In magnet system projects, testing is often mentioned—but rarely defined clearly.
Customers may ask:
- “Will the system be tested before shipment?”
- “How do we verify performance after installation?”
The real question is:
👉 What should be verified in the factory—and what can only be verified on site?
Understanding this distinction is essential for:
- Setting realistic expectations
- Avoiding disputes
- Ensuring successful system acceptance
1. What Is Factory Testing (FAT)
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) is performed before shipment.
It verifies that:
- The system meets design specifications
- Components function correctly
- Integration is complete
Typical FAT Scope
- Electrical functionality
- Current and voltage performance
- Basic magnetic field generation
- Control system operation
👉 FAT confirms:
“The system works as designed before it leaves the factory.”
2. What Is Site Testing (SAT)
Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) is performed after installation at the user’s location.
It verifies that:
- The system performs correctly in the actual environment
- Integration with local infrastructure is successful
Typical SAT Scope
- Field verification under real conditions
- System alignment and positioning
- Integration with user equipment
- Final performance confirmation
👉 SAT confirms:
“The system works as required in the real environment.”
3. Why FAT Cannot Replace SAT
A common misconception:
👉 “If the system passes factory testing, it should work identically on site.”
In reality:
- Environment changes
- Installation conditions differ
- External factors affect performance
According to IEEE engineering practices, system performance must be validated under actual operating conditions.
4. What Should Be Verified in Factory Testing
FAT should focus on parameters that are:
- Independent of environment
- Fully controllable in the factory
Examples
- Power supply performance (current, voltage stability)
- Coil resistance and basic functionality
- Control software and communication
- Safety systems and interlocks
Optional (When Applicable)
- Preliminary field measurement
- Basic uniformity verification
👉 But only within the limits of the factory setup
5. What Should Be Verified in Site Testing
SAT should focus on parameters that depend on:
- Installation
- Environment
- Integration
Examples
- Final magnetic field performance
- Uniformity within the installed setup
- Alignment of coils and sample position
- Interaction with nearby structures
According to Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_field
Magnetic field distribution depends on spatial configuration and surroundings.
6. Environmental Factors That Affect Site Results
Even a perfectly tested system can behave differently on site due to:
- Metallic structures
- Power supply quality
- Grounding conditions
- Temperature variations
Impact
- Field distortion
- Noise
- Reduced accuracy
👉 These factors cannot be fully replicated in factory conditions
7. The Importance of a Clear Acceptance Matrix
A professional project defines:
👉 who verifies what, where, and how
Typical Acceptance Matrix
| Parameter | FAT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical performance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Basic functionality | ✔ | ✔ |
| Field generation | ✔ (basic) | ✔ (final) |
| Field uniformity | Limited | Full |
| System integration | ✖ | ✔ |
👉 This avoids misunderstandings during delivery
8. Common Mistakes in Test Planning
Mistake 1: Expecting Full Field Verification in Factory
- Leads to unrealistic expectations
Mistake 2: No Site Verification Plan
- Problems discovered too late
Mistake 3: Undefined Acceptance Criteria
- Leads to disputes
9. Documentation and Traceability
Both FAT and SAT should include:
- Test procedures
- Measurement methods
- Recorded results
Why It Matters
- Ensures transparency
- Provides traceability
- Supports long-term system validation
10. How Cryomagtech Supports FAT and SAT
At Cryomagtech, testing is structured as part of system delivery.
We provide:
- Defined FAT procedures and reports
- Clear SAT guidelines
- Support for installation and verification
👉 Product link placeholder: Cryomagtech Magnet Systems with FAT/SAT Validation Support
Our goal is to ensure that:
- The system works before shipment
- The system works after installation
- The performance is verifiable and reliable
References
- IEEE – System validation and testing practices
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/ - Wikipedia – Magnetic field
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_field
Key Takeaways
- FAT verifies system readiness before shipment
- SAT verifies performance after installation
- Not all parameters can be tested in the factory
- Environmental factors affect on-site performance
- Clear test scope prevents misunderstandings
- Both FAT and SAT are essential for successful delivery
A system passing factory tests is not the final step.
👉 It must also perform correctly where it is used.