Official Factorio Wiki - User contributions [en]

Inserters

2016-05-06T23:53:58Z

JasonC: /* Inserter throughput */

{{Languages}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
'''Inserters''' are devices which are used to move items over short distances. When placed, they have a fixed direction. They can move items from behind and place them in front of them, this way, they can move items from one transport belt to another, but also extract items from and insert items into machines or storage devices. There are five types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).

'''IMPORTANT NOTE: Many behavioral things described on this page have changes with version 0.12. Be careful, this page is not fully updated yet!

==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. If two inserters are picking up from the same tile, the first placed inserter has priority.

==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.

The reason for this behavior is, that otherwise the buffers would get too big; you would have resource problems for things further down the chain/line if the first things where trying to fill the input slot constantly.

{| 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]].

: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
* If a belt is in the same orientation as the inserter, the item will be placed on the right-hand lane, from the belt's perspective.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnInsideOfCorner.gif|left]]
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation to splitters anymore; placing in curves will not longer have a chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]).
* Inserters try to pick up items from all types of belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express belt for example, every try uses energy, burner inserters might not pick up from fast belts)
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)

==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==

If an inserter moves items from stack to stack (for example from an assembler into a chest), it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]].

==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where inserters do not need to move very often.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253 Inserter Power Efficiency]: Movements per energy and exact power usage numbers. See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6258 this thread], where energy per movement is explained.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400 Small Inserter Test]: Comparison if energy usage per item.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5524 Inserter heartbeats]: In some situations it is not possible to calculate the needed power usage.

==Inserter speed==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Rotation-speed (turns per [[Tick]]) Extension-speed ([[Tile]]s per Tick)
! Turns per [[Game-second]] Tiles per Game-second
! Game-second per full turn Game-seconds per Tile
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.01 0.02 || 0.6 1.2 || 1.667 0.833
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.014 0.03 || 0.84 1.8 || 1.191 0.56
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 0.02 0.04 || 1.2 2.4 || 0.833 0.416
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|-
|}

===Rotation speed===
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).

Note, that an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. There are several situations, where you can optimize the angles (and so the speed) of inserters by placing them '''not''' in the symmetry axis!

===Extension speed===
The extension-speed is normally not visible (only when compared to other inserters), but there are measurable speed differences when taking - for example - from the near or the far side of a belt.

This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, cause the inserters needs to stretch out to the center of a wagon, which is some tiles long and leads to visible slower speed.

The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading] (not loading!).

==Inserter throughput==

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them on a straight, empty belt ([https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23409 experimentally measured to ±0.004], valid at least thru 0.12.33):

{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Items per [[Game-second]] Inserter facing East/West/South
! Items per Game-second Inserter facing North
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.588 || 0.579
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.831 || 0.820
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 1.153 || 1.129
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|-
|}

Actual rates may vary for different types of transfers (see also the note about inserter paths in the inserter speed section above).

==Movement and energy usage==
The energy usage is not dependend on the amount of rotation or extension, it is depending if the inserter starts an action, which is like grabbing, moving, release and returning. The entry and exit-piece of underground belts is technically only a half belt. Inserters will have problems to grab/place items from there and every try costs energy.

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

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

===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only, if everything else is full]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]

{{MachineNav}}

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

Railway

2016-04-16T07:27:30Z

JasonC: /* About Trains */ They can't. 1 grid square, 2 for long handle, same as chests.

{{Languages}}
For the research see [[Railway (research)]]

The [[Railway]] is one of the [[Transport|main transport methods]] in Factorio. Although the installation of such an network is sometimes complicated and takes a large amount of [[items#resources|resources]] and space, it is especially [[Transport/What Transport for which case?|over large distances more efficient and faster]] than [[Belt transport system|belts]] and [[Logistic network|robot logistics]].

Besides the use as transportation medium, trains can be quite enjoyable to drive!

Railway construction, however, is not understood in an instant. It takes some time to learn the basics, such as automating transportation. Learning how to manage and upkeep a larger train network can take quite some time and a large amount of experience.

== Starting a network ==
This section covers how to build tracks, assemble trains, and get moving. This enables manual transportation of material and player transit over large distances using trains and covers the earliest iteration of railway tech.
; [[Railway/Tutorials]]
: Sometimes a picture/video says more than a thousand words.
; [[Railway/Do not cross the tracks]]
: A train is very fast, take care! Entering/exiting a moving train is possible, but dangerous.
; [[Vehicle/Train/Defence]]
: Defend, as trains are a priority target of [[Enemies]].

