{"id":666,"date":"2026-08-14T07:56:11","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/?p=666"},"modified":"2026-08-14T07:56:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:56:11","slug":"factory-acceptance-test-fat-for-isbm-machines-what-to-check-before-shipment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/application\/factory-acceptance-test-fat-for-isbm-machines-what-to-check-before-shipment\/","title":{"rendered":"Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for ISBM Machines: What to Check Before Shipment"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"article-wrap\" style=\"max-width: 860px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 20px 80px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.08rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin: 32px 0 36px; padding-bottom: 28px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5;\">The Factory Acceptance Test is the last point at which a buyer has unambiguous leverage over a Chinese machine supplier \u2014 after the machine ships, problems become disputes about warranty interpretation, international freight logistics and the practical difficulty of returning a 6-tonne machine across 8,000 kilometres. A well-structured FAT transforms this leverage into protection: it establishes a documented, measured baseline of machine performance against agreed criteria before a single bolt is tightened for shipment. A poorly structured FAT \u2014 or none at all \u2014 is a commitment to discover problems at the worst possible time, in your factory, after installation. This guide provides a complete FAT framework for ISBM machine buyers: what to verify before the production run, how to structure the run itself, what measurements to take from the bottle sample, how to document the results, and what the consequences are of passing, conditional passing and failing the test.<\/p>\n<p><!-- TOC --><\/p>\n<nav class=\"article-toc\" style=\"background: #f8faff; border: 1px solid #dbeafe; border-left: 4px solid #0056b3; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 24px 28px; margin: 36px 0;\">\n<p class=\"toc-label\" style=\"font-size: 0.82rem; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.8px; color: #0056b3; margin-bottom: 14px;\">Contents<\/p>\n<ol style=\"padding-left: 18px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px;\">\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#what-is-fat\">What Is a FAT and Why Is It Non-Negotiable for ISBM Buyers<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#before-fat\">Before the FAT: Contractual Preparation<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#phase1-docs\">Phase 1 \u2014 Documentation Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#phase2-components\">Phase 2 \u2014 Component Verification<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#phase3-mechanical\">Phase 3 \u2014 Mechanical and Electrical Inspection<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#phase4-production\">Phase 4 \u2014 Production Run Protocol<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#phase5-measurement\">Phase 5 \u2014 Bottle Sample Measurement<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#acceptance-criteria\">FAT Acceptance Criteria and Outcomes<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#remote-fat\">Remote FAT: When Video Cannot Replace Physical Presence<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.4;\"><a style=\"color: #0056b3; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"#fat-checklist\">Complete FAT Master Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 1 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-fat\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">1. What Is a FAT and Why Is It Non-Negotiable for ISBM Buyers<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">A Factory Acceptance Test is a structured verification procedure conducted at the supplier&#8217;s facility before a machine is shipped to the buyer. Its purpose is to confirm \u2014 under controlled conditions, with measuring instruments, and against pre-agreed written criteria \u2014 that the machine performs as specified in the purchase contract. It is not a demonstration, a showcase or a sales event. It is an engineering verification exercise with defined pass and fail outcomes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">For Russian buyers of Chinese ISBM machinery, the FAT serves a function beyond technical verification. It is the legal and commercial instrument that:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 16px 0 22px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px;\">\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>Establishes a documented performance baseline that forms the reference point for any warranty claim during the machine&#8217;s service life<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>Confirms that all components specified in the purchase contract are actually present in the machine before it leaves the supplier&#8217;s factory<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>Triggers the release of the final payment tranche only after confirmed performance \u2014 not on a shipment date that the supplier can meet regardless of machine condition<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>Provides the operator team with hands-on familiarisation before installation, significantly reducing startup time and first-production scrap at the buyer&#8217;s factory<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>Resolves technical disagreements at the supplier&#8217;s facility, where engineers, components and tools are all available \u2014 rather than 8,000 kilometres away<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background: #e8f4ff; border-left: 5px solid #0056b3; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 18px 22px; margin: 28px 0;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.95rem; color: #003d82; line-height: 1.7;\"><strong style=\"color: #002868;\">What the FAT is not:<\/strong> A FAT is not a training session (though training may occur around it), not a demonstration run with the best possible conditions (it must use the buyer&#8217;s specified mold, resin and production parameters), and not a formality that is signed off after a brief machine startup. A FAT that does not include a minimum continuous production run, bottle measurement and component inspection is not a FAT \u2014 it is a factory tour.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 2 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"before-fat\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">2. Before the FAT: Contractual Preparation<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">A FAT can only verify what has been pre-defined as the acceptance criteria. If the acceptance criteria are not written into the contract before the FAT date is agreed, the supplier has no contractual obligation to meet any specific standard \u2014 and the buyer has no contractual basis for rejecting the machine regardless of its performance. The following must be established in the contract before the FAT date is set:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 22px 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 14px;\">\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">1<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">FAT acceptance criteria as a contract annex<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">Write the specific, measurable acceptance criteria into the contract before signing \u2014 not agreed verbally at the factory on the FAT day. Include: minimum continuous run duration, maximum cycle time, minimum BPH, maximum reject rate, bottle dimensional tolerances, gram weight variation limit, and component inspection requirement.