Official Factorio Wiki - User contributions [en]

Electric furnace

2014-08-19T16:33:49Z

Djungelorm: Move interface list into image caption

{{Machinery
|name=Electric furnace
|icon=electric-furnace
|image=Electric furnace on the map.png
|health=200
|energy=180 kW ([[Electric network|electric]])
|modules=2 slots
|smeltingspeed=2 items/s
|recipe={{icon|steel-bar|15|steel_bar}}+{{icon|stone-brick|10|stone_brick}}+{{icon|advanced-circuit|5|advanced_circuit}}+{{icon|Time icon|10|time}}→{{icon|electric-furnace|1|Electric furnace}}
|raw={{icon|copper-plate|40|copper_plate}} {{icon|iron-plate|20|iron_plate}} {{icon|steel-bar|15|steel_bar}} {{icon|stone-brick|10|stone_brick}}
|technologies={{icon|advanced-material-processing||Advanced material processing 2}}
|producers={{icon|assembling-machine-2||Assembling machine 2}} {{icon|assembling-machine-3||Assembling machine 3}}
}}

'''Electric furnaces''' provide 2 module slots which make them more flexible for special purposes. The use of [[Electric network|electrical power]] makes them independent from a direct power source, but the huge heating devices take some extra space, which makes the electric furnace slightly bigger than the burner furnaces.

Due to rather big energy cost of using electric furnaces, it is a great idea to insert [[Module|Effectivity Modules]] into them. This is often more cost-efficient than providing all that power with [[Solar panel]]s.

[[File:electric-furnace-gui.png|thumb|left|256px|The interface of an electric furnace.
<ol>
<li>[[Items#resources|Resource]] and stock</li>
<li>Current smelting progress</li>
<li>Finished products</li>
<li>Productivity bonus progress bar (visible when a [[Module|productivity module]] is inserted)</li>
<li>Module slots</li>
</ol>
]]
 

== See also ==
* [[Transport network]]
* [[Electric network]]

----
{{MachineNav}}

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Crafting network]] [[Category: Electric network]]

Inserters

2014-08-19T14:37:01Z

Djungelorm: /* Types */ Clarify description

{{sublinks|Transport network}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
Inserters are the fundamental components used to move items from one part of the factory to another. They are a vital component in almost all contraptions. They look and operate like a robot arm: they take items from behind and place them in front. For example, inserters can move items between machines, into or out of [[storage]] (such as chests) or onto [[transport belts]].

=== Inserter Mechanics ===

Inserters will:
* '''Pick up''' [[Items]] off the [[Ground]], off a [[Transport belts|Transport belt]], or from any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]] (including [[Storages/Chests|chests]], [[furnace|furnaces]] and [[Assembling machine|assembling machines]])
* '''Place''' the item onto the ground, onto a transport belt, or into any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]].

Inserters act differently depending on what they are moving items to/into so as not to monopolize all of the items being picked up. This allows other machines and inserters on the same transport belt to pick up a share of the items.

=== Insertion Limits ===

Inserters will stop inserting items into certain buildings if they already have enough of that item. For example, if a boiler has 5 or more items of fuel in it, an inserter will not insert additional fuel. When the fuel drops below 5 items, the inserter will continue to insert more fuel, up to the limit of 5 items.

{| class="wikitable"
! Entity !! Item type !! Inserter limit !! Comment
|-
| [[Boiler]]s, [[Burner inserter]]s, [[Furnace]]s || [[Fuel]] || align="center" | 5 || Modders should avoid recipes for furnaces with fuel.
|-
| [[Gun turret]]s || [[Magazines]] || align="center" | 10 || Since v0.8.4
|-
| [[Assembling machine]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Furnace]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Lab]]s || [[Science pack]]s || Double the number of items needed for one research point ||
|}

An inserter that takes items from an object containing [[Storage/Stack|stacks]] of items (such as a chest) can overfill the target building due to the [[Inserter item stack size]]. Overfilling can also happen if you use multiple inserters to insert items into the building.

=== Inserters and transport belts ===

[[Transport belts]] have two lanes on which items can travel. Inserters only place items onto one side of the belt. Which side they place it on depends on the orientation of the inserter and the belt, as described below. If you want to rearrange the items once they are on a belt see [[Transport_belts/Belt_lane#Changing_side_of_lane]].

* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-5RdLql0.gif]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-8pfqtMV.gif]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3920 When the direction of the inserter and the belt are the same, the inserter will place items in the '''direction of their rotation''']. By default, this is the top for horizontal belts, or the left for vertical belts. When '''taking''' from a belt, this direction might change.
: [[File:Mpstark-0XL7KBq.gif]]
* The end of the belt places the items onto the next [[Tile]]. Therefore, an inserter placed just past the end of the belt will be able to pick up items coming off of the belt. The end of the belt should be placed just before the inserter, to prevent two items from getting left at the end of the belt.
: [[File:Mpstark-5ceWt8I.gif]]
* Inserters can place items on
** All types of conveyor belts
** Underground belt entrances and exits
: [[File:Mpstark-UayT5wJ.gif]]
** Curves, however there is a high chance that the items will [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]
* Inserters '''cannot''' place items on splitters
* Inserters can pick up items from
** Splitters
** The first half of the conveyor belt
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly.
** From curves
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt

== Power usage ==

* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400
* [[Inserters/Reduce power consumption]]

== Types ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Item !! Total raw !! Max power !! Speed (Rot/[[Game-second|sec]]) !! Range ([[Tile|tiles]]) !! Special
|-
| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|3|Iron plate}} || 180 W ([[Fuel|burner]]) || 0.6 (1x) || 1 || Only inserter powered by [[Fuel]]. Since v0.10.0 it will insert fuel items into itself before it runs out of fuel.
|-
| {{imagelink|inserter|Inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|4|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 12.6 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 0.8 (1.4x) || 1 || Standard inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|7|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 18 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 1.1 (2x) || 2 || Inserter with longer reach.
|-
| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|8|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|4.5|Copper plate}} || 31.5 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || Basic fast inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|12|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|10.5|Copper plate}} || 44.1 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || A fast inserter that can be configured to only pick up certain types of item, and apply filters that use a [[Circuit network]].
|-
|}
: [[File:Mpstark-UlSB2pr.gif]]

== Special behavior ==

* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserters/Instead of belt]]: Use it instead of a belt
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Inserters/Priority]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)

== See also ==
* [[Electric network]]
* [[Transport network]]

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Transport network]] [[Category: Circuit network]]

Inserters

2014-08-19T14:23:11Z

Djungelorm: Merge two 'inserters and transport belts' sections

{{sublinks|Transport network}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
Inserters are the fundamental components used to move items from one part of the factory to another. They are a vital component in almost all contraptions. They look and operate like a robot arm: they take items from behind and place them in front. For example, inserters can move items between machines, into or out of [[storage]] (such as chests) or onto [[transport belts]].

=== Inserter Mechanics ===

Inserters will:
* '''Pick up''' [[Items]] off the [[Ground]], off a [[Transport belts|Transport belt]], or from any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]] (including [[Storages/Chests|chests]], [[furnace|furnaces]] and [[Assembling machine|assembling machines]])
* '''Place''' the item onto the ground, onto a transport belt, or into any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]].

Inserters act differently depending on what they are moving items to/into so as not to monopolize all of the items being picked up. This allows other machines and inserters on the same transport belt to pick up a share of the items.

=== Insertion Limits ===

Inserters will stop inserting items into certain buildings if they already have enough of that item. For example, if a boiler has 5 or more items of fuel in it, an inserter will not insert additional fuel. When the fuel drops below 5 items, the inserter will continue to insert more fuel, up to the limit of 5 items.

{| class="wikitable"
! Entity !! Item type !! Inserter limit !! Comment
|-
| [[Boiler]]s, [[Burner inserter]]s, [[Furnace]]s || [[Fuel]] || align="center" | 5 || Modders should avoid recipes for furnaces with fuel.
|-
| [[Gun turret]]s || [[Magazines]] || align="center" | 10 || Since v0.8.4
|-
| [[Assembling machine]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Furnace]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Lab]]s || [[Science pack]]s || Double the number of items needed for one research point ||
|}

An inserter that takes items from an object containing [[Storage/Stack|stacks]] of items (such as a chest) can overfill the target building due to the [[Inserter item stack size]]. Overfilling can also happen if you use multiple inserters to insert items into the building.

=== Inserters and transport belts ===

[[Transport belts]] have two lanes on which items can travel. Inserters only place items onto one side of the belt. Which side they place it on depends on the orientation of the inserter and the belt, as described below. If you want to rearrange the items once they are on a belt see [[Transport_belts/Belt_lane#Changing_side_of_lane]].

* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-5RdLql0.gif]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-8pfqtMV.gif]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3920 When the direction of the inserter and the belt are the same, the inserter will place items in the '''direction of their rotation''']. By default, this is the top for horizontal belts, or the left for vertical belts. When '''taking''' from a belt, this direction might change.
: [[File:Mpstark-0XL7KBq.gif]]
* The end of the belt places the items onto the next [[Tile]]. Therefore, an inserter placed just past the end of the belt will be able to pick up items coming off of the belt. The end of the belt should be placed just before the inserter, to prevent two items from getting left at the end of the belt.
: [[File:Mpstark-5ceWt8I.gif]]
* Inserters can place items on
** All types of conveyor belts
** Underground belt entrances and exits
: [[File:Mpstark-UayT5wJ.gif]]
** Curves, however there is a high chance that the items will [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]
* Inserters '''cannot''' place items on splitters
* Inserters can pick up items from
** Splitters
** The first half of the conveyor belt
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly.
** From curves
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt

== Power usage ==

* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400
* [[Inserters/Reduce power consumption]]

== Types ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Item !! Total raw !! Max power !! Speed (Rot/[[Game-second|sec]]) !! Range ([[Tile|tiles]]) !! Special
|-
| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|3|Iron plate}} || 180 W ([[Fuel|burner]]) || 0.6 (1x) || 1 || Only inserter using [[Fuel]]. Since v0.10.0 it will insert items with fuel value into itself when it has an empty inventory.
|-
| {{imagelink|inserter|Inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|4|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 12.6 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 0.8 (1.4x) || 1 || Standard inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|7|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 18 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 1.1 (2x) || 2 || Only inserter with higher range.
|-
| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|8|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|4.5|Copper plate}} || 31.5 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || Basic faster inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|12|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|10.5|Copper plate}} || 44.1 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || Only inserter connectable to [[Circuit network]]s and with configurable working condition, such as filtering in only a specific set of items
|-
|}
: [[File:Mpstark-UlSB2pr.gif]]

== Special behavior ==

* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserters/Instead of belt]]: Use it instead of a belt
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Inserters/Priority]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)

== See also ==
* [[Electric network]]
* [[Transport network]]

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Transport network]] [[Category: Circuit network]]

Inserters

2014-08-19T14:08:06Z

Djungelorm: /* Inserters and transport belts */ Clarify description

{{sublinks|Transport network}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
Inserters are the fundamental components used to move items from one part of the factory to another. They are a vital component in almost all contraptions. They look and operate like a robot arm: they take items from behind and place them in front. For example, inserters can move items between machines, into or out of [[storage]] (such as chests) or onto [[transport belts]].

=== Inserter Mechanics ===

Inserters will:
* '''Pick up''' [[Items]] off the [[Ground]], off a [[Transport belts|Transport belt]], or from any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]] (including [[Storages/Chests|chests]], [[furnace|furnaces]] and [[Assembling machine|assembling machines]])
* '''Place''' the item onto the ground, onto a transport belt, or into any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]].

Inserters act differently depending on what they are moving items to/into so as not to monopolize all of the items being picked up. This allows other machines and inserters on the same transport belt to pick up a share of the items.

=== Insertion Limits ===

Inserters will stop inserting items into certain buildings if they already have enough of that item. For example, if a boiler has 5 or more items of fuel in it, an inserter will not insert additional fuel. When the fuel drops below 5 items, the inserter will continue to insert more fuel, up to the limit of 5 items.

{| class="wikitable"
! Entity !! Item type !! Inserter limit !! Comment
|-
| [[Boiler]]s, [[Burner inserter]]s, [[Furnace]]s || [[Fuel]] || align="center" | 5 || Modders should avoid recipes for furnaces with fuel.
|-
| [[Gun turret]]s || [[Magazines]] || align="center" | 10 || Since v0.8.4
|-
| [[Assembling machine]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Furnace]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Lab]]s || [[Science pack]]s || Double the number of items needed for one research point ||
|}

An inserter that takes items from an object containing [[Storage/Stack|stacks]] of items (such as a chest) can overfill the target building due to the [[Inserter item stack size]]. Overfilling can also happen if you use multiple inserters to insert items into the building.

=== Inserters and transport belts ===

* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-5RdLql0.gif]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-8pfqtMV.gif]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3920 When the direction of the inserter and the belt are the same, the inserter will place items in the '''direction of their rotation''']. By default, this is the top for horizontal belts, or the left for vertical belts. When '''taking''' from a belt, this direction might change.
: [[File:Mpstark-0XL7KBq.gif]]
* The end of the belt places the items onto the next [[Tile]]. Therefore, an inserter placed just past the end of the belt will be able to pick up items coming off of the belt. The end of the belt should be placed just before the inserter, to prevent two items from getting left at the end of the belt.
: [[File:Mpstark-5ceWt8I.gif]]
* Inserters can place items on
** All types of conveyor belts
** Underground belt entrances and exits
: [[File:Mpstark-UayT5wJ.gif]]
** Curves, however there is a high chance that the items will [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]
* Inserters '''cannot''' place items on splitters
* Inserters can pick up items from
** Splitters
** The first half of the conveyor belt
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly.
** From curves
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt

==== Inserters and Transport Belts ====

[[Transport belts]] have two lanes on which items can travel. When Inserters place an item on the belt, they place it on the lane furthest from them (see above).

If you want to rearrange the items on the belts see : '''[[Transport_belts/Belt_lane#Changing_side_of_lane]]'''

== Power usage ==

* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400
* [[Inserters/Reduce power consumption]]

== Types ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Item !! Total raw !! Max power !! Speed (Rot/[[Game-second|sec]]) !! Range ([[Tile|tiles]]) !! Special
|-
| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|3|Iron plate}} || 180 W ([[Fuel|burner]]) || 0.6 (1x) || 1 || Only inserter using [[Fuel]]. Since v0.10.0 it will insert items with fuel value into itself when it has an empty inventory.
|-
| {{imagelink|inserter|Inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|4|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 12.6 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 0.8 (1.4x) || 1 || Standard inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|7|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 18 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 1.1 (2x) || 2 || Only inserter with higher range.
|-
| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|8|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|4.5|Copper plate}} || 31.5 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || Basic faster inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|12|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|10.5|Copper plate}} || 44.1 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || Only inserter connectable to [[Circuit network]]s and with configurable working condition, such as filtering in only a specific set of items
|-
|}
: [[File:Mpstark-UlSB2pr.gif]]

== Special behavior ==

* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserters/Instead of belt]]: Use it instead of a belt
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Inserters/Priority]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)

== See also ==
* [[Electric network]]
* [[Transport network]]

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Transport network]] [[Category: Circuit network]]

Inserters

2014-08-19T13:57:41Z

Djungelorm: Clean up inserter limits section

{{sublinks|Transport network}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
Inserters are the fundamental components used to move items from one part of the factory to another. They are a vital component in almost all contraptions. They look and operate like a robot arm: they take items from behind and place them in front. For example, inserters can move items between machines, into or out of [[storage]] (such as chests) or onto [[transport belts]].

=== Inserter Mechanics ===

Inserters will:
* '''Pick up''' [[Items]] off the [[Ground]], off a [[Transport belts|Transport belt]], or from any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]] (including [[Storages/Chests|chests]], [[furnace|furnaces]] and [[Assembling machine|assembling machines]])
* '''Place''' the item onto the ground, onto a transport belt, or into any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]].

Inserters act differently depending on what they are moving items to/into so as not to monopolize all of the items being picked up. This allows other machines and inserters on the same transport belt to pick up a share of the items.

=== Insertion Limits ===

Inserters will stop inserting items into certain buildings if they already have enough of that item. For example, if a boiler has 5 or more items of fuel in it, an inserter will not insert additional fuel. When the fuel drops below 5 items, the inserter will continue to insert more fuel, up to the limit of 5 items.

{| class="wikitable"
! Entity !! Item type !! Inserter limit !! Comment
|-
| [[Boiler]]s, [[Burner inserter]]s, [[Furnace]]s || [[Fuel]] || align="center" | 5 || Modders should avoid recipes for furnaces with fuel.
|-
| [[Gun turret]]s || [[Magazines]] || align="center" | 10 || Since v0.8.4
|-
| [[Assembling machine]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Furnace]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Lab]]s || [[Science pack]]s || Double the number of items needed for one research point ||
|}

An inserter that takes items from an object containing [[Storage/Stack|stacks]] of items (such as a chest) can overfill the target building due to the [[Inserter item stack size]]. Overfilling can also happen if you use multiple inserters to insert items into the building.

=== Inserters and transport belts ===

* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the further lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-5RdLql0.gif]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items on the near lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-8pfqtMV.gif]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3920 For orthogonal belts, inserter place items in the '''direction of their rotation''']. This is by default up for horizontal or left for vertical placed inserters.
: '''When taking from a belt''', they might change this initial direction!
: [[File:Mpstark-0XL7KBq.gif]]
* The end of the belt places the items in it onto the next [[Tile]], so that the inserter can grep it. The last input should be one off. This can prevent the two items from simply sitting there at the end of the belt.
: [[File:Mpstark-5ceWt8I.gif]]
* Inserters can place items on
** All types of conveyor belts
** Underground-belt (entry and exit) [[File:Mpstark-UayT5wJ.gif|right|top]]
** Curves, but their behavior is then very "special" and the items have a big chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]].
** They cannot place on splitter
* Inserters can pick up from
** Splitters
** First half of the conveyor belt
* Inserters have problems to pick up
** from fast belts, cause the items are moving too fast for them.
** picking up from curves
** from the entry/exit of an underground belt

==== Inserters and Transport Belts ====

[[Transport belts]] have two lanes on which items can travel. When Inserters place an item on the belt, they place it on the lane furthest from them (see above).