=== Tracks ===
[[File:curved-rail-example-1.png|thumb|256px|Composition of rails to form a 90 degree turn.]]
{| class="wikitable"
| {{imagelink|straight-rail|Straight rail}} || {{imagelink|curved-rail|Curved rail}} |-
|}
The backbone of the player's rail system has to be built out of the two basic elements (straight/curve) manually. According to FFF #113/#114 update thirteen will include a build-by-drag feature to make building tracks easier and faster.

Rails can be placed in a two-[[Tile]] area only. Keep this in mind when planning train stations.

==== Curves ====
To create a 90 degree turn two [[Curved rail]]s and one [[Straight rail]] are needed. The [[Straight rail]] has to be placed along the end of the first curved rail placed to cover the gap between the second [[Curved rail]].

==== Switches ====
[[File:rail-switch-example-1.png|thumb|256px|Composition of rails to form switches, straight and diagonal.]]
* There is no optical sign for a working switch. The player must place a [[Curved rail]] overlapping on a [[Straight rail]] (or vice versa) to form a switch. In other words: The player can create 3-way-switches at nearly every point of their track by mixing curves with straight rails.
* The crossing of two straight tracks is not usable as switch, but they do connect [[Railway/Signal/Block signal| signal blocks]] making it possible to prevent collisions.
* Parallel tracks do not interact with each other and generally have no problem, however, switching from one track to the other can require extra resources because the track has to turn away from the other parallel track then turn back to it. This can create complicated networks of signals and as such the player may wish not to build parallel tracks unless they are permanent.

==== Other ====
* Use the debug-mode (Press F6) to see and understand better, how the tracks are bound together
* FFF #113 Better Rail Building: http://www.factorio.com/blog/post/fff-113
* FFF #114 Better Train Conditions: http://www.factorio.com/blog/post/fff-114
----

=== Trains ===
[[File:Railway-locomotive-gui.png|thumb|256px|Locomotive screen: 1: switch to schedule screen; 2: [[Fuel]] inventory;]]
[[File:Railway-assemble-train.png|thumb|256px|Placing a [[Cargo wagon]] so it is attached to the train.]]
{| class="wikitable"
|{{imagelink|diesel-locomotive|Diesel locomotive}} || {{imagelink|cargo-wagon|Cargo wagon}} |-
|}

* A train consists of at least one locomotive, but the player may add additional locomotives to keep the train moving at max speed, allow it to move in both directions efficiently and automatically, or they may add [[Cargo wagon]]s to transport goods with the train.
* Locomotives may be manually driven forward or backward, however, locomotives are generally much slower going backwards. The left and right movement keys are used to change direction at switches.
* Automatic driving is only possible when a locomotive is facing towards the station the train is moving towards. This can be counteracted by having a locomotive facing either direction on a rail, or adding a loop along the rail somewhere. Note that in a loop signals can misbehave due to detecting trains before they arrive.
* A train needs [[fuel]] to drive. Fuel can be added by inserters.

The locomotives' inventory is only used for [[Fuel]]. To transport items [[Cargo wagon]]s have to be attached to the train. To attach a Cargo wagon, the player may either prepare to place one near an existing train, where a green graphic will show the player that the cargo wagon will be attached, showing a connection between the train and the new wagon. Alternatively, the player may manually connect cargo wagons to trains with the stock connect key, if the cargo wagon was placed far away from a train. The cargo wagons can be filled manually or by adjacent inserters.

== Expanding the rail system ==
This section covers items used to make trains automatically transport items between stations. The player should be familiar with the "Starting a rail system" Section to fully employ these strategies.

=== [[Automated rail transportation (research)|Automated rail transportation]] ===
[[File:station-example-1.png|thumb|256px|A very minimal station.]]
[[File:station-example-3.png|thumb|256px|Train Station with multiple [[Train stop]]s and [[Rail signal]]s to allow operation of multiple trains on single track.]]
{| class="wikitable"
| {{imagelink|Train-stop|Train stop}} |-
|}
; [[Train stop]]
: The item that marks the position for the locomotive to stop.
; Train Station
: The complete facility around one or more [[Train stop]]s generally includes un/loading machinery, defense structures, refueling/repair installations.

==== Track Layout ====
For track layout there are 2 common options on how to operate:
;Circular - higher efficiency in large networks
: Trains move only in one direction driving a circle
: requires turning loops
: extremely powerful when using a "two-track" layout, one track for each direction
: high chance of gridlocks when not signaled properly

;Linear - easier to setup, cheaper at beginning
: Trains drive in two directions on the same track
: lower cost for tracks, but minimum of 2 engines per train