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">2<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">Component schedule as a contract annex<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">List every major component with brand, model number and rated specification. The FAT phase 2 inspection verifies the machine against this list. Any substitution identified during FAT must be rectified before the production run begins \u2014 not after shipment.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">3<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">FAT mold and resin specification<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">Specify in the contract which mold is to be used for the FAT production run \u2014 ideally the buyer&#8217;s own production mold, shipped to the factory in advance. If the buyer&#8217;s mold is not available, specify the nearest equivalent by bottle volume, preform weight, cavity count and resin type. The FAT mold cannot be a &#8220;demonstration mold&#8221; selected by the supplier to minimise cycle time.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">4<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">Payment trigger linked to FAT outcome<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">Specify that the final payment tranche (typically 10\u201320% of contract value) is released only after a signed FAT acceptance document. The supplier should receive no contractual obligation to ship until the FAT is passed. This single clause converts the FAT from a courtesy gesture into an enforceable obligation.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">5<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">FAT failure resolution procedure<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">Define what happens if the machine fails the FAT: the supplier is given a defined rectification period (typically 20 working days), after which a re-FAT is conducted. If the machine fails the re-FAT, the buyer has the right to cancel the order and receive a full refund of deposits paid. Without this clause, a FAT failure creates a dispute with no defined resolution path.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 3 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"phase1-docs\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">3. Phase 1 \u2014 Documentation Review<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">Documentation review is conducted before the machine is started. Its purpose is to confirm that all required technical documentation is complete, matches the machine being tested, and is in a usable form for the buyer&#8217;s maintenance and operations team. A machine delivered without adequate documentation is operationally incomplete regardless of how well it runs during the FAT.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.06); margin: 24px 0 28px;\">\n<table class=\"data-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 520px;\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Document<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Required Content<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Accept \/ Reject Criteria<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Operation manual<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Complete operating procedures, parameter setting guide, alarm code list, startup and shutdown sequence<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Must be in English (or Russian). Must reference this machine model, not a generic series manual<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Electrical schematic<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Full wiring diagrams for all machine circuits, panel layout drawing, cable routing diagram<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Must match the as-built machine. Confirm at least two terminal points against the physical machine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Hydraulic\/pneumatic schematic<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Complete circuit diagrams for all fluid power systems with component identification numbers<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Must reference actual component model numbers matching the installed hardware<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">PLC programme documentation<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">PLC software version number, parameter list with factory default values, access level credentials<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">PLC must be open-access (not locked). Confirm by logging in at operator level and engineering level with supplied credentials<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Spare parts list<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Itemised recommended spare parts with part numbers, quantities and current prices<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Must include at minimum: seal kits, heater bands, common sensors and fuses. Parts without supplier part numbers cannot be ordered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">CE Declaration of Conformity<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Signed declaration with machine model, serial number and list of applied harmonised standards<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Serial number on declaration must match the machine being tested. Reject if model or serial number does not match<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Maintenance schedule<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">Preventive maintenance intervals for all systems, lubrication points and quantities, filter change intervals<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">Must be specific to this machine model and the installed components, not a generic schedule<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 4 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"phase2-components\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">4. Phase 2 \u2014 Component Verification<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">Component verification is conducted with the machine powered off and with access to all panels open. The buyer&#8217;s representative works through the component schedule from the purchase contract, physically locating each component, photographing the nameplate or label, and recording the actual brand, model number and specification against the contracted value. Any discrepancy is recorded on the FAT non-conformance report and must be resolved \u2014 not deferred \u2014 before the production run begins.