Trial Runs and Acceptance

A machine that's been moved into the factory, installed, and powers on is not the same as a machine that has passed acceptance. Acceptance confirms that the machine can do what was agreed, and that "agreement" needs to be written down clearly before you place the order.

Agree on Acceptance Criteria First

We recommend specifying in the contract or an order annex:

• Test ingredients: the buyer's actual production ingredients and recipe.
• Test product: which product, piece weight, and wrapper-to-filling ratio.
• Test duration: how long the machine runs continuously.
• Speed: the minimum pieces per hour for that product.
• Weight range: the allowable variance.
• Defect rate: the upper limit for torn wrappers, exposed filling, and poor seals.
• Other: noise, safety devices, cleaning disassembly.

The criteria are agreed by both parties based on the product and model; there are no universal numbers. Remember that the ingredients used for acceptance must match those used in the trial run; if the recipe changes, the results may change too.

What Should Acceptance Cover?

1. Appearance and installation

• No damage to the machine's exterior, and all accessories, tools, and manuals are present.
• Installed level and secure, with power connections made by qualified personnel.

2. Safety functions

• The emergency stop button works.
• Guards and interlock switches: the machine stops when a guard is opened.
• Proper grounding.

3. Production performance

• Speed under the agreed conditions.
• Weight variance and defect rate (methods below).
• Whether finished appearance, seal, and shape match the sample.

4. Cleaning and maintenance

• Whether food-contact parts can be removed, washed, and reinstalled according to the manual.
• Whether operators have learned daily cleaning and basic maintenance; see Operator Training.

How to Test Weight Variance

1. Start sampling only after the machine is adjusted and running steadily; the first few pieces after start-up don't count.
2. At fixed intervals (for example every 10 minutes), take a consecutive group of samples, for example 10 pieces per group.
3. Weigh each piece on a calibrated electronic scale and record it.
4. Calculate the average weight, maximum, and minimum, and see what proportion falls within the agreed range.

To test the wrapper-to-filling ratio, cut a few pieces open and weigh the wrapper and filling separately.

How to Test the Damage Rate

1. Agree on what counts as "defective": torn wrapper, exposed filling, unclosed seal, deformed shape, weight out of range.
2. Over the agreed test period, count total pieces produced and defective pieces.
3. Defect rate = defective pieces ÷ total pieces produced × 100%.

If the product will be steamed or frozen, you can also agree to count "damage after steaming" or "damage after freezing" separately, since some problems only appear after heating.

Keep Good Records

At acceptance, we recommend recording in a table: date, ingredient lot number, room and ingredient temperature, settings, the weight of each group, number of defects, and both parties' signatures. These records also serve as the baseline for future adjustments and maintenance.

What If It Fails Acceptance?

Find the cause first, then proceed according to the contract:

• Ingredient or operating factors: differences in dough firmness, filling temperature, or operating method; adjust and retest.
• Machine adjustment factors: settings for speed, ratio, and cutting timing; the machine maker adjusts and retests.
• Problems with the machine itself: parts, assembly, or design; handle as agreed in the contract, for example repair, part replacement, or other agreed remedies.

The contract should ideally specify the number of retests and the deadline, and arrangements such as paying the final installment only after acceptance is complete. For Dong-Yih Machinery's acceptance method and process, please call us (06-257-4644).

Safety Reminder

When adjusting or removing parts during acceptance, always stop the machine and cut the power first, lock out and tag out if necessary, and never put your hands into the feed or cutting mechanism while the machine is running.

FAQ

Q: How much weight variance counts as passing?
A: There's no universal standard; it should be agreed in advance by both parties based on the product and model, and verified by sample weighing.

Q: Whose ingredients should be used for acceptance?
A: We recommend the buyer's actual production ingredients and recipe, consistent with those used in the trial run.

Q: If the machine doesn't perform well at acceptance, is it necessarily the machine's fault?
A: Not necessarily. Ingredient firmness, temperature, and operating method all have an effect; find the cause first, then adjust and retest.

Q: Do acceptance records need to be kept?
A: We recommend keeping them; they're an important reference for future adjustments, maintenance, or any disputes.