If you want to rearrange the items on the belts see : '''[[Transport_belts/Belt_lane#Changing_side_of_lane]]'''

== Power usage ==

* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400
* [[Inserters/Reduce power consumption]]

== Types ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Item !! Total raw !! Max power !! Speed (Rot/[[Game-second|sec]]) !! Range ([[Tile|tiles]]) !! Special
|-
| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|3|Iron plate}} || 180 W ([[Fuel|burner]]) || 0.6 (1x) || 1 || Only inserter using [[Fuel]]. Since v0.10.0 it will insert items with fuel value into itself when it has an empty inventory.
|-
| {{imagelink|inserter|Inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|4|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 12.6 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 0.8 (1.4x) || 1 || Standard inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|7|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 18 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 1.1 (2x) || 2 || Only inserter with higher range.
|-
| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|8|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|4.5|Copper plate}} || 31.5 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || Basic faster inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|12|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|10.5|Copper plate}} || 44.1 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || Only inserter connectable to [[Circuit network]]s and with configurable working condition, such as filtering in only a specific set of items
|-
|}
: [[File:Mpstark-UlSB2pr.gif]]

== Special behavior ==

* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserters/Instead of belt]]: Use it instead of a belt
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Inserters/Priority]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)

== See also ==
* [[Electric network]]
* [[Transport network]]

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Transport network]] [[Category: Circuit network]]

Inserters

2014-08-19T13:50:05Z

Djungelorm: Clean up introduction, move inserter behaviour to mechanics section

{{sublinks|Transport network}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
Inserters are the fundamental components used to move items from one part of the factory to another. They are a vital component in almost all contraptions. They look and operate like a robot arm: they take items from behind and place them in front. For example, inserters can move items between machines, into or out of [[storage]] (such as chests) or onto [[transport belts]].

=== Inserter Mechanics ===

Inserters will:
* '''Pick up''' [[Items]] off the [[Ground]], off a [[Transport belts|Transport belt]], or from any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]] (including [[Storages/Chests|chests]], [[furnace|furnaces]] and [[Assembling machine|assembling machines]])
* '''Place''' the item onto the ground, onto a transport belt, or into any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]].

Inserters act differently depending on what they are moving items to/into so as not to monopolize all of the items being picked up. This allows other machines and inserters on the same transport belt to pick up a share of the items.

=== Insertion Limits ===

Inserters will not insert into certain buildings if they already have, or are above of, a certain amount of items; it will simply seize to function until space has been made, and it will resume insertion.

For example, if a boiler has 5 or more pieces of fuel in it, then an inserter will not insert additional fuel until it has 4 or less.

{| class="wikitable"
! Entity !! Item type !! Inserter-limit !! Comment
|-
| [[Boiler]]s, [[Burner inserter]]s, [[Furnace]]s || [[Fuel]] || align="center" | 5 || Modders should avoid recipes for furnaces with fuel.
|-
| [[Gun turret]]s || [[Magazines]] || align="center" | 10 || Since v0.8.4
|-
| [[Assembling machine]]s || Items needed for the recipe || twice the items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Furnace]]s || Items needed for the recipe || twice the items needed in the recipe ||
|-
| [[Lab]]s || [[Science pack]]s || twice the items needed for one research point ||
|}

An inserter, which takes items from a chest or another assembly (anything, which has [[Storage/Stack]]s), can overfill due to the [[Inserter item stack size]]. The same happens, if you load with more than one inserter.

=== Inserters and transport belts ===
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the further lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-5RdLql0.gif]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items on the near lane.
: [[File:Mpstark-8pfqtMV.gif]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3920 For orthogonal belts, inserter place items in the '''direction of their rotation''']. This is by default up for horizontal or left for vertical placed inserters.
: '''When taking from a belt''', they might change this initial direction!
: [[File:Mpstark-0XL7KBq.gif]]
* The end of the belt places the items in it onto the next [[Tile]], so that the inserter can grep it. The last input should be one off. This can prevent the two items from simply sitting there at the end of the belt.
: [[File:Mpstark-5ceWt8I.gif]]
* Inserters can place items on
** All types of conveyor belts
** Underground-belt (entry and exit) [[File:Mpstark-UayT5wJ.gif|right|top]]
** Curves, but their behavior is then very "special" and the items have a big chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]].
** They cannot place on splitter
* Inserters can pick up from
** Splitters
** First half of the conveyor belt
* Inserters have problems to pick up
** from fast belts, cause the items are moving too fast for them.
** picking up from curves
** from the entry/exit of an underground belt

==== Inserters and Transport Belts ====

[[Transport belts]] have two lanes on which items can travel. When Inserters place an item on the belt, they place it on the lane furthest from them (see above).

If you want to rearrange the items on the belts see : '''[[Transport_belts/Belt_lane#Changing_side_of_lane]]'''

== Power usage ==

* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400
* [[Inserters/Reduce power consumption]]

== Types ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Item !! Total raw !! Max power !! Speed (Rot/[[Game-second|sec]]) !! Range ([[Tile|tiles]]) !! Special
|-
| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|3|Iron plate}} || 180 W ([[Fuel|burner]]) || 0.6 (1x) || 1 || Only inserter using [[Fuel]]. Since v0.10.0 it will insert items with fuel value into itself when it has an empty inventory.
|-
| {{imagelink|inserter|Inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|4|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 12.6 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 0.8 (1.4x) || 1 || Standard inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|7|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|1.5|Copper plate}} || 18 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 1.1 (2x) || 2 || Only inserter with higher range.
|-
| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|8|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|4.5|Copper plate}} || 31.5 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || Basic faster inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || {{icon|iron-plate|12|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|10.5|Copper plate}} || 44.1 W ([[Electric network|electric]]) || 2 (3.5x) || 1 || Only inserter connectable to [[Circuit network]]s and with configurable working condition, such as filtering in only a specific set of items
|-
|}
: [[File:Mpstark-UlSB2pr.gif]]

== Special behavior ==

* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserters/Instead of belt]]: Use it instead of a belt
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Inserters/Priority]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)

== See also ==
* [[Electric network]]
* [[Transport network]]

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Transport network]] [[Category: Circuit network]]

Electric mining drill

2014-08-19T13:37:27Z

Djungelorm: Add miningarea

{{Machinery
|name=Electric Mining Drill
|icon=electric-mining-drill
|image=Electric-Mining-Drill-Example.png
|health=300
|energy=90 kW ([[Electric network|electric]])
|miningspeed=0.5 items/s
|miningarea=5x5 tiles
|pollution=9
|recipe={{icon|iron-plate|10|Iron plate}}+{{icon|iron-gear-wheel|5|Iron gear wheel}}+{{icon|electronic-circuit|3|Electronic circuit}}+{{icon|Time icon|2|time}}→{{icon|electric-mining-drill|1|Electric mining drill}}
|raw={{icon|iron-plate|23|Iron plate}}+{{icon|copper-plate|4.5|Copper plate}}+{{icon|time icon|8.3|Time}}
|producers={{icon|assembling-machine-1||Assembling machine 1}} {{icon|assembling-machine-2||Assembling machine 2}} {{icon|assembling-machine-3||Assembling machine 3}}
}}
The [[Electric mining drill]] mines out [[Iron ore]], [[Copper ore]], [[Stone]] and/or [[Coal]], and places it in front of the output tile, on a conveyor or in a machine/chest that covers the output tile.

The machine is 3x3, but mines in a 5x5 area, extending 1 tile away on each side.
Mines copper, iron and coal at a rate of 0.525/s and stone at a rate of 0.65/s

== See also ==
* [[Electric network]]

----
{{MachineNav}}

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Electric network]] [[Category: Crafting network]]

Burner mining drill

2014-08-19T13:36:50Z

Djungelorm: Add miningarea

{{Machinery
|name=Burner Mining Drill
|icon=burner-mining-drill
|image=Burner-Mining-Drill-Example.png
|health=100
|energy=300 kW ([[Fuel|burner]])
|miningspeed=0.35 items/s
|miningarea=2x2 tiles
|pollution=10
|recipe={{icon|stone-furnace|1|Stone furnace}}+{{icon|iron-plate|3|Iron plate}}+{{icon|iron-gear-wheel|3|Iron gear wheel}}+{{icon|Time icon|2|time}}→{{icon|burner-mining-drill|1|Burner mining drill}}
|raw={{icon|iron-plate|9|Iron plate}}+{{icon|stone|5|Stone}}+{{icon|time icon|4|Time}}
|producers={{icon|assembling-machine-1||Assembling machine 1}} {{icon|assembling-machine-2||Assembling machine 2}} {{icon|assembling-machine-3||Assembling machine 3}}
}}
Mines about 7 resources per single unit of coal used to fuel it. Covers and mines in a 2x2 area.
Mines 0.28/s of copper, coal or iron and .3675/s of stone. Burner miners create a lot of pollution per resource.