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: clamp(1rem,2.5vw,1.2rem); font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3; margin: 32px 0 10px; line-height: 1.3;\">4.1 High-Priority Verification Points<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 16px 0 22px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px;\">\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #0056b3; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u25b6<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">PLC brand and model:<\/strong> Open the main electrical cabinet. Photograph the PLC rack with all I\/O modules visible. Confirm brand (Inovance \/ MiRLE for HGY series) and model number against the contract. Check that the installed firmware version is documented.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #0056b3; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u25b6<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">Servo motors \u2014 all axes:<\/strong> On full-servo (EV) machines, open each servo drive cabinet and photograph the motor nameplate at each axis. Confirm brand and rated torque match the contract schedule. Count the number of servo axes \u2014 for a 10-axis EV machine, verify all 10 are present.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #0056b3; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u25b6<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">Turntable servo and reducer:<\/strong> Confirm Japan Yaskawa or WEICHI servo motor on the turntable drive. Confirm Taiwan TSUNTIEN reducer brand on the turntable gearbox \u2014 the brand is cast into the housing body.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #0056b3; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u25b6<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">Parker pneumatic valves:<\/strong> Locate the pneumatic manifold bank. Parker valves have a Parker logo embossed on the valve body \u2014 check each valve on the manifold. Photograph the manifold from an angle that shows the logo clearly on all valves simultaneously.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #0056b3; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u25b6<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">YUKEN hydraulic control valve (hydraulic machines):<\/strong> The YUKEN logo is cast into the hydraulic valve body. Confirm model number against the YUKEN product catalogue for the specified pressure rating.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #0056b3; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u25b6<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">Barrel heater type:<\/strong> Confirm nano far-infrared heater bands (the contract specification for HGY150-V4 series) by inspecting the heater type marking on each zone. Standard ceramic heater bands look similar from the outside \u2014 check the label or ask the engineer to show the product specification sheet for the installed heaters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- Image 1 --><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 36px 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\" src=\"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mold-Close-up.webp\" alt=\"ISBM machine internal components \u2014 FAT phase 2 component verification before production run begins\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 0.78rem; color: #999; margin-top: 10px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.5;\">Fig. 1 \u2014 Component verification is conducted with the machine powered off and all access panels open. Every major component in the purchase contract schedule is physically located, photographed and recorded against the contracted specification. A component found to be substituted at this stage is a non-conformance that must be rectified before the production run begins \u2014 not accepted under a verbal promise to upgrade after delivery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 5 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"phase3-mechanical\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">5. Phase 3 \u2014 Mechanical and Electrical Inspection<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">After component verification and before the machine is powered on for the production run, a physical inspection of the mechanical build quality and electrical installation confirms that the machine has been assembled to an acceptable standard. Mechanical build deficiencies found at this stage are correctable without production downtime; deficiencies discovered after installation at the buyer&#8217;s factory require on-site rectification work under much less convenient conditions.<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 22px 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 14px;\">\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">A<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">Machine bed and frame alignment<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">Use a precision spirit level to verify that the machine bed is flat within 0.05mm\/m in both axes. A twisted machine bed will cause misalignment of the injection platen, turntable and blow station that worsens under thermal load during production. Corrections require shimming and cannot be made after installation without significant downtime.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">B<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">Core rod height uniformity<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">Using a depth gauge referenced from the turntable face, measure the height of each installed core rod tip. Maximum acceptable variation between rods: 0.05mm. A variation above this produces gram weight inconsistency between cavities from the first production cycle. Record the measured height for each rod position on the FAT documentation sheet.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">C<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">Turntable indexing accuracy<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">Jog the machine through 10 complete turntable rotations in manual mode and verify that the station alignment mark returns to the reference position within \u00b10.1mm at each index. Cumulative indexing error degrades core rod alignment with each station, producing progressive gram weight drift during a production run.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">D<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">Cooling water circuit integrity<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">With the cooling water connected and pressurised to 0.4 MPa, inspect all connections at the preform mold, blow mold, neck ring circuit and barrel for drips or weeping. A connection that weeps at 0.4 MPa will fail completely under production thermal cycling. Record and rectify all leaks before the production run.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">E<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">Electrical insulation and cable routing<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">Inspect cable routing through the machine frame for cables running across sharp edges, cables not secured in conduit, and cable lengths that are too short to allow the machine to reach its full stroke range without tension. Electrical faults from poor cable routing are the most common cause of random production stoppages in the first 500 hours of operation.