Factory Acceptance Test Checklist for a Custom Automatic Electroplating Line

2026-07-31

FAT prevents expensive surprises

A factory acceptance test checks whether the equipment matches the agreed design before it is dismantled and shipped. For a custom automatic electroplating line, this is the best time to find missing components, access conflicts, incorrect sequences or unclear documents. FAT does not replace site commissioning, but it gives both buyer and supplier a controlled milestone.

Verify the physical system

Walk the line against approved drawings and the bill of materials. Check tank dimensions and materials, structural finish, piping direction, valve identification, pumps, filters, heaters, sensors, rectifiers, exhaust connections and maintenance access. Test transfer motion, positioning and load handling with a representative fixture where possible. Record serial numbers and photograph key assemblies.

Challenge controls and safety

Run automatic and manual modes, recipes, timers, current profiles, alarms and interlocks. Simulate sensor faults, communication loss, emergency stops and power recovery. Confirm that equipment moves to a defined safe state and that alarm messages help the operator locate the cause. Review access guards, warning labels and lockout points against the project’s safety plan.

Close with evidence and actions

The FAT package should include signed test sheets, open-item list, revised drawings, software backup, parameter list, manuals, certificates and packing plan. Assign an owner and due date to every issue, then define which items must close before shipment. Clear evidence turns FAT from a ceremonial visit into a practical quality-control tool.