== Self-feeding ==

Since v0.10.0 if placed on coal (any [[Fuel]], but only coal makes sense) the burner mining drill uses some coal to feed it into itself.

This makes it excelent to be used without power consumption (distant, low power), but it creates more pollution!

== Joseki ==

2 burner mining drills can refuel each other when placed next to each other on a coal deposit as long as they're facing each other. This is also called "Joseki". This trick is still useful after v0.10.

----
{{MachineNav}}

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Crafting network]]

Burner inserter

2014-08-19T13:24:23Z

Djungelorm: Improve description

{{Machinery
|name=Burner Inserter
|icon=burner-inserter
|image=Burner-Inserter-Between-Chests.png
|health=40
|energy=180 kW ([[Fuel|burner]])
|recipe={{icon|iron-plate|1|Iron plate}}+{{icon|iron-gear-wheel|1|Iron gear wheel}}+{{icon|Time icon|0.5|time}}→{{icon|burner-inserter|1|Burner inserter}}
|raw={{icon|iron-plate|3|Iron plate}}+{{icon|time icon|1|Time}}
|producers={{icon|assembling-machine-1||Assembling machine 1}} {{icon|assembling-machine-2||Assembling machine 2}} {{icon|assembling-machine-3||Assembling machine 3}}
}}

This is the most basic and slowest type of [[Inserter]]. They are powered by burning [[Fuel]], compared to the more advanced inserters which are powered by [[Electric network|electricity]]. They are useful for fuelling [[boiler]]s, as they can continue to operate if the power fails and speed is not required.

Since v0.10.0, any [[Fuel]] items picked up by a burner inserter will also be used to power the inserter. This makes it useful for:
* Automatically loading [[Gun turret]]s from a [[Transport belt]], where one side of the belt is filled with magazines and the other with [[Coal]].
* For filling [[Boiler|Boilers]] with [[Coal]]. This has the advantage that they will continue working even if the power fails. This is not the case for electrically powered [[inserters]].

== See also ==
* [[Transport network]]
* [[Inserters]]
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5387&p=41576#p41456

{{MachineNav}}

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Transport network]]

Burner inserter

2014-08-19T13:16:21Z

Djungelorm: Add link

{{Machinery
|name=Burner Inserter
|icon=burner-inserter
|image=Burner-Inserter-Between-Chests.png
|health=40
|energy=180 kW ([[Fuel|burner]])
|recipe={{icon|iron-plate|1|Iron plate}}+{{icon|iron-gear-wheel|1|Iron gear wheel}}+{{icon|Time icon|0.5|time}}→{{icon|burner-inserter|1|Burner inserter}}
|raw={{icon|iron-plate|3|Iron plate}}+{{icon|time icon|1|Time}}
|producers={{icon|assembling-machine-1||Assembling machine 1}} {{icon|assembling-machine-2||Assembling machine 2}} {{icon|assembling-machine-3||Assembling machine 3}}
}}

Most basic and only [[Inserter]] using a burning [[Fuel]] and not [[Electric network|electricity]]. They are also slower than other inserters. They are most useful for powering up [[boiler]]s as it provides a safety net for restoring power faster, should the supplies run out at some point.

Since v0.10.0, any [[Fuel]] items picked up by a burner inserter will also be used to power the inserter. This makes it useful for:
* Automatically loading [[Gun turret]]s from a [[Transport belt]], where one side of the belt is filled with magazines and the other with [[Coal]].
* For filling [[Boiler|Boilers]] with [[Coal]]. This has the advantage that they will continue working even if the power fails. This is not the case for electrically powered [[inserters]].

== See also ==
* [[Transport network]]
* [[Inserters]]
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5387&p=41576#p41456

----
{{MachineNav}}

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Transport network]]

Burner inserter

2014-08-19T13:15:38Z

Djungelorm: Improve grammar

{{Machinery
|name=Burner Inserter
|icon=burner-inserter
|image=Burner-Inserter-Between-Chests.png
|health=40
|energy=180 kW ([[Fuel|burner]])
|recipe={{icon|iron-plate|1|Iron plate}}+{{icon|iron-gear-wheel|1|Iron gear wheel}}+{{icon|Time icon|0.5|time}}→{{icon|burner-inserter|1|Burner inserter}}
|raw={{icon|iron-plate|3|Iron plate}}+{{icon|time icon|1|Time}}
|producers={{icon|assembling-machine-1||Assembling machine 1}} {{icon|assembling-machine-2||Assembling machine 2}} {{icon|assembling-machine-3||Assembling machine 3}}
}}

Most basic and only inserter using a burning [[Fuel]] and not [[Electric network|electricity]]. They are also slower than other inserters. They are most useful for powering up [[boiler]]s as it provides a safety net for restoring power faster, should the supplies run out at some point.

Since v0.10.0, any [[Fuel]] items picked up by a burner inserter will also be used to power the inserter. This makes it useful for:
* Automatically loading [[Gun turret]]s from a [[Transport belt]], where one side of the belt is filled with magazines and the other with [[Coal]].
* For filling [[Boiler|Boilers]] with [[Coal]]. This has the advantage that they will continue working even if the power fails. This is not the case for electrically powered [[inserters]].

== See also ==
* [[Transport network]]
* [[Inserters]]
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5387&p=41576#p41456

----
{{MachineNav}}

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Transport network]]

Main Page

2014-08-13T16:31:10Z

Djungelorm: Fix links

<div style="float:right;">{{Languages|it=Main Page/it|fr=Main Page/fr|ru=Main Page/ru|es=Main Page/es|de=Main Page/de}}</div>
[[Image:Factorio-logo.png|center|link=http://factorio.com/]]
{| style="width: 100%;"

{{ContentCell|68%||
{{:Factorio:About}}
'''[[Factorio:About|... read more ...]]'''
}}
{{ContentCell||[http://www.factorio.com/preorder Get the game]|
Factorio is currently in development. The game, including access to the '''current alpha''', can be purchased at [http://www.factorio.com/preorder the official website]. There is also a [http://www.factorio.com/demo/stable demo] available. 

See [[Version History]] and [[Roadmap]].
}}
|}

{| style="width: 100%;"
{{ContentCell|61%|[[News]]|{{:News}}
'''[[News#Archive|Older news...]]'''
}}
{{ContentCell|39%|Contribute|
* Check out the [[Wiki To-do List]]
* [[Wiki Howto]]
* Join [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/ the forums].

|Other Languages|5=
* [[Main Page/it|Italian]] by Chris and Soffry
* [[Main Page/fr|French / Français]] by [http://factorio-fr.com/ Xav & Garwan50]
* [[Main Page/ru|Russian]]
* [[Main Page/es|Spanish]] by Forocoches.com & Guillespain
* [[Main Page/de|German]] by Kathmai & RaffRich
}}
|}

==== Before you play ====
{| style="width: 100%;"
{{ContentCell|33%|Technical|
* '''[[Download and Installation]], [[Install Guide]]
: where to download, updates, differences between versions and experimental updates...
* [[Application Directory]]
: where are the saves, the config file, the mods?
* [[Console commands]]
: how is the console working and what can be done with it, cheating, useful things...
}}

{{ContentCell|33%|Frequently asked questions|
}}

:* [http://www.factorio.com/help Official help page]
:* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3272 Gameplay FAQ]
:: For solving problems in the game.
:* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=4400 Technical FAQ]
:: Problems with payment, running game...
:* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3636 Known issues]
:: A quite playable alpha version game, but...