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; background: #f8f9fa; border-radius: 8px; padding: 14px 16px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: bold; width: 26px; height: 26px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\">F<\/div>\n<div><strong style=\"display: block; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 3px;\">Safety interlocks functional test<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; color: #666; line-height: 1.55;\">Test all safety interlocks in manual mode before running the machine: emergency stop function (the machine must stop all motion within 0.5 seconds), guard door interlocks (opening any guard must immediately stop all motion), and injection unit safety guard. A machine with non-functional safety interlocks is a regulatory and liability risk in addition to an operational hazard.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 6 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"phase4-production\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">6. Phase 4 \u2014 Production Run Protocol<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">The production run is the centrepiece of the FAT. It must be structured to produce meaningful performance data \u2014 not to maximise the likelihood of a pass. The following protocol defines the conditions, duration and measurements required for a valid ISBM FAT production run.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: clamp(1rem,2.5vw,1.2rem); font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3; margin: 32px 0 10px; line-height: 1.3;\">6.1 Pre-Run Setup Requirements<\/h3>\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 12px 0 22px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 7px;\">\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>Resin supplied by or approved by the buyer \u2014 not the supplier&#8217;s own demonstration resin<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>Resin dried to specification (PETG: moisture below 0.04%; PET: below 0.005%) \u2014 verified by moisture analyser before loading<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>Mold installed and verified against the FAT mold specification from the contract<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>All utility supplies connected: compressed air at the contracted pressure, cooling water at the contracted flow rate and temperature, electrical supply at 380V \u00b15%<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span>Buyer&#8217;s measuring instruments available on-site: calibrated weighing scale (0.1g resolution), digital calipers (0.01mm resolution), contact thermometer for melt temperature, stopwatch, and a three-phase power meter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: clamp(1rem,2.5vw,1.2rem); font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3; margin: 32px 0 10px; line-height: 1.3;\">6.2 Startup and Stabilisation Period<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">Allow the machine to run for a minimum of 45 minutes from first injection before beginning the formal measurement period. The startup period is not excluded from the FAT timeline \u2014 recording the time from first injection to first acceptable bottle (startup time) is part of the FAT data. However, all dimensional and weight measurements are taken from the formal 4-hour measurement period that begins only after the machine has stabilised: stable cycle time, stable gram weight for three consecutive cycles, and stable melt temperature at the nozzle tip.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: clamp(1rem,2.5vw,1.2rem); font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3; margin: 32px 0 10px; line-height: 1.3;\">6.3 Formal Measurement Period<\/h3>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.06); margin: 20px 0 28px;\">\n<table class=\"data-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 500px;\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Measurement<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Method<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Frequency<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Record<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Cycle time<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Stopwatch \u2014 time from one ejection to the next<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Every 30 minutes<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Mean of 10 consecutive cycles at each interval<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Total power draw<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Calibrated 3-phase power meter at main panel incomer<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Continuous log, hourly average<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">kW average for each logged hour<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Bottle production count<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">PLC counter output or manual count<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Every 30 minutes<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Running total; separate good and reject counts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Melt temperature<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Contact probe at nozzle tip between shots<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Every hour<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Must be within \u00b15\u00b0C of target for resin grade<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Unplanned stoppages<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Manual log \u2014 note alarm code, time and duration<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Immediate on occurrence<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Any stoppage &gt; 5 minutes resets the 4-hour clock<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Gram weight per cavity<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">Digital scale \u2014 weigh one bottle per cavity<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">Every hour<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">Mean and range per cavity; max variation \u00b11.5g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #e8f4ff; border-left: 5px solid #0056b3; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 18px 22px; margin: 28px 0;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.95rem; color: #003d82; line-height: 1.7;\"><strong style=\"color: #002868;\">Air supply during the FAT production run:<\/strong> If the supplier&#8217;s factory compressed air system feeds multiple machines simultaneously, verify that the air pressure at the machine&#8217;s blow valve inlet remains stable throughout the FAT run. Pressure drops during peak demand periods \u2014 when other machines in the factory are also in their blow phase \u2014 can cause short-blow defects in the FAT sample that will not occur in the buyer&#8217;s dedicated installation. A dedicated <a style=\"color: #0056b3; font-weight: 600; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/oilless-air-compressor.net\/application\/40-bar-oil-free-water-lubricated-air-compressor-for-one-step-injection-stretch-blow-molding-isbm-machine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">oil-free air compressor for ISBM<\/a> installed specifically for the FAT machine avoids this source of variability and produces results that are more representative of the buyer&#8217;s actual installation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- Image 2 --><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 36px 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\" src=\"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/High-resolution-image-of-ISBM-machine.webp\" alt=\"ISBM machine in factory testing bay during FAT production run \u2014 cycle time measurement and power monitoring\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 0.78rem; color: #999; margin-top: 10px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.5;\">Fig. 2 \u2014 The FAT production run must use the buyer&#8217;s specified mold, resin and production parameters \u2014 not a demonstration configuration chosen to minimise cycle time. Cycle time is measured with a stopwatch every 30 minutes; power draw is logged continuously; bottle production count is tracked separately for good and reject bottles throughout the full 4-hour measurement period.