What should you check before a coil line leaves the factory?
A useful factory acceptance test checks the agreed machine functions and the finished product—not whether the line simply powers on.
7 min read · Engineering guide
1. Agree the checklist before the test
Write down which line functions, safety devices, operating modes and documents will be reviewed. Both sides should know what a pass, an open item and a retest mean before the factory test starts.
2. Use representative material
Where the contract includes a material trial, prepare coil that represents the agreed thickness, width, strength and surface condition. A light, easy-running coil cannot prove the heaviest production case.
- Material grade and strength
- Thickness and width
- Coil dimensions
- Surface condition
3. Run the important machine functions
Check the actual production route: coil loading, decoiling, guiding, leveling or slitting, measuring, cutting, tensioning, recoiling or stacking. Confirm alarms, guards, emergency stops and the agreed automatic modes.
4. Inspect the finished product
Measure the result that matters to your operation. Depending on the line, this can include sheet length, flatness, strip width, burr, edge condition, coil build and surface quality.
- Record the inspection method
- Use agreed tolerances
- Keep representative photos or samples
- List items that need correction
5. Close the handover records
Before packing, confirm the available drawings, manuals, component list, spare-parts information, open-item list and packing record. Factory testing is most useful when the results remain easy to review after delivery.