{{ContentCell|34%|Modding and scripting|
* [[Mods|User made mods]]
: play with modifications from the original game
* [[Modding]]
: make your own extension!
: game internals, how to make mods and scenarios, console-commands, tweaking...
* [[Map editor]]
: Using the map editor.
}}
|}

==== Playing the game ====
{| style="width: 100%;"
{{ContentCell|33%|Beginners|
* [[Quick Start Guide]]
: Some basic information.
* [[Let's play]]
: Quite a lot of videos.
* [[Keyboard bindings]]
: The most important keys, their usages and how to change that.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/ Join the forum!]
: There is the chance, that your question is answered within minutes.
}}
{{ContentCell|33%|Advanced|
* [[Transport network]]
** [[Transport belts]]
** [[Inserters]]
* [[Liquid network]]
** [[Oil processing]]
* [[Electric network]]
** [[Power Production]]
* [[Research]]
* [[Crafting network]]
* [[Pollution]]
}}
{{ContentCell|34%|Expert|
* [[Transport]]
* [[Logistic network]]
* [[Circuit network]]
* [[Modules]]
* [[Railway network]]
* [[Robotic network]]
* [[Transport/What_Transport_for_which_case%3F|What transport for which case?]]
}}
|-
{{ContentCell|33%|Devices|
* [[Furnace]]s
* [[Assembling machine]]s
* [[Mining drill]]s
* [[Beacon]]s
* [[Roboport]]s
* [[Vehicle]]s
}}
{{ContentCell|33%|[[Items]]|
* [[items#Resources|Resources]]
* [[items#Intermediate_products|Intermediate products]]
* [[Science pack]]
* [[items#Player equipment|Player equipment]]
* [[items#Placeable items|Placeable items]]
}}
{{ContentCell|33%|Natives|
* [[Enemies]]
* [[Defense]]
* [[Damage|Damage & resistances]]
}}
|}

Archive:Alien artifact

2014-08-13T13:30:53Z

Djungelorm: Update to use infocard

{{Resource
|name=Alien Artifact
|icon=alien-artifact
|image=Artifact-drops.jpg
|extra1=
{{InfocardVRow||Artifacts are dropped by destroyed spawners}}
|consumers={{icon|assembling-machine-1||Assembling machine 1}} {{icon|assembling-machine-2||Assembling machine 2}} {{icon|assembling-machine-3||Assembling machine 3}}
}}

Alien artifacts can only be obtained by destroying enemy spawners. They are needed for some very powerful hightech equipment, but mainly for production of [[Alien science pack]]s.
Artifacts can be collected by holding the "Pick up items" key (default F) and moving over them.

== Recipes using alien artifacts ==
{|
| {{imagelink|alien-science-pack|Alien science pack}} || {{imagelink|portable-fusion-reactor|Portable fusion reactor}} || {{imagelink|power-armor|Power armor}} |-
| {{imagelink|power-armor-mk2|Power armor MK2}} || {{imagelink|effectivity-module-3|modules|Effectivity module 3}} || {{imagelink|speed-module-3|modules|Speed module 3}} |-
| {{imagelink|productivity-module-3|modules|Productivity module 3}} || ||
|-
|}

== See also ==
* [[Enemies]]

[[Category: Resources]] [[Category: Items]]

Chunk

2014-08-13T12:40:17Z

Djungelorm:

A Chunk is a [[units|unit]] defined as either an area of the map 32x32 [[tile]]s in size (containing 1024 tiles in total) ''or'' a distance of 32 [[tile]]s.

Chunks are used for:
* Map generation. When the player runs around and reveals the map or the radar explores the map, it is revealed in chunks.
* Chunks are "switched off" to save CPU cycles. If nothing important happens in a chunk (e.g. there are only fishes swimming around in the chunk) the chunk is not computed in the next [[Tick]].
* The [[pollution]] model is based on chunks, and pollution spreads to neighboring chunks.

Chunk

2014-08-13T12:39:07Z

Djungelorm:

A Chunk is a [[unit]] defined as either an area of the map 32x32 [[Tile]]s in size (containing 1024 tiles in total) ''or'' a distance of 32 [[Tile]]s.

Chunks are used for:
* Map generation. When the player runs around and reveals the map or the radar explores the map, it is revealed in chunks.
* Chunks are "switched off" to save CPU cycles. If nothing important happens in a chunk (e.g. there are only fishes swimming around in the chunk) the chunk is not computed in the next [[Tick]].
* The [[pollution]] model is based on chunks, and pollution spreads to neighboring chunks.

Chunk

2014-08-13T12:38:01Z

Djungelorm: Clarify description

A Chunk refers to either an area of the map 32x32 [[Tile]]s in size (containing 1024 tiles in total) ''or'' a distance of 32 [[Tile]]s.

Chunks are used for:
* Map generation. When the player runs around and reveals the map or the radar explores the map, it is revealed in chunks.
* Chunks are "switched off" to save CPU cycles. If nothing important happens in a chunk (e.g. there are only fishes swimming around in the chunk) the chunk is not computed in the next [[Tick]].
* The [[pollution]] model is based on chunks, and pollution spreads to neighboring chunks.

Chunk

2014-08-13T12:30:46Z

Djungelorm:

A chunk is an area of 32x32 [[Tile]]s and so it contains 1024 tiles, and logically has the area of 1024 tiles.

It's second meaning is the length of 32 tiles.

== What chunks are technically used for ==

Chunks are used for
* map generation. When the player runs around, he reveals the map, or the radar explores this is done in chunks, because memory needs to be allocated, map needs to be calculated etc.
* chunks are "switched off", to spare CPU. If nothing (important) happens in a chunk (only fishes swimming around and other rules like that) the chunk is not computed for the next [[Tick]].
* pollution. The pollution-model is based on chunks, the pollution spreads to the neighbors.

Tile

2014-08-13T12:29:58Z

Djungelorm: Improve grammar

A tile is the smallest piece of the world map. The whole factorio world is made out of them.

Tiles are a [[Units|unit]] used to measure both area ''and'' distance.

A [[Chunk]] is 32x32 tiles. A chunk is the next largest unit for area/distance.

== Examples ==

* Area covered by radar: 100 tiles [[Diameter]] (100 tiles in each direction)
* Speed of a basic belt: about 1.8 tiles/sec.
* It takes about 2 minutes and 47 seconds to run 1000 tiles without speed up. Which means that the character is a very healthy man/woman.

== Real size of tiles ==

1 Tile is generally assumed to be 1 square meter in size (like Minecraft).

== Length or area? ==

If you want to make it clear whether you are referring to a tile as length or area please use something like "tile length", "square tiles", "tile^2" or similar, but in most cases it should be clear.

Tile

2014-08-13T12:28:45Z

Djungelorm: Improve grammar

A tile is the smallest piece of the world map. The whole factorio world is made out of them.

Tiles are both: a [[Units|unit]] to measure area ''and'' distance.

A [[Chunk]] is 32x32 tiles. A chunk is the next biggest unit for area/distance.

== Examples ==

* Area covered by radar: 100 tiles [[Diameter]] (100 tiles in each direction)
* Speed of a basic belt: about 1.8 tiles/sec.
* It takes about 2 minutes and 47 seconds to run 1000 tiles without speed up. Which means that the character is a very healthy man/woman.

== Real size of tiles ==

1 Tile is generally assumed to be 1 square meter in size (like Minecraft).

== Length or area? ==

If you want to make it clear whether you are referring to a tile as length or area please use something like "tile length", "square tiles", "tile^2" or similar, but in most cases it should be clear.

Install guide

2014-08-12T13:35:24Z

Djungelorm: Add linux instructions

=== Windows ===

For windows you have 4 options.

==== 32 or 64 bit ====
Technically you only have 2, as you either have a 32 or 64 bit computer.

To determine which category you fall into, use the search function from the start menu to look for "system information" and open it. Find System Type. This tell you if your system is a x32 or x64 based system.

==== Installer or Zip-Package ====

This part is up to you. If you want install factorio like you would any other game from a disk or download, then get the EXE installer for your given system.

Otherwise, you can choose to get the zip package, which you can extract normally, and then play the game straight from that folder. This can also be copied to any USB device and be played from there.

Or it is also useful for modders, to have several installations of the game to test things working.

=== MacOS ===

TODO

=== Linux ===

==== 32 bit ====

# Download the "Generic Linux tar package" for 32 bit.
# Extract the tar archive.
# Run the executable at bin/i386/factorio

==== 64 bit ====

# Download the "Generic Linux tar package" for 64 bit.
# Extract the tar archive.
# Run the executable at bin/x64/factorio

Tutorial:Quick start guide

2014-08-12T13:17:18Z

Djungelorm: /* Starting your game */

== Getting Started ==

=== Starting your game ===
So, you've just picked up Factorio, played through the tutorial and now have no clue what to do? Well let's try to ease you into the game a little bit.

To begin you are going to be presented with the main menu. I'm sure you have all run into one of these before (but if not, don't worry!).

We want to select "Play" and "New Game". You will be presented with a nice big menu for customization of your world. You can fiddle with whatever you want to make the world generate how you want to. Some things make the game easier, while others make it harder. Experiment to your delight!

Once you have decided press generate, and you will get dumped into a new world, awaiting your prowess.

