LayerQuestar factory acceptance test — blown film machine running 72-hour continuous production test in Zhejiang factory
Pre-Shipment Quality Verification · Standard on Every Machine

72-Hour Factory
Acceptance Test

Every LayerQuestar machine runs a continuous 72-hour production test before it leaves our factory in Zhejiang. Not a power-on check. Not a 30-minute sample run. 72 hours under load — with data recorded and a report issued.

72hr Continuous Run Duration
±8%→±3% Thickness Tolerance Range
±1°C Temperature Stability
100% Machines Tested Before Ship
Test Protocol

What Is Verified During the 72-Hour FAT

Five independent verification areas. Every parameter has a defined pass standard. The machine does not ship until all five pass.

LayerQuestar engineer measuring blown film thickness with micrometer gauge during factory acceptance test

Film Thickness & Uniformity

  • Transverse thickness — 5-point cross-section method
  • Machine-direction consistency — full 72-hour duration
  • 20 sample points total — taken every 2–4 hours
  • Thickness at roll core vs. roll surface compared
Pass Standard
±8% standard config ±3–5% with AGC option
Measurement: Micrometer gauge, 5-point cross-section
OMRON PID temperature controller display during LayerQuestar blown film machine factory acceptance test

Temperature Control Stability

  • All extruder barrel zones — logged continuously
  • Die head temperature uniformity across circumference
  • Deviation under sustained full-load conditions
  • Zone recovery time after setpoint change
Pass Standard
Deviation ≤ ±1°C per zone (stable state)
Measurement: OMRON PID data log + independent thermocouple verification
Weighing blown film roll output during LayerQuestar factory acceptance test — output rate verification

Output Rate & Consistency

  • Hourly output weight (kg/h) — calibrated scale
  • Output consistency across full 72-hour run
  • Maximum rated output — sustained for minimum 2 hours
  • Screw speed vs. output linearity check
Pass Standard
≤ ±5% variation between consecutive hourly measurements
Measurement: Calibrated industrial scale, timed roll weight method
Mechanical inspection of haul-off unit and winding rolls during LayerQuestar blown film machine FAT

Mechanical & Drive Systems

  • Main motor amperage — start, mid-run, max load
  • Gearbox oil temperature — continuous monitoring
  • Nip roll pressure uniformity — left / centre / right
  • Winding roll geometry — cylindrical, no telescoping
Pass Standard
Motor within rated range · Gearbox no overheating · Rolls cylindrical
Measurement: Clamp meter, infrared thermometer, roll hardness gauge
Control cabinet electrical systems inspection during LayerQuestar blown film machine factory acceptance test

Electrical & Control Systems

  • Cabinet internal temperature — all 2–3 cooling fans
  • Emergency stop — all E-stop circuits verified
  • All indicators, switches, displays — functional check
  • English labeling — 100% completeness audit
Pass Standard
All E-stops verified · All fans operational · 100% English labeling
Measurement: Cabinet thermometer, functional test checklist, label audit

FAT Pass Standards — Summary Reference

Parameter Pass Standard Notes
Film thickness tolerance ±8% standard / ±3–5% with AGC Configuration-dependent — see thickness section
Temperature deviation per zone ≤ ±1°C (stable state) OMRON PID under sustained load
Output consistency ≤ ±5% between hourly measurements Measured by calibrated scale
Main motor amperage Within rated range — no overload events Logged at start, mid-run and maximum load
Gearbox oil temperature No overheating event across 72 hours Infrared thermometer monitoring
Emergency stop circuits 100% verified — no exceptions All E-stop points tested individually
Cabinet cooling fans All fans operational 2–3 independent fans per cabinet
English labeling 100% complete Full label audit before sign-off
Test duration 72 hours continuous — no interruption Clock restarts if test is interrupted
Test Structure

Why 72 Hours — The Engineering Reason

Most machine faults do not appear in the first hour of operation. Thermal expansion, bearing wear-in, temperature zone drift and winding tension inconsistency typically emerge between hour 8 and hour 48. A 30-minute test proves the machine starts. A 72-hour test proves the machine runs.

