What Happens During Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) Stages 1-2

September 23, 2026

During Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Laub\Hunt Packaging Systems runs your filler through a structured, checklist‑driven trial in their plant—verifying lubrication, mechanical alignment, leak‑tight product paths, safety functions, long‑run performance, and documentation—so issues are found and fixed before the machine ever ships.


Why FAT Matters Before Your Filler Ships

Factory Acceptance Testing is the last major quality gate your filling machine passes before it leaves Laub\Hunt’s facility. It is where we simulate how your machine will run in your plant—under controlled conditions, using water and your containers—to verify performance, safety, and build quality against the agreed specifications.

Across the liquid‑filling industry, FAT is recognized as a critical step for complex equipment: it catches issues early, avoids surprises during installation, and gives both the equipment manufacturer and customer a shared performance baseline. Laub\Hunt’s FAT process builds on a detailed filler checklist and validation expectations, especially for demanding applications such as bleach, pool / spa, and food and beverage.

Stage 1: Pre‑FAT Preparation and Test Plan

Turning your Order into a Test Protocol

Before FAT begins, Laub\Hunt prepares a test protocol that translates your purchase order and technical specifications into concrete checks and acceptance criteria. This protocol defines:

●    Scope: Machine model, filling technology (gravity, pressure, MAGFlow, etc.), container sizes, and products (bleach/detergent or food).

●    Tests to be performed: Lubrication verification, dry and wet runs, leak checks, performance trials, safety checks, and simulated operation.

●    Acceptance criteria: Speeds, fill accuracy with water, leak‑tightness, and functional behavior (e.g., interlocks and float switches).

Laub\Hunt follows this process, creating formal FAT and pre‑FAT documents that both parties review and approve before testing begins. Laub\Hunt’s protocol is anchored in its detailed filler checklist so that every critical point is tested or inspected, and checked off.

Test Media, Bottles, and Customer Involvement

To simulate actual conditions, Laub\Hunt typically uses water as the filling medium and, where possible, your actual bottles and closures. This allows us to validate the mechanical handling, fill levels, and changeovers for the containers you will actually run in production.

We strongly encourage customer participation during the FAT—either on‑site or via video—so your team can observe the machine, ask questions, and verify the results. Laub\Hunt supports this collaborative model and structures the FAT so that you can observe key stages if you choose.

Stage 2: Lubrication and Mechanical Readiness Checks

Lubrication Checklist: Protecting Every Moving Part

Laub\Hunt’s FAT begins with a systematic lubrication review to ensure every critical bearing and sliding surface has the correct lubricant before extended operation. This includes:

●    Filling main shaft bearings.

●    Greasing star hubs, cam sliders, threaded adjusters, ball bearings, star shafts and cam screws, and cam followers.

●    Lubricating valves, gearboxes (including conveyor gearboxes), and all zerk fittings (top of gearbox, bottom of rotating seals, top star shaft bearings).

●    Confirming the air oiler is filled and that air cylinders are assembled with internal grease.

●    Verifying lubrication on brass wearing surfaces on sliders.

These best practices employ proper lubrication as the foundation for both accurate motion and long‑term reliability. Laub\Hunt formalizes them via a checklist so that no lubrication point is overlooked.

Mechanical Integrity and Alignment

Next, technicians confirm the machine is assembled correctly and mechanically sound. Key checks include:

●    Ensuring all nuts, bolts, screws, and zerk fittings are installed and tightened.

●    Checking that there is no paint on threads or leveling‑screw surfaces, which would interfere with adjustment.

●    Verifying that bumpable corners are ground to a minimum 1/8‑inch radius to avoid sharp edges.

●    Confirming all cam followers and shafts move freely without binding.

They also visually align:

●    Star shafts, cam support shafts, and slider shafts in two dimensions, holding total variation within the specified limits.

●    Bowl and O‑ring concentricity and alignment.

●    Donut plate level within approximately ±1/16 inch, with centering bolts and lock nuts set.

FAT guidelines call for thorough mechanical and geometric inspections before dynamic testing, as misalignment is a major cause of jams, wear, and off‑spec fills.

Contact us for more information. Also review stages 3 - 4 and stages 5 – 7.

What to Expect When Your New Filling Machine Arrives – Part 1

What to Expect When Your New Filling Machine Arrives – Part 1

November 6, 2026
When Laub\Hunt Packaging Systems ships a new filler, customers can expect a structured, turnkey experience: pre‑validated equipment, coordinated delivery and installation, guided commissioning