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 7 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"phase5-measurement\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">7. Phase 5 \u2014 Bottle Sample Measurement<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">The bottle sample is collected from the final 30 minutes of the 4-hour production run \u2014 the period when the machine has fully stabilised and is most representative of steady-state production. Every bottle produced in the sample period is retained and measured. Sample size: minimum 50 bottles per cavity, collected consecutively without cherry-picking.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: clamp(1rem,2.5vw,1.2rem); font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3; margin: 32px 0 10px; line-height: 1.3;\">7.1 Dimensional Measurements<\/h3>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.06); margin: 20px 0 28px;\">\n<table class=\"data-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 500px;\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Measurement<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Instrument<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Accept Criterion<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Sample Size<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Bottle weight (gram weight)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Digital scale, 0.1g resolution<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Within \u00b11.5g of target; max variation cavity-to-cavity \u00b11.5g<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">10 per cavity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Neck thread OD<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Digital calipers or go\/no-go gauge<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Within \u00b10.15mm of standard (GPI \/ PCO \/ DIN)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">5 per cavity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Neck height<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Digital calipers<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Within \u00b10.2mm of drawing specification<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">5 per cavity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Body outer diameter (max)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Digital calipers \u2014 measure at 3 heights<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Within \u00b10.3mm of drawing specification<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">5 per cavity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Total height<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Digital calipers or height gauge<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Within \u00b10.5mm of drawing specification<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">5 per cavity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Closure fitment test<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">Production cap or pump \u2014 apply and engage by hand<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">No cross-threading; closure seats fully; no leakage at 0.05 MPa internal pressure<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">5 per cavity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: clamp(1rem,2.5vw,1.2rem); font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3; margin: 32px 0 10px; line-height: 1.3;\">7.2 Visual and Optical Inspection<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">Visual inspection of the bottle sample is conducted under diffuse natural light and directional artificial light. Inspect each bottle in the sample for the following:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 12px 0 22px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 7px;\">\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a; margin-right: 4px;\">Base clarity:<\/strong> No haze, cloudiness or yellowing visible at the base in direct light. Any base haze that is visible under normal viewing conditions is a reject.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a; margin-right: 4px;\">Body transparency:<\/strong> No visible haze, streaks or silver marks on the bottle body. The base label area and light-catching shoulder radius must be assessed under directional lighting.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a; margin-right: 4px;\">Stress whitening:<\/strong> No opaque white zones at the shoulder or body. Stress whitening is distinct from haze \u2014 it appears as a localised opaque area, not uniform cloudiness.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a; margin-right: 4px;\">Parting line:<\/strong> No visible flash at the blow mold parting line or visible mold seam on the bottle body.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a; margin-right: 4px;\">Neck thread quality:<\/strong> Thread profile complete with no short-fill, no cross-threading marks and no gate flash on the neck finish.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-size: 0.93rem; color: #444; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 9px; line-height: 1.55;\"><span style=\"color: #2e7d32; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px;\">\u2713<\/span><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a; margin-right: 4px;\">Body geometry:<\/strong> Bottle stands upright without lean on a flat surface. Base is flat (for round bottles) or within drawing specification for non-round profiles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 8 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"acceptance-criteria\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">8. FAT Acceptance Criteria and Outcomes<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 22px;\">A FAT has three possible outcomes: Pass, Conditional Pass and Fail. Each has defined consequences for the commercial relationship and the machine&#8217;s shipment status.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 16px; margin: 24px 0 28px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #f1f8f1; border: 1px solid #c8e6c9; border-left: 5px solid #2e7d32; border-radius: 0 10px 10px 0; padding: 20px 22px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.88rem; font-weight: bold; color: #2e7d32; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 12px;\">PASS \u2014 All criteria met<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.88rem; color: #555; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Actual cycle time at or below contract specification; reject rate in sample batch below 1%; all dimensional measurements within tolerances; gram weight variation within \u00b11.5g between cavities; no unscheduled stoppage exceeding 5 minutes during the 4-hour run; all component nameplates match the contract schedule; all documentation complete and verified.