Build the trial around representative production samples
Do not use ideal presentation samples if the production bottle or closure supply varies. Include the pack that will actually be run, and label every sample batch clearly. If supplier variation is known, identify the smallest neck, largest shank, tallest bottle, shortest bottle and any decorative-top finish that may be more easily marked.
Before the trial
- Provide bottle and closure drawings where available.
- Identify the desired finished height and visual standard.
- State whether closures are manually presented or automatically fed.
- Confirm whether the trial represents one format or several.
During the trial
- Record settings, tooling and support positions.
- Measure accepted and rejected examples with the same method.
- Photograph finished bottles and any defects.
- Include stops, restarts and feeder refill where relevant.
Example acceptance record
| Acceptance item | What to record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Finished height | Datum used, measurement tool, accepted range and measured examples. | Prevents visual judgement changing between operators or batches. |
| Top condition | Marks, dents, rotation, contact pattern and approved appearance photographs. | Protects premium decorative tops and label alignment. |
| Bottle condition | Neck chips, cracks, base movement, guide scuffs and any suspect bottles removed before testing. | Separates packaging defects from machine effects. |
| Feeder behaviour | Orientation, doubles, low-level response, refill and restart state. | Proves automatic feed stability beyond a short clean run. |
FAT boundaries
A factory acceptance test should define exactly what was tested and what was not. If one closure colour, one shank material or one bottle supplier is tested, that should not be silently extended to all future packaging. Where the project involves a wider line, state which upstream and downstream equipment is part of the acceptance and which is outside the T‑cork machine boundary.
Use this page with the finished-height guide, bottle-breakage prevention checklist and Lancing services page.