Brazing Furnace FAT and SAT: Agree on Acceptance Before Shipment

Define factory and site acceptance evidence for a brazing furnace, including test conditions, product samples and ownership of open items.

China Thermic Editorial Team

Factory acceptance testing and site acceptance testing answer related but different questions. FAT checks the agreed equipment functions and performance at the supplier's facility. SAT checks the installed system under the conditions defined for the customer's site. Their scope should be agreed before shipment.

TURN REQUIREMENTS INTO TESTS

For each contractual requirement, define the test method, operating condition, acceptance criterion and record to be supplied. Identify the product samples, materials, utilities and personnel needed. If a performance test depends on customer-supplied assemblies, confirm their availability and condition early.

SEPARATE DEMONSTRATION FROM PRODUCTION QUALIFICATION

An unloaded equipment demonstration does not establish quality on every customer product. State which product family and loading pattern a trial represents. Record any simulated conditions and any verification intentionally deferred until installation.

MANAGE OPEN ITEMS

Create an open-item list with an owner, action, target date and closure evidence. Agree which issues prevent shipment and which may be completed at site. Keep that decision explicit. A signed attendance sheet should not be confused with unconditional technical acceptance.

PREPARE FOR SAT

Confirm utilities, installation completion, local interfaces and sample availability before the test visit. Repeat the checks affected by transport and installation. Use the agreed process for safety verification and operating authorization before production trials begin.

FREQUENT QUESTION: DOES PASSING FAT REMOVE THE NEED FOR SAT?

No. Installation conditions and site interfaces can differ from the factory setup. SAT provides evidence for the installed configuration within the agreed scope.

HANDOVER DELIVERABLES

Keep approved test protocols, completed results, configuration records, manuals and open-item closure together. A buyer comparing furnace proposals should compare these deliverables alongside capacity and equipment price, because they determine how acceptance will be demonstrated.