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.88rem; color: #555; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0;\"><strong style=\"color: #2e7d32;\">Consequence:<\/strong> Buyer signs FAT acceptance document; final payment tranche is released; machine is authorised for shipment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fffbf0; border: 1px solid #ffe0b2; border-left: 5px solid #e65c00; border-radius: 0 10px 10px 0; padding: 20px 22px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.88rem; font-weight: bold; color: #e65c00; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 12px;\">CONDITIONAL PASS \u2014 Minor non-conformances only<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.88rem; color: #555; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0 0 10px;\">All critical performance criteria are met (cycle time, reject rate, safety functions) but minor non-conformances exist \u2014 for example: one documentation item missing; one component model number slightly different from contract but equivalent specification; one dimensional measurement at the tolerance boundary rather than within it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.88rem; color: #555; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65c00;\">Consequence:<\/strong> Buyer signs a conditional acceptance document that lists the non-conformances with agreed resolution dates. Machine may be shipped; final payment held until all non-conformances are closed \u2014 typically within 30 days of delivery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fff3f3; border: 1px solid #ffcdd2; border-left: 5px solid #c62828; border-radius: 0 10px 10px 0; padding: 20px 22px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.88rem; font-weight: bold; color: #c62828; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 12px;\">FAIL \u2014 One or more critical criteria not met<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.88rem; color: #555; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0 0 10px;\">Cycle time exceeds contract specification; reject rate above 1%; critical component substitution confirmed; unscheduled stoppage exceeding 5 minutes during the run; safety interlock malfunction; bottle dimensional measurements outside tolerances on more than one cavity.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.88rem; color: #555; line-height: 1.65; margin: 0;\"><strong style=\"color: #c62828;\">Consequence:<\/strong> Machine is not shipped. Supplier is given the rectification period specified in the contract (typically 20 working days) to resolve all failure points. A re-FAT is then conducted under the same protocol. If the machine fails the re-FAT, the contract cancellation and refund provisions are triggered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 9 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"remote-fat\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">9. Remote FAT: When Video Cannot Replace Physical Presence<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">Some buyers, particularly during periods when international travel is disrupted or when budget constraints make a factory visit impractical, ask whether a FAT can be conducted by video call. The honest answer is: a video call can replace some elements of the FAT but not the critical ones.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.06); margin: 24px 0 28px;\">\n<table class=\"data-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 460px;\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">FAT Element<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">In-Person<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Video Call<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.78rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Why Video Fails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Documentation review<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #2e7d32; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2713<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #e65c00; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">Partial<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Documents can be shared digitally but cannot be verified as the actual shipped documentation package<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Component nameplate verification<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #2e7d32; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2713<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #c62828; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2717<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Camera angle and resolution can be controlled; supplier can show correct components in the camera frame without disclosing others<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Mechanical alignment checks<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #2e7d32; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2713<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #c62828; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2717<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Cannot apply instruments remotely; supplier&#8217;s own measurement cannot be independently verified<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Production run observation<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #2e7d32; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2713<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #e65c00; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">Partial<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Machine startup cannot be independently timed; stoppages may not be disclosed; production count relies entirely on supplier reporting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Bottle measurement<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #2e7d32; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2713<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #c62828; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2717<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Measurements are performed by the supplier \u2014 the party being evaluated. Results cannot be independently verified<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; font-weight: 600; color: #1a1a1a;\">Safety interlock testing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #2e7d32; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2713<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #c62828; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;\">\u2717<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">Cannot independently verify that observed interlock responses are genuine rather than staged<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 18px;\">If a physical FAT is genuinely impossible, the following partial mitigation is recommended: engage an independent third-party inspection agency with a China presence (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) to conduct the physical component verification and mechanical inspection on the buyer&#8217;s behalf. The agency&#8217;s engineers physically locate, photograph and measure components against the specification and report to the buyer independently. This does not replace bottle measurement by the buyer, but it addresses the two highest-risk elements of a remote-only process.