===Useful Key Bindings===

It was suggested to me that I put some of the key bindings into this introduction. While all the keys and key combinations can be found in the controls of the game option, a lot of people tend not to look there, which is fair enough. Here is a non-exhaustive table with the ones that you may not know, and may be useful early on.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Key Bindings
!Key Combination!!Effect!!KeyCombination!!Effect
|-
|T||Open Technology screen||ALT||Show extra info
|-
|Q||Next weapon OR clear cursor||Z||Drop item
|-
|R||Rotate item||F||Pick up items from ground
|-
|SPACE||Shoot targets enemy||C||Shoot towards cursor
|-
|ENTER||Enter/Exit vehicle||X||Change active tollbar
|-
|P||Production statistics||M||World map
|-
|G||Connect train||V||Disconnect train
|-
|SHIFT+SPACE||Pause game||Tilde||Open console
|-
|SHIFT+LMB||Transfer a stack between inventories||CTRL+LMB||Transfer all of an item to inventory
|-
|MiddleMouse||set filter on toolbelt||SHIFT+RMB||split stack of item in half
|}

There are some extra things you can do that are hard to explain in that table. Things like placing items in an inventory without opening it is a CTRL+LMB with the item in hand and clicking on the inventory. You can do the same thing with splitting a stack from an item in hand straight into an inventory. Experiment with it!
Crafting is another thing. LMB crafts 1, RMB crafts 5 and SHIFT+LMB crafts that maximum you are able to

=== Time to get some resources ===

So we being our journey with a humble stone furnace and a Burner Mining Drill. What do we do with these? well, we want to find a nice area that has the 4 main resources we need for the start of the game. We want Coal, Copper, Iron and stone that are within a reasonable proximity of each other (we don't want to have to run for ages to go between them). We want to begin by placing our drill on the edge of an iron deposit, facing towards a furnace. You can change the direction of the Drill by pressing R before, or after, you place it. The little yellow arrow indicated the direction it will output to. You want the furnace to be in front of that arrow, so the Drill will automatically input to the furnace. You should get something like this.

[[File:SimpleOre.PNG]]

Great! but what does the big flashing red symbol mean? This means that there isn't any fuel in them. You can power them with either wood or coal. To collect them, you go towards whichever resource you choose and hold right click. This will give you a small progress bar at the bottom, which when complete will give you some of those resources! You might find that chopping trees and mining ores manually is really slow. If you look at your character, he's just bashing at them with a stick! How about a tool upgrade? Press E which will open up your inventory and the crafting menu. Select the Gears tab up the top for "production", and left click on the pickaxe in there. This will increase your mining speed by a significant amount.

Now that I assume you have a pickaxe and have found some fuel, it's about time we went and made the furnace and drill start working for you. By left clicking on the furnace or drill, it will open an interface for you.

[[File:Interface.PNG]]

to place your fuel into the machine, simply left click it to pick it up and left click to put it into the fuel slot. If you want to split a stack in half, so your furnace and drill can both get half of your fuel, right click the stack and then place it in the fuel slot. Easy as that! Now both of your machines should be running and automatically making you some iron plates!

You can use this same process for copper ore to get copper plates.

Something that you may not want to do is to always be getting fuel for your machines. Why don't we automate that too? Now we need to craft some extra drills. If you hover over drill in the crafting menu, it tells you what items you need to craft. It also tells you what the RAW resources are that you need to craft it. Unlike other game, you do not need to create the pre-requisite items before you select the item you want to make. All required items are crafted for you. You can see this process happening on the bottom left of the screen.

[[File:Recipe.PNG]]

Now that we can make some extra drill and furnaces, we should automate the acquisition of both coal and stone. These are easy to set up and work essentially the same as the Iron setup. For Coal, you can have a drill output into another drill which allows you to power it easily with some extra coal left over. We can then have the second drill output into a wooden chest like so.

[[File:SimpleCoal.PNG]]

And then for stone we can have the drill output directly into a chest, very similar to the above image.

Once this is all setup up, you will probably want to make it all go faster. Set up more drills with furnaces for the iron, setup some for copper and maybe put down more coal for extra fuel.

=== More automation ===

Ok great, so now you have 4 or so furnaces making iron, a couple making copper, some stone production and a good amount of coal production. But you know what really sucks? having to run the coal around to all your other machines, right? Well let's automate that too! Conveyor belts and inserters are the way of the future! The output slots on the drill can also output onto conveyor belts to be transported to your other machines.

[[File:CoalConveyor.PNG]]

Now that we can take our coal to other places with no effort, we just need a way to input the coal into those machine. This is what inserters are for. You can use burner inserters as a cheap way to move items from anything to anything. You can move object from the ground, chests, machines and place them into other places. Burner Inserters themselves require coal to run though, which makes this a little counter intuitive to have fuel them instead of the machines you are trying to fuel anyway. Here is a small example of inserters working. Notice that the flat line is where the inserters will pick up from, and the arrow is where they will place the item.

[[File:SimpleOreProcessing.PNG]]

Ok great, so now we know how to automatically mine things and then how to automatically move things from one place to another, and then to place said items into machine or out of machines. Next up we want to get some electricity so that we can have inserters that run of that instead of fuel.

== Electrical power ==

Electricity. This is where things start to get interesting. We're going to need a single offshore pump, some boilers and a steam turbine. These are really simple to set up. The offshore pump goes in the water and needs no power to run. From there, you can either use pipes to transport the water to boilers, or you can run boilers straight from the pump. Pumps allow water to flow through them just like pipes do, except they just heat the water along the way. The pipes or the boilers then connect to the middle of the short side of the steam engine. Make sure you connect it in the right place or it won't work. Furthermore, steam engines allow water to tun through them like pipes as well, so you can have as many turbines as you want connected in series. Here is a small example.

[[File:EfficientPower.PNG]]

You need a power pole to have it's square of influence touching every turbine you want connected to your power network. when you first set up your turbine, if the power is unable to power anything you will get a symbol that appears to be saying that it's not producing power. In this scenario, it's not producing power because there is nowhere for the power to go to!

[[File:LonelyTurbine.PNG]]

Your power setup can look however you want it to look. A great method is to have a line of boilers that supply a certain amount of turbines with hot water, and then you can use transport belts to bring coal to them for inserters to place inside them so that your electricity is always running. A common method you will see people use is 1 offshore pump, 14 boilers and 10 steam engines. This is due to this being the best ratio between the 3 of them. 1 pump produces enough water for 10 engine, and the 14 boilers is sufficient to heat the water for that many. The example above is easily expanded into this efficient design. But hey, this game is all about experimentation and for you to be able to find ways to do your own things! so get to it.

Using this power is as simple as creating a machine that runs on electricity and placing a power pole close enough to it that the blue square touches the machine, just like you have to do at the power plant with the engines. Make sure that there is a line of power poles that actually connect to your power plant. Now that power is explained, We need to increase our resource production.

== Re-thinking our resources and research ==

Next we really want to get onto automation of items, not just the smelting of ores. Before we can get to that though, we're going to have increase our production of ores. This is where things start becoming a little tricky and there are few things you want to do at once. We really want to be able to set the factory to make things and let it go. But for that we need some extra utilities which we don't have and need to get through research. We haven't even touched on that yet! lets start by ramping up our resource production. Now that we have electricity, we can use Electric Mining Drills. These are much better than those scummy Burner ones. They work exactly the same except they are twice as fast and they don't rely on fuel, as you could guess by the names. You simply what them to output your raw resources onto belts and get them to a place that you can mass process the ores into plates. Here is a small example of what you could do, but let your imagination and your calculating logic figure out other, maybe even better ways of doing it! You want or to be somewhat distributed on either side of the belt if you can. This helps with the amount of resources that can be carried to your base of operations on a single belt.

[[File:BasicElectricMiners.PNG]]

This is once again easily expandable all over an iron deposit. This conveyor belt can then take all of the ore to some sort of processing area. The processing area needs some machines that we currently don't have due to limitations in our research. Most importantly, we want the long handed inserter. This inserter is able to reach twice as far as a normal inserter! It is very useful for bringing or placing items to or from conveyor belts that are a little way away. So what we need to do is to make some science labs. They don't cost too many resources, but take a little while to make. Craft 1 or 2 of them and place them by a power pole so that it is able to research. When you first place one, you are going to get a popup asking you want you want to research. We really want automation right now. This gives us our inserters and the Assembling machine 1, which is going to be very useful in the near future. You'll notice that the cost for this is 10 Science Pack 1's. Or red potions some people like to call them. These are another simply crafted item, which you should craft 10 of now and place them in your labs to begin researching. While you are waiting for your flasks to craft or your research to complete, lets continue building an ore processing center. We want a line of copper, iron and coal to be available for this area. Despite being in the electric era, our furnaces still need coal until a little further down the line. Below is another sample of how you COULD set up your area. There are efficient ways of making them that you might see on the forum, but if you want to learn about what they are and how they work, you can either experiment yourself or search the wiki/forum for some better designs. Pictures speak a thousand words, so here is another picture for you of the way I would setup my area.

[[File:OreProcessingArea.PNG]]

As per usual, I leave this area with plenty of room to expand later on when demands become higher. The important parts about this is that you need the red, long handed inserters to be able to reach the coal in the middle to fuel your furnaces. You need seperate belts for your incoming raw materials to be able to be processed, and then another belt outside of them to handle the output after they have been smelted. These materials can then go straight into your base to be made into a myriad of other things. Finally, we have a steady and upgradeable supply of copper and iron plates, and we can get into further automation with the Assembler machines so we can automate creation of things like Science Packs, Ammunition and every other item that the player themselves can craft, but without you involved at all!

