the line arrives, with the tests and the pass criteria agreed in the contract.
Key takeaways
- Agree the acceptance criteria before the order, not after installation.
- Test with the real product and the real operators.
- Measure throughput over a full shift, not a 10-minute demo.
- Collect the documents before the final payment.
Mechanical checks
Check the frame level, the anchor torque, the joint alignment and the guard fixings. Check the chain or belt tension and the take-up position. Check the carrier or roller condition and the transfer gaps. Run the line and check for noise, vibration and product damage.
Measure the line speed and compare it with the specification. A line that runs 5% slow will not meet the output.
Electrical checks
Check the panel labelling, the cable routing and the earth continuity. Check the motor current at no load and at full load against the design. Check the VFD parameters against the setting sheet. Test the start, stop, reset and emergency stop.
Check the sensors and the interlocks. A sensor that is misaligned will cause intermittent stops that are difficult to diagnose later.
| Area | Test | Pass criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Level, anchors, joints | 1 mm/m, torque per spec |
| Electrical | Current, insulation, earth | Within design, <1 Ω earth |
| Safety | E-stop, guards, interlocks | Stop within spec, no restart |
| Throughput | Full shift run | ≥ specified output |
| Quality | Product inspection | No handling damage |
Safety verification
Test every emergency stop and every guard interlock. Check the stopping time and distance. Check the guarding against the risk assessment. Check the signage and the manual.
If the line is CE-marked, check the declaration of conformity and the technical file. If the line is not CE-marked, confirm the applicable local requirements.
Throughput trial
Run the line for a full shift with the real product, the real operators and the real material supply. Record the output, the downtime, the rejects and the reasons. Compare with the specification. A line that meets the rate for one hour but not for a shift is not accepted.
If the line does not meet the rate, identify the bottleneck with a cycle-time study. The supplier should fix the bottleneck before the acceptance is signed.
Documents
Collect the drawings, the BOM, the electrical schematics, the VFD parameter list, the PLC program (with a backup), the operating manual, the maintenance manual, the spare-parts list and the warranty certificate. Check that the documents match the equipment as installed.
Keep a copy on site and a copy in the maintenance system. A manual that is only in the supplier's office is not useful.
Training
Confirm that the operators and the maintenance team have been trained on the start-up, the shutdown, the safety devices, the daily checks and the fault response. A trained team is part of the acceptance.
Frequently asked questions
Who should attend the acceptance?
The production manager, the maintenance technician, the safety officer and the supplier's commissioning engineer. A written record should be signed by all parties.
What if a minor issue is found?
Record it with a deadline and a responsible person. Do not withhold the entire acceptance for a cosmetic issue, but do not sign off a safety or throughput issue.
How long should the trial run be?
At least one full shift, and preferably 24 hours for a critical line. A shorter trial does not capture the variation.
For the commissioning steps before acceptance, see commissioning.