Phase 1
Hours 0 – 8

Warm-Up & Stabilisation

  • Temperature zones reach setpoint and stabilise without manual intervention
  • Screw torque settles to steady-state current draw
  • Film bubble geometry stabilises — frost line height confirmed
  • First thickness samples taken at Hour 4 and Hour 8
Key check: Does every temperature zone hold setpoint without manual correction?
Phase 2
Hours 8 – 48

Sustained Production Run

  • Continuous output at target screw speed — no interruption
  • Temperature deviation logged every 30 minutes across all zones
  • Thickness samples taken every 2 hours — 16 of the 20 total sample points
  • Winding roll quality inspected at each roll change
  • Melt pressure logged continuously — no surge events permitted
Key check: Is output consistent? Are all thickness samples within tolerance?
Phase 3
Hours 48 – 72

Stress Verification

  • Output pushed to rated maximum screw speed for final 24 hours
  • All mechanical systems inspected under full load conditions
  • Final thickness measurement — 5-point cross-section, 4 remaining sample points
  • Electrical cabinet temperature verified under maximum thermal load
  • Final sign-off data sheet compiled and signed by LayerQuestar engineer
Key check: Does the machine maintain all parameters at maximum rated output?

What the FAT Verifies

  • Machine mechanical and electrical integrity
  • Temperature control accuracy under sustained load
  • Film thickness tolerance at standard operating parameters
  • Output rate at rated screw speed
  • Winding quality under continuous production
  • All safety and emergency stop systems
  • English labeling completeness

What the FAT Does Not Verify

  • Performance with your specific resin formula The FAT uses standard LDPE/HDPE. Your resin's melt index, additive content or processing window may require parameter adjustment on-site. Discuss material trials with your sales contact if needed.
  • Long-term wear performance 72 hours verifies initial integrity. Long-term wear depends on maintenance schedule, material abrasiveness and operating conditions.
  • Downstream equipment compatibility Bag making machine and printing press integration is verified during on-site commissioning, not during the FAT.
You Are Welcome to Attend

Watch Your Machine Run — In Person, by Inspector, or by Video

LayerQuestar's factory in Zhejiang is open to buyers who wish to observe the FAT directly. Three options — choose what works for you.

Option 1

Visit Our Factory in Zhejiang

Attend the full 72-hour test or arrive for the final inspection and sign-off. Our team coordinates the visit, demonstrates the machine at your requested run parameters, and arranges a Q&A session with our engineering team.

  • Factory visit scheduling — approx. 2–3 weeks advance notice
  • Machine demonstration at your target parameters
  • Engineering team Q&A session
  • FAT report sign-off in person before packing begins
Request a Factory Visit
Option 2

Send an Independent Inspector

You are welcome to arrange an independent inspection agency to attend the FAT on your behalf. We coordinate factory access and provide all test data directly to the inspector.

  • SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV or your preferred agency accepted
  • Full test data provided to inspector on request
  • Inspector sign-off added to FAT report
  • Coordinate access 1–2 weeks in advance
Arrange Third-Party Inspection
Option 3

Live Video FAT Witness

If travel is not practical, we conduct a live video walkthrough of the final FAT inspection via WhatsApp or WeChat video call. You observe the machine running and see measurements taken in real time.

  • Live video via WhatsApp or WeChat — your choice
  • Thickness measurements shown on camera in real time
  • Temperature and output data shared on screen
  • Completed FAT report emailed within 24 hours of sign-off
Request Video Witness

What You Receive: The FAT Report

A completed FAT report is included in the machine documentation package shipped with every machine. Digital PDF available on request.

  • Machine model and serial number
  • Test start and end timestamp
  • Temperature log — all zones, full 72-hour duration
  • Film thickness — all 20 sample points with values
  • Output log — hourly weight records
  • Motor amperage readings — start, mid-run, max load
  • Electrical systems checklist — signed off
  • LayerQuestar engineer sign-off signature
The FAT report is an internal quality record documenting machine performance at the time of test. Machine warranty terms are defined separately in the purchase agreement.
LayerQuestar factory acceptance test report sample — showing temperature log, thickness measurements and engineer sign-off

72-Hour FAT — Video Recording

Time-lapse and highlight footage of the factory acceptance test process — machine running under continuous load, measurements being taken, and final sign-off.

LayerQuestar factory acceptance test video — 72-hour continuous run footage coming soon
Video coming soon

FAT video footage is being compiled and will be published here. In the meantime, request a live video witness session to observe your specific machine's FAT in real time.

