Paper cup pre production sample approval should identify the product, conditions and criteria that the sample represents. A cup shown during a sales discussion, a trial cup and an approved production reference can serve different purposes. Treating them as interchangeable creates uncertainty when later output differs.
Establish a controlled reference before normal production. Keep its drawing, material and approval record together, and state any limitations. The purpose is to make the accepted application repeatable and traceable, not simply to retain a good-looking cup.
Classify the sample's purpose
Label whether the sample illustrates a concept, comes from a particular trial or is approved as a reference. Identify its source and date. An illustrative cup can help explain a design without establishing that the proposed machine produced it on the intended material.
If a trial sample is used for approval, retain the machine, configuration, tooling and material records. Use the FAT checklist where the sample forms part of pre-shipment acceptance.
Resolve the specification before sign-off
Confirm drawing revision, dimensions, relevant volume definition, artwork and wall construction. Include the lid and packing requirements when they affect the finished product. Resolve discrepancies between written criteria and the physical sample rather than allowing two conflicting references.
The mould selection guide helps identify the geometric inputs. A nominal cup size or an unlabelled photograph is not a complete approved specification.
| Approval record | Information to retain | Boundary it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Product identity | Drawing, artwork and sample reference | Which cup was approved |
| Material | Sidewall and bottom specifications/lots | Which stock was demonstrated |
| Trial conditions | Machine, tooling and setup reference | How the sample was produced |
| Evaluation | Method, results and relevant criteria | What was assessed |
| Decision | Approver, status and exceptions | What production may proceed |
| Revision control | Changes and superseded references | Which approval remains current |
Evaluate with defined methods
Inspect the relevant dimensions, appearance, rim, seams, bottom and handling behavior using agreed methods. Include lid fit or completed-pack checks when required. Do not invent universal tolerances or acceptance limits to fill missing customer requirements.
Keep inspection results alongside the sample identity. A visual comparison can support a defined check but should not substitute for measurements or integrity testing where those are required. State checks not performed and evidence still needed.
Tie material approval to the application
Identify the sidewall and bottom stock used and whether it represents the intended production supply. If a substitute material was tested, record that boundary. Approval of a cup made from one grade should not silently become approval of every paper with a similar commercial name.
Use the paper-requirements guide for qualification information. Keep applicable material/product documentation separate from a machine's ability to form an acceptable sample.
Define the approval decision and exceptions
Record approved, rejected, conditional or awaiting-evidence status with the authorized person. For a conditional decision, identify the permitted scope, outstanding action and review condition. A signature without a clear product/application boundary is difficult to use at production startup.
Keep trial output and held production under the authorized release process. A reference cup does not automatically release every cup made during an uncertain interval or establish the machine's ongoing capacity.
Preserve and revise the reference
Store the reference according to the factory's approved process, maintaining identity and condition. Retain photographs or records where physical samples can change or deteriorate, without assuming an image replaces every physical evaluation.
When drawing, artwork, lid or material changes, review the affected criteria and update the approval. Separate superseded references from current ones. The defect reference sample guide supports reference control without treating a “golden sample” as an unlimited guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Can a sales sample approve the proposed machine application?
Only if the relevant production and evaluation evidence supports that application. Otherwise keep it labelled as illustrative.
Does sample approval prove stable daily capacity?
No. Ongoing output and quality need their own representative production evidence.
Can substitute paper be left off the approval record?
No. Identify tested material and state which intended-material claims remain unverified.
What happens after a drawing or lid revision?
Review the affected criteria and update the reference before using the previous approval for the changed product.
Prepare a sample-approval brief
Send identified samples, drawings, material references and the checks needing approval through the HANNAI inquiry page. Mark preliminary samples and unresolved criteria clearly.