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Image 3 --><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 36px 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\" src=\"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bottle-sample-4.webp\" alt=\"Bottle samples collected from FAT production run \u2014 gram weight, dimensions and visual quality verified independently\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 0.78rem; color: #999; margin-top: 10px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.5;\">Fig. 3 \u2014 Bottle samples from the FAT final 30-minute collection window. These are measured by the buyer&#8217;s representative using calibrated instruments brought to the factory \u2014 not by the supplier. Gram weight, neck dimensions, body OD and closure fitment results are recorded on the FAT datasheet and become part of the signed acceptance documentation that travels with the machine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 Section 10 \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"fat-checklist\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 52px 0 16px; line-height: 1.25; padding-top: 8px;\">10. Complete FAT Master Checklist<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1rem; color: #444; line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 22px;\">Print and use this checklist on the FAT day. Every item must be completed in sequence. Do not proceed to Phase 4 until Phases 1, 2 and 3 are signed off.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.06); margin: 20px 0 28px;\">\n<table class=\"data-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.83rem; min-width: 520px;\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #0056b3; color: #fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 11px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.76rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Phase<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 11px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.76rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Item<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 11px 14px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.76rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Criterion<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 11px 14px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.76rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.4px;\">Pass\/Fail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 1<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Operation manual<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Complete, in English, matches this model<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 1<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Electrical schematic<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Verified against 2 physical terminal points<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 1<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">PLC open access<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Logged in at both operator and engineering levels<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 1<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">CE Declaration serial number<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Matches machine serial number plate<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 2<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">PLC brand and model<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Matches contract schedule \u2014 photographed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 2<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">All servo motors (each axis)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Brand, model, rated torque match \u2014 all axes photographed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 2<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Parker pneumatic valves<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Parker logo visible on all manifold valves<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 2<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">YUKEN hydraulic valve<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">YUKEN logo cast in body; model number confirmed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 3<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Machine bed level<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Flat within 0.05mm\/m in both axes<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 3<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Core rod height uniformity<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">All rods within 0.05mm of each other \u2014 recorded<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 3<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Cooling water circuit<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">No leaks at 0.4 MPa \u2014 all connections inspected<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 3<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Emergency stop function<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">All motion stops within 0.5 seconds<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 4<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Resin moisture verified<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Below 0.04% PETG \/ 0.005% PET before loading<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 4<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">4-hour continuous run<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">No stoppage exceeding 5 minutes; cycle time logged every 30 min<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 4<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Actual cycle time<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">At or below contract specification<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f8faff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 4<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Power draw recorded<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">kW average logged hourly from calibrated meter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 5<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Gram weight per cavity<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Within \u00b11.5g target; max variation \u00b11.5g cavity-to-cavity<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 5<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Neck thread OD<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Within \u00b10.15mm of closure standard<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 5<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Reject rate<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Below 1% in final 30-minute sample batch<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 5<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">Visual