Request Live Video Witness
FAQ

Common Questions About the FAT Process

Is the 72-hour FAT included in the machine price, or is it an extra charge?

The 72-hour factory acceptance test is standard on every LayerQuestar machine — included in the machine price at no additional charge. It is not an optional add-on and it is not skipped for lower-priced configurations. Every machine that leaves our Zhejiang factory has completed a full 72-hour continuous run.

What film thickness tolerance does the FAT verify?

The standard FAT verifies film thickness tolerance to ±8% across all 20 measurement points using a 5-point cross-section method. This is consistent with the performance range of conventional blown film systems for general PE packaging applications.

If your application requires tighter tolerance — food packaging, medical film, or high-specification barrier structures — LayerQuestar offers optional automatic gauge control (AGC) systems. With AGC, thickness tolerance can be reduced to ±3%–±5% depending on configuration. Discuss your tolerance requirement with your sales contact before finalising the machine specification so the FAT pass standard can be set accordingly.

Can I attend the FAT in person?

Yes. Buyers are welcome to attend the FAT at LayerQuestar's factory in Zhejiang, China. We ask for approximately 2–3 weeks advance notice to coordinate the visit with the production schedule. You can attend the full 72-hour run or arrive for the final inspection and sign-off — whichever is more practical for your travel schedule.

If travel is not possible, we offer a live video witness session via WhatsApp or WeChat. You observe the machine running, see thickness measurements taken on camera in real time, and receive the completed FAT report by email within 24 hours of sign-off.

Can I send a third-party inspection agency such as SGS or Bureau Veritas?

Yes. You are welcome to arrange an independent inspection agency to attend the FAT on your behalf. We coordinate factory access and provide all test data directly to the inspector. The inspector's sign-off can be added to the FAT report before the machine is packed for shipment. Please coordinate the inspection agency visit at least 1–2 weeks in advance so we can align the schedule with the FAT completion date. [NEEDS CLIENT VERIFICATION — confirm full list of accepted agencies]

What happens if the machine fails the FAT?

If any parameter falls outside the defined pass standard during the 72-hour run, the machine does not ship. The engineering team identifies the root cause, makes the necessary adjustment or repair, and the test restarts from zero. The 72-hour clock does not resume from where it stopped — it restarts completely. The machine is only released for shipment after a complete, uninterrupted 72-hour run in which all five verification areas meet their pass standards.

Does the FAT use my specific resin formula or film thickness target?

The standard FAT uses LDPE or HDPE depending on the machine configuration, run at a standard film thickness. This is sufficient to verify machine integrity, temperature stability, output consistency and all mechanical and electrical systems.

If your application uses a specific resin formula — a particular melt index grade, a recycled content blend, or a material with a narrow processing window — contact us before the FAT. We can discuss running a material trial with your parameters, either as part of the FAT or as a separate session. This is particularly relevant for PLA/PBAT biodegradable blends, which require a dedicated machine configuration and cannot be run on a standard PE machine.

Do I receive a copy of the FAT report, and what does it contain?

Yes. A completed FAT report is included in the machine documentation package shipped with the machine. A digital PDF copy is available on request. The report contains the machine model and serial number, test start and end timestamps, temperature logs for all zones across the full 72-hour duration, all 20 film thickness measurement values, hourly output weight records, motor amperage readings, gearbox oil temperature readings, the electrical systems checklist, and the LayerQuestar engineer's sign-off.

The FAT report is an internal quality record documenting machine performance at the time of test. Machine warranty terms are defined separately in the purchase agreement.

How long after FAT sign-off is the machine shipped?

After FAT sign-off, the machine is disassembled, protectively packed and prepared for shipment. This process typically takes 3–5 business days depending on machine size and packaging requirements. Your sales contact will confirm the exact shipping date and provide a bill of lading and tracking number once the machine has been handed to the freight forwarder.

Ready to Verify Your Machine?

Request FAT Attendance or Download the Checklist

Whether you want to attend in person, send an independent inspector, or simply understand what our test covers before you commit to an order — our engineering team is ready to answer your questions.

72-Hour Test — Standard on Every Machine, No Extra Charge
In-Person, Third-Party Inspector, or Video Witness — Your Choice
FAT Report Included with Every Shipment