Factory Receiving Checklist: What to Inspect Before You Sign Off the Delivery

When your roll forming machine arrives at your factory, do not rush to sign the delivery paperwork.

Once you sign “received in good condition,” responsibility can shift — and insurance claims become much harder.

This guide explains:

What to inspect immediately
How to check for transit damage
How to verify accessories and spares
Electrical cabinet checks
Inventory cross-checking
A ready-to-use sign-off sheet
A snags list template

This process protects your investment before installation begins.

Why Factory Receiving Is Critical

Transit damage may not always be obvious.

Heavy roll forming machines can suffer:

Frame distortion
Roller misalignment
Shaft bending
Hydraulic leaks
Electrical vibration damage
Missing crates

The receiving stage is your final opportunity to document issues before operational responsibility begins.

Step 1: Inspect Before Full Unpacking

Before removing packaging:

☐ Photograph machine from all sides
☐ Photograph any visible damage
☐ Photograph packaging condition
☐ Photograph container interior (if delivered in container)

Do not discard packaging until inspection is complete.

Structural Inspection

Carefully inspect:

Machine bed straightness
Weld joints
Base frame
Mounting feet
Roller stands

Look for:

Cracks
Bent steel
Twisting
Uneven base

Even small distortions can affect panel quality.

Roller & Shaft Inspection

Roller forming accuracy depends on precision.

Check:

☐ Roller surfaces
☐ Roller edges
☐ Shaft straightness
☐ Bearing housing integrity
☐ Roller alignment

Look for:

Scoring
Dents
Rust spots
Uneven wear

If machine is used, compare wear consistency across stations.

Electrical Cabinet Inspection

Electrical damage is common during transit vibration.

Before powering up:

☐ Check cabinet exterior for dents
☐ Open cabinet and inspect internal components
☐ Check PLC mounting stability
☐ Check drive mounting
☐ Check loose wiring
☐ Check cooling fans
☐ Check moisture signs
☐ Verify HMI screen condition

Never power up before visual inspection.

Hydraulic System Inspection

Hydraulic leaks can occur during transit.

Inspect:

☐ Hose connections
☐ Cylinder seals
☐ Oil tank integrity
☐ Fittings tightness
☐ Visible oil leaks

Check that caps are intact and no hoses are pinched.

Cutting & Punching Units

Inspect:

☐ Shear blade condition
☐ Punch die condition
☐ Guarding
☐ Mounting bolts

Check alignment before test cycling.

Accessories & Spare Parts Inventory

Cross-check against:

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Spare parts list

Confirm presence of:

☐ Decoiler
☐ Stacker
☐ Tooling sets
☐ Spare rollers
☐ Spare shafts
☐ Hydraulic spares
☐ Electrical spare parts
☐ Manuals
☐ Electrical drawings
☐ Software backup

Missing spare parts are common in international shipments.

Documentation Verification

Confirm you received:

☐ Operator manual
☐ Maintenance manual
☐ Electrical drawings
☐ Hydraulic schematics
☐ Parts list
☐ PLC program backup
☐ Warranty documents

Missing documentation delays commissioning.

Alignment & Level Check (Pre-Installation)

Before anchoring:

☐ Confirm machine sits flat
☐ Check base feet stability
☐ Confirm no rocking
☐ Check bed alignment visually

Final alignment should occur during installation.

Common Snags Found During Receiving

Minor surface rust
Loose electrical terminals
Misplaced spare crate
Minor hydraulic seepage
Slight cosmetic damage
Missing bolts or fasteners

Document everything — even minor items.

Sign-Off Sheet Template (Copy & Use)

Factory Receiving Sign-Off – Roll Forming Machine

Delivery Date:
Location:
Container Number (if applicable):
Machine Model:
Serial Number:

Structural Inspection:

☐ No visible damage
☐ Damage observed (see notes)

Electrical Inspection:

☐ Cabinet secure
☐ No loose wiring
☐ No visible damage

Hydraulic Inspection:

☐ No leaks
☐ Fittings secure

Spare Parts Verified:

☐ All items received
☐ Missing items listed below

Documentation Received:

☐ Manuals
☐ Drawings
☐ Parts list
☐ PLC backup

Snags / Observations:

Photographs Taken: Yes / No

Signed By:
Date:

Snags List Template

Snags List – Roll Forming Machine Delivery

Issue Number:
Description:
Location on Machine:
Severity (Minor / Moderate / Critical):
Photos Attached: Yes / No
Reported To Supplier: Date
Insurance Notified: Date (if required)
Action Required:

When to Notify Supplier or Insurer

Notify immediately if:

Structural damage
Electrical damage
Missing critical components
Hydraulic damage
Frame misalignment

Minor cosmetic issues can be logged but may not require insurance.

Before Powering On

Never power the machine until:

Electrical cabinet checked
Loose wiring secured
Oil levels confirmed
Hydraulic system inspected
Safety guards verified

Premature startup can void warranty.

Final Advice

Factory receiving is not just unloading — it is formal acceptance of the machine.

Take your time.

Inspect carefully.

Document thoroughly.

Sign only after inspection.

This protects:

Your insurance claim
Your warranty
Your investment
Your production schedule