== Automating that research ==

Ok, so a fair amount has happened. Now, to be able to progress into later parts of the game with better research we are going to want automate the process of making science packs and putting them into the labs so that we don't have to worry about it any longer. There are many designs that you can find on the forums, and I'll show you something simple, allowing you find what works for you. I would highly recommend that you research Logistics as your next research, and in fact manually craft the science required for this. The logistic research gives you some important things. The splitter belt, the underground belt and the fast inserter. The splitter and underground belts are some of the most important items you'll get at this stage. They do pretty much what their names imply. So what do science packs require? We need copper plates and iron gears. So far we have only dealt with raw resources, how do make craftable things? The Assembler answers your prayers! If you place an assembler down and open it, it asks you what you would like it to craft. Once you select one, if you put the ingredients in that it requires it will craft the item and you can pull it out again. In the case of red science packs, we will need an assembler making iron gears, and an assembler making the actual packs. A nice way of doing this is to have a conveyor belt with 1 side containing the copper plates and the other side taking the gears from another assembler like below.

[[File:RedScienceProduction.PNG]]

Now this picture uses a few little neat tricks that I will explain further. If you have your plate belts seperate, and you want them running side by side there can be issues with trying to grab one or the other resources from the far belt. Yes you could use a long inserter but in some cases you don't want this e.g. you need a fast inserter to get resources quickly into your assemblers. The area in red is a good way to get around this. By having a splitter, you can move the far belt from your production in close while also allowing it to continue down the line for later use. For the copper, we use an underground belt to go underneath the area that is now taken by the far line which also allows the copper to continue on. Once again, this is my method of doing things and you are in no way obligated to follow it. The area in blue is a quick way to allow copper to continue down the main line, while also splitting some off for our red science assemblers. Notice how when it join the line that the gears are on, they only join the bottom side of the belt. The little extra belt that I added to the left stops the belt from becoming a turn, and therefore makes the items only join the side I want them to. The rest is simple. The gears and copper get pulled into the assemblers, they make the science and then it gets pulled out again on the other side. These flasks can then be transported to some labs to automatically do your research for you like so.

[[File:SmallScience.PNG]]

Radar

2014-08-12T13:02:23Z

Djungelorm:

The radar is used to continually scan sectors. It is has a high [[Electric network|power]] demand and is a priority target of [[Enemies]]. It keeps a small area (7x7 chunks, ca. 221x221 tiles <ref>based on the central tile of radar structure chunk is in. This value is confirmed for 0.9.x </ref> ) updated about all enemy movements.

Radar explores one unexplored [[chunk]] when the sector scanning progress finishes up to distance of 14 chunks. It slowly discovers a large area of the map. In other words: As long as you provide the radar with enough energy, it reveals a [[chunk]] every (???) seconds.

When the radar finishes the sector process, it finds the chunk in the area that wasn't scanned for the '''longest time''' and rescan it.
In the start these are the chunks that are not charted at all and they get discovered.
Once the radar discovers all the chunks in the area, it will start updating chunks again.

So it is always possible, to build more radars, to get more frequent update of the surrounding area.

See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3362 long term radar behavior].

[http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3925 Self sufficient radar outpost].

{| class="wikitable"
| '''Recipe:''' || {{icon|iron-plate|10|Iron plate}} + {{icon|iron-gear-wheel|5|Iron gear wheel}} + {{icon|electronic-circuit|5|Electronic circuit}} + {{icon|time icon|1|time}} => {{icon|radar|1|Radar}}
|-
| '''Total raw:''' || {{icon|iron-plate|25|Iron plate}} {{icon|copper-plate|7.5|Copper plate}}
|-
| '''Max power:''' || 300 kW ([[Electric network|electric]])
|-
|}

== See also ==
* [[Electric network]]
* [[Enemies]]

== Notes ==

<references />

[[Category: Items]] [[Category: Electric network]] [[Category: Weapons]]

Transport network

2014-08-12T12:42:42Z

Djungelorm: /* Inserters */

__FORCETOC__
[[File:transport-belt-intro-3.jpg|300px|thumb|Transport belts being used to move iron ore from a mining drill to an inserter, which is then placing the ore into a furnace]]
The Transport network consists of:
* [[Belt transport system]]
** [[Transport belts]]
**[[Splitters]]
**[[Underground belts]]
* [[Inserters]]
* [[Chests]]

The Transport Network is the primary means of moving items from one area to another. It is an essential component of any factory in the game.
== [[Belt transport system]] ==

The [[Belt transport system]] is the main transport means in a base. It consists of 3 elements:
* [[Transport belts]]
* [[Underground belts]]
* [[Splitters]]
These come in 3 tiers of varying speed:

{| class="wikitable"
! Speed ([[tile]]s/[[Game-second|second]]) !! [[Transport belts]] !! [[Underground belts]] !! [[Splitters]] !! Needed research
|-
| ~1.8
| {{imagelink|basic-transport-belt|Basic transport belt}}
| {{imagelink|basic-transport-belt-to-ground|Basic underground belt}}
| {{imagelink|basic-splitter|Basic splitter}}
| none
|-
| ~3.6
| {{imagelink|fast-transport-belt|Fast transport belt}}
| {{imagelink|fast-transport-belt-to-ground|Fast underground belt}}
| {{imagelink|fast-splitter|Fast splitter}}
| [[Logistics 2]]
|-
| ~5.6
| {{imagelink|express-transport-belt|Express transport belt}}
| {{imagelink|express-transport-belt-to-ground|Express underground belt}}
| {{imagelink|express-splitter|Express splitter}}
| [[Logistics 3]]
|-
|}

Learn more about the [[Transport belts/Physics|simulated physics]] of the belts, or how to [[Transport belts/Optimizing|optimize]] the flow of items.

== [[Inserters]] ==
[[File:transport-belt-two-lines-4.jpg|thumb|300px|Inserters hard at work]]
Inserters will always place items on the far side of a belt, and will prefer to take items from the closest side.

{| class="wikitable"
! Item !! Max power !! Description
|-
| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 180 W (burner) || Most basic inserter, needs burning fuel.
|-
| {{imagelink|inserter|Inserter}} || 13 W || Basic electric inserter.
|-
| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 18 W || Basic inserter able to grab [[Items]] from 2 tiles distance.
|-
| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 30 W || Working at double speed.
|- style="background: #DDEEDD"
| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 40 W || Able to connect to [[Circuit network]] and [[Logistic network]], to specify working conditions. Can grab also specified item types only.
|-
|}

== [[Chests]] ==

[[File:Transport-Belt-Storage.jpg|thumb|300px|Inserters storing extra iron ore in wooden chests.]]
Chests are used to store [[Items|items]]. [[Chests]] [[Storage/Stack]] like items together:
{| class="wikitable"
! Item !! Max [[Storages/Stack|stacks]] !! Description
|-
| {{imagelink|wooden-chest|Wooden chest}} || 16 || Basic storage chest.
|-
| {{imagelink|iron-chest|Iron chest}} || 32 || Larger basic chest.
|-
| {{imagelink|steel-chest|Steel chest}} || 48 || Basic chest with maximum capacity of 48 stacks.
|- style="background: #DDEEDD"
| {{imagelink|smart-chest|Smart chest}} || 48 || Connectable to [[Circuit network]].
|- style="background: #EEDDEE"
| {{imagelink|provider-chest|Active Provider chest}} || 48 || Used for [[Logistic network]], [[Circuit network]].
|- style="background: #EEDDEE"
| {{imagelink|Logistic-chest-passive-provider|Passive Provider chest}} || 48 || Used for [[Logistic network]], [[Circuit network]].
|- style="background: #EEDDEE"
| {{imagelink|storage-chest|Storage chest}} || 48 || Used for [[Logistic network]], [[Circuit network]].
|- style="background: #EEDDEE"
| {{imagelink|requester-chest|Requester chest}} || 48 || Used for [[Logistic network]], [[Circuit network]].
|-
|}

=== Other entities with stacks ===

As said, [[Storage/Stack|stacks]] are needed to store items. Entities with stacks are
* [[Burner inserter]], [[Burner mining drill]],
* [[Furnace]]s,
* [[Assembly|Assemblies]] or even the
* [[Car]] or [[Diesel locomotive]]/[[Cargo wagon]] but also
* [[Gun turret]]s
* [[Robots]] and [[Inserters]] (but only very small)
* your [[Inventory]] (plus the quick bar, the weapon bar and what you have in hand).

== [[Storage]] ==

[[Storage]] is a concept, about '''storing enormous masses of items'''. Under normal circumstances, you don't need to store many items. Especially in the beginning game every item counts and that means, you should try to keep the ways short (belts store a serious amount of items) and don't use chests so much. Instead, you should '''keep the items in flow''', pass them as fast as possible/affordable from production step to the next step to create higher leveled items, instead of storing it.