inspection<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; color: #444;\">No base haze, no stress whitening, no flash, no body distortion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eef1f5; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #e8f4ff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; font-weight: bold; color: #0056b3;\">Phase 5<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">Closure fitment test<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; color: #444;\">Production cap seats without cross-threading; seals at 0.05 MPa<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border-bottom: none; text-align: center; color: #888;\">\u2610<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<tfoot>\n<tr style=\"background: #1a2a3a; color: #fff;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px 14px; font-weight: bold;\" colspan=\"3\">Overall FAT Outcome<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px 14px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem;\">Pass \/ Conditional \/ Fail<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tfoot>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- Image 4 --><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 36px 0;\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\" src=\"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/bottle-sample-17.webp\" alt=\"FAT-approved PETG cosmetic bottles \u2014 the result of a structured acceptance test before machine shipment\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 0.78rem; color: #999; margin-top: 10px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.5;\">Fig. 4 \u2014 FAT-approved PETG cosmetic bottles: on-specification gram weight, correct neck dimensions, closure fitment verified, no visual defects, produced at or below the contracted cycle time for 4 continuous hours. The FAT acceptance document signed against these results is the warranty baseline for the machine&#8217;s entire operating life. It is the most important document produced during the entire procurement process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr style=\"height: 1px; background: #eef1f5; border: none; margin: 40px 0;\" \/>\n<div style=\"background: #f0f7ff; border: 1px solid #cde0f5; border-radius: 10px; padding: 22px 26px; margin: 28px 0;\"><span style=\"font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.8px; color: #0056b3; margin-bottom: 8px; display: block;\">Summary \u2014 five FAT principles<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 0.93rem; color: #333; line-height: 1.75;\"><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">1. Define the criteria before the FAT date.<\/strong> Acceptance criteria that are not in the contract before the FAT begins are not criteria \u2014 they are negotiations. Write every pass\/fail threshold into the purchase agreement before signing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 0.93rem; color: #333; line-height: 1.75;\"><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">2. Component inspection must precede the production run.<\/strong> A machine that passes the production run but has substituted components has not passed the FAT. Component verification is Phase 2, not an afterthought.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 0.93rem; color: #333; line-height: 1.75;\"><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">3. Measurements must be taken by the buyer, not the supplier.<\/strong> A supplier measuring their own bottles against their own criteria using their own instruments is not a FAT. Bring your own calibrated instruments and take every measurement yourself.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 0.93rem; color: #333; line-height: 1.75;\"><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">4. Final payment is released only after FAT acceptance.<\/strong> The financial lever is the only leverage that makes a FAT enforceable. A FAT with no payment consequence is a courtesy visit.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 0.93rem; color: #333; line-height: 1.75;\"><strong style=\"color: #1a1a1a;\">5. Video cannot replace physical presence for critical elements.<\/strong> Remote FAT cannot independently verify component identity or mechanical alignment. Engage a third-party inspection agency for physical verification if travel is impossible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- CTA --><\/p>\n<div class=\"article-cta-box\" style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg,#003d82 0%,#0056b3 100%); border-radius: 14px; padding: 44px 40px; margin-top: 56px; color: #fff; text-align: center;\">\n<h3 class=\"cta-h3\" style=\"font-size: clamp(1.2rem,3vw,1.6rem); font-weight: 800; margin-bottom: 12px; line-height: 1.25; color: #fff;\">Ready to Conduct a FAT on Our Machines?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.97rem; opacity: 0.85; line-height: 1.65; margin-bottom: 28px; max-width: 520px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\">We welcome structured FATs against buyer-defined criteria as standard practice. Factory visits can be arranged with 3 weeks&#8217; notice. We provide full documentation packages, open-access PLC and a dedicated testing bay. Contact us to schedule your FAT date.<\/p>\n<div class=\"cta-btn-group\" style=\"display: flex; gap: 12px; justify-content: center; flex-wrap: wrap;\"><a class=\"cta-btn-white\" style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; background: #fff; color: #0056b3; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 7px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 0.9rem; white-space: nowrap;\" href=\"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/contact-us\/\">Schedule a FAT Visit \u2192<\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"cta-btn-ghost\" style=\"display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; background: rgba(255,255,255,0.1); color: #fff; padding: 12px 22px; border-radius: 7px; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.25); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600; font-size: 0.9rem; white-space: nowrap;\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/79103473993\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WhatsApp Our Engineers<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Factory Acceptance Test is the last point at which a buyer has unambiguous leverage over a Chinese machine supplier \u2014 after the machine ships, problems become disputes about warranty interpretation, international freight logistics and the practical difficulty of returning a 6-tonne machine across 8,000 kilometres. A well-structured FAT transforms this leverage into protection: it [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-666","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/666","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=666"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/666\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":667,"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/666\/revisions\/667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=666"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=666"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/injectionstretchblowmolding.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=666"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}