Material Compatibility: Choosing Equipment That Lasts

November 2, 2026
Material Compatibility: Choosing Equipment That Lasts Material compatibility is one of the most important factors in equipment performance. The wrong choice can lead to premature wear, more maintenance, and unnecessary downtime. At Laub\Hunt Packaging Systems, we consider product chemistry, cleaning requirements, and operating conditions early in the design process so our customers receive equipment with long-term reliability. Why Material Choice Matters Every product places different demands on a filling system . Corrosive formulations, abrasive materials, temperature variation, and washdown exposure all affect how equipment performs over time. Stainless steel is the choice for many applications because of its durability and cleanability, while titanium, PVC, and specialty materials can be appropriate in more demanding environments. The best material is the one that performs well for all needed applications, for the full life of the production line. We view material selection as part of the design strategy for reliability and durability, not just a specification detail. When the equipment is built for the product and the plant environment, you see consistent performance and fewer maintenance disruptions. Where Stainless Steel Fits Stainless steel remains a common choice across liquid filling applications because it offers a strong balance of strength, hygiene, and service life. For many food and beverage, personal care, and household product lines, it provides the durability and cleanability needed for day-to-day production. It also supports sanitation practices that matter in regulated environments. At the same time, stainless steel is not the answer for every contact point or operating condition. Product chemistry, cleaning agents, and process temperatures all influence how the equipment will hold up. We evaluate those conditions carefully so the line is designed for the application, not just the product category. When Specialty Materials are Appropriate Some applications call for materials beyond standard stainless steel. Titanium may be appropriate where corrosion resistance is critical, while PVC or other specialty polymers can be useful in selected chemical filling environments. The key is understanding where the material will be used, what it will contact, and how often the system will be cleaned or exposed to harsh conditions. We encourage engineers and plant managers to look at the full operating environment before making a final decision. A material that performs well in one part of the line may not be the best choice elsewhere. Our engineering approach is to match each component to the conditions it will face, with a focus on service life and dependable operation. Maintenance and Uptime Material compatibility has a direct effect on maintenance. When components are exposed to incompatible products or cleaning agents, wear can develop faster and repairs become more frequent. Over time, that leads to more interruptions and less predictable production output. A well-matched material package can reduce those risks. It can support easier cleaning, better corrosion resistance, and longer intervals between parts replacement. For plant teams, that creates a more stable operating environment and a more manageable maintenance schedule. Supporting Product Integrity In food, beverage, personal care, and chemical applications, material choice also supports product integrity. Equipment surfaces and contact materials must perform consistently while helping protect the quality of the product being run. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on cleanability, compatibility, and durability. Regulatory requirements and customer standards continue to make this area more important. Plants that take material selection seriously are better positioned to maintain quality, reduce risk, and keep production moving. We see material compatibility as a practical decision with clear operational benefits. Our Approach At Laub\Hunt, we design liquid filling systems with these considerations in mind from the outset. Our goal is to help customers choose equipment that fits the product, the process, and the production line. That approach supports reliability, extends equipment life, and helps reduce unplanned downtime. We work with customers in the bleach, pool / spa, household products, industrial chemicals, food and beverage, personal care, and automotive industries. In every case, our focus is on building systems that are durable, maintainable, and appropriate for the job. Contact us for more information.

FAQs - The 15 Quality Assurance Checks Every Machine Must Pass Before Shipment - Part 3

October 29, 2026
FAQs - The 15 Quality Assurance Checks Every Machine Must Pass Before Shipment - Part 3 Frequently Asked Questions What is a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)? A FAT is a structured, pre‑shipment validation where the machine is tested against performance, safety, and functional requirements—often witnessed by the customer. It confirms the machine is ready before it leaves the factory. Why is lubrication verification done before shipment? Proper lubrication prevents premature wear, overheating, and accuracy issues. Verifying it at the factory ensures all critical components are protected from the first startup. What is the purpose of the wet test? The wet test runs the machine with water to confirm the entire product path is leak‑free and functioning correctly under realistic conditions, reducing contamination and cleanup risks later. Why perform a detergent or “suds” test? Foaming and chemically aggressive products behave differently than water. This test ensures the machine can handle foam, corrosion risk, and level control under real application conditions. How do alignment checks impact performance? Precise alignment of stars, guides, and valves ensures smooth bottle transfer, prevents jams, and maintains consistent fill accuracy across all containers. What safety features are verified before shipment? Technicians test interlocks, limit switches, emergency stops, guarding, and jam detection systems to ensure the machine operates safely and complies with applicable standards. Why is long‑run testing necessary? Extended operation reveals issues like heat buildup, abnormal wear, or noise that short tests cannot detect, improving reliability from day one. What happens if an issue is found during QA checks? The issue is corrected and the affected system is re‑tested before the machine is approved for shipment, ensuring no unresolved problems reach the customer. What documentation is included with the machine? Customers receive operation and maintenance manuals, lubrication guidance, spare parts lists, and recorded factory settings to support installation and ongoing use. How do these QA checks benefit installation and startup? They reduce debugging time, prevent early failures, and provide a stable baseline so the machine can reach full production faster. Are these checks aligned with industry standards? Yes. The process reflects modern practices informed by standards such as ANSI/PMMI B155.1, OSHA requirements, and hygienic design guidelines. Can customers witness the QA or FAT process? In many cases, yes. Customers may attend or review FAT results to verify the machine meets their specifications before shipment. Contact us for more information. Check out part 1 and part 2 of this blog series.