So, when speaking from storages, we mean '''concepts, which are really needed to keep the production in flow'''. Some of them work only together with [[Logistic network]]. Most used for:

* [[Railway network/Train station]]
* [[Storage/Production buffers]]
* [[Storage/Handling overproduction]]

== See also ==
* [[Belt transport system]]
** [[Transport belts]]
** [[Splitters]]
** [[Underground belts]]
* [[Transport]]
* [[Crafting network]]
* [[Logistic network]]

[[Category: Transport network]] [[Category: Networks]]

Belt transport system

2014-08-12T12:40:33Z

Djungelorm:

{{sublinks|Transport network}}
__NOTOC__

== Items ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Speed ([[tile]]s/[[Game-second|second]]) !! [[Transport belts]] !! [[Underground belts]] !! [[Splitters]] !! Needed research
|-
| ~1.8
| {{imagelink|basic-transport-belt|Basic transport belt}}
| {{imagelink|basic-transport-belt-to-ground|Basic underground belt}}
| {{imagelink|basic-splitter|Basic splitter}}
| none
|-
| ~3.6
| {{imagelink|fast-transport-belt|Fast transport belt}}
| {{imagelink|fast-transport-belt-to-ground|Fast underground belt}}
| {{imagelink|fast-splitter|Fast splitter}}
| [[Logistics 2]]
|-
| ~5.6
| {{imagelink|express-transport-belt|Express transport belt}}
| {{imagelink|express-transport-belt-to-ground|Express underground belt}}
| {{imagelink|express-splitter|Express splitter}}
| [[Logistics 3]]
|-
|}

Technically the only difference between belt types is speed (and colour, of course). In practice, there are some differences in density, throughput and handling in conjunction with inserters. See [[Transport belts/Physics]] to dig deeper into that.

== Behaviour ==
Transport belts (conveyor belts) are used to transport [[Items]]. They don't need energy to do that, and this is one of the [[Mysteries of the Factorio World]], but like any other mystery in Factorio this is just for gameplay reasons.

The belt transport system can be imagined as "moving ground". Basically every [[Items|item]] on a belt is moved in the belts direction.

Technically an item is a small box (see [[Collision box]]) and moving means that the position of an item is constantly changed but the items are not allowed to overlap. A picture can show you this better:

[[File:Belts2.png|400px]]

Here you can see the items moving upward [[Game-tick|tick by tick]]. And when coming to the turn, the items aren't rotated, but moved to the side.

You can see this also very well, when you use the [[Debug mode]] and turn on the collision boxes. In this mode you can watch also the [[Collision box|collision boxes]] running on the belt and touching.

== See also ==
* [[Transport network]]
** [[Transport belts]]
** [[Splitters]]
** [[Underground belts]]
* [[Transport]]
* [[Crafting network]]
* [[Logistic network]]

[[Category: Transport network]] [[Category: Belt transport system]]

Tutorial:Transport use cases

2014-08-12T12:37:05Z

Djungelorm: Improve grammar/spelling

{{sublinks}}
This page compares the three main [[Transport]] methods: conveyor belts, trains and logistic robots.

The best choice depends on the context in which they are used. For example on the amount of resources you need to transport, or how far away they are.

== Comparison of Belts, Trains and Logistic Robots ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! width=10% |
! width=30% | Belts
! width=30% | Trains
! width=30% | Logistic Robots
|-
| Throughput
| Constant, slow, precisely calculable, limited
| Extremely high, fast, not easily calculable but constant, nearly unlimited if enough space,
| High in small areas, not calculable/chaotic, unlimited if enough bots, cannot be optimized, terrible over long distances and bulk goods
|-
| Space required
| Small for simple products, large for complicated product chains
| Large due to train stations and bends
| Small for complex products
|-
| Optimization
| Highly optimizable. Source of never ending fun.
| Optimize only for train stations, seldom really needed, better rebuild
| Optimize placing of roboports (for charging) and used number of ports vs. number of bots in the air
|-
| Initial costs
| Very small as long as conveyor belts are short. Still good with parallel belts. Larger when making express transport belts. Expensive with express; should be used for special cases only.
| Considerable amount of material is needed for initial locomotive. Small costs for making rails.
| Roboports and especially bots require a lot of resources to make.
|-
| Use of energy
| Gratis. Free. Always an object of discussion. ;)
| Low. The usage of fuel is currently very affordable.
| High. The roboports need a lot of energy and the bots take even more energy, as more are in the air. This can be a big problem, but is normally not an issue.
|-
| Maintenance costs
| None
| Some fuel needed
| Considerable amount of electricity needed
|-
| Pollution
| None
| Some
| None, indirectly caused by use of electricity.
|-
| Best used for
| High throughput, small to medium distance. Examples include raw materials and simple products.
| High throughput, long distance. Examples include transporting ores or plates from resource fields to main factory area.
| Extremely high over very short distances (< 50 tiles), low to medium throughput over medium distance (50-500), catastrophic over long distance. Best used in main factory area for complex products like modules and advanced circuits. Also best used for products needed for smaller quantities like placeable structures and ammunition. Unbeatable for train station (loading/unloading chests).
|}

== Experts ==

=== Belts ===

* practical up to distances of 500 tiles (to compare: a radar station watches up to 200 tiles (100 tiles "radius")).
* connect small resource-fields to the factory area, as the capacity of a belt is limited to about 700 items per minute in the best case, when using basic belts. With fast or express belt, this is higher (up to 1750) but the price is gigantic. Using multiple parallel belts is costly, but with basic belts still affordable over long distances.
* Conveyor belts are best for working within an automated facility for bulk goods. transporting ore, plates, circuit boards, etc over short or medium distances.
* they store over a long distance a not to be underestimated number of items (about 12 per tile, with two lanes, so you can calculate over 500 tiles with 6000 items!). This storage is out of reach and could be counted as wasted, until it is transported.

The advantages of belts are:
* coming to transport-performance, belts deliver very constantly
* easy calculations possible (e. g. is belt able to transport output of all mines)
* basic belts are cheap compared to tracks and it is built faster
* you see how much items are on the belt
* the belt works like a small storage

Disadvantages:
* already said: limited transport capacity, cause limited throughput.
* slow. This is a problem with verily long belts because it takes a while to fill the belt. The items on the belt cannot be used. A belt with length of 100 holds 1200 items for 56 seconds. With trains this is much lower (10 seconds).
* Belts work normally fine up to 50% of maximum capacity. Belts are not thought for using with full capacity. As described in belt physics above, the tighter you compress the items, the more inefficient it can become.

Belts have the best short-distance throughput for continuous, direct-to-factory transportation.

=== Trains ===

* Trains should be used to get items from big and distant resource fields. Nothing can compare with it, especially, when thinking about speed. The planning is difficult and the building itself is currently tedious. (tip: use the train to build the rails, this is much faster, you can use it also to build the power poles).
* Trains are for linking separate factory assemblies together over long distances. This additionally lets you 'take a ride' out to outposts that require attention.

Smelt ore locally and ship the plates via train, you can double your wagon capacity and route directly to a storage yard or factory. See also [[Transport/Compress_by_Pre-production]].

=== Logistic robots ===

* Bots are terrible at long distances and bulk goods.
* Logistic robots should be used in a limited area with dense building placement In most cases this is the main factory area. With some updates the logistic bots can handle enormous amounts of items.
* Bots can help make links for end products of one chain move to where they're needed within the local network, especially if it's completely impractical to route a belt for the job.

Bots, while great at moving sparse items with slow production speeds, are a very costly thing to integrate with high-volume affairs like mining/smelting because they need frequent breaks to recharge.

The exception is the incredible benefit they offer to train stations because of the space/logistical challenge of routing and load-balancing belts around the train tracks, especially since it isn't necessarily 'constant flow', offering them time to recharge.

== Seeing from throughput side ==

A basic belt cannot transport much more than 700 item/minute and an express belt (the fastest) not more than 1750 (see above). Now compare that with a locomotive: a wagon can deliver 1000? items (ores) '''per wagon'''! So when speaking from throughput, you need to swap to train or make multiple parallel belts.

This picture changes when you developed logistic bots. They can't be beaten for relatively small areas, especially with their researched bonuses, and they have some kind of intelligence; they try to deliver all requests as equally as possible.

Bots are terrible at long distances and bulk goods. That leaves conveyors and trains.

Trains are faster than belts and offer better logistic control as you go between logistic networks.

Belts simply take forever, and you may wind up with a lot of asset tied up with simply being 'in transit'. I personally see items sitting on a belt as a non-routable waste. It's someplace the logistic network can't handle. Backed up belts can be a good thing for buffer space, but long belts are just inefficient.

Or in other words: the afford, to squeeze out the last 20% of belt-performance rises depending on distance and total amount and at some point the train will win. But in your central factory area the bots will never be beaten. On the other hand: in small areas, and for simple throughput of one type of item (furnace iron ore to iron-plates for example) we can place some belts in parallel, which is cheap and efficient (uses no energy) and because of parallel belts or using express belts (only short sections) we reach also enormous throughput.

== See also ==

* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3948 Discussion about using conveyor belts vs. trains]. There are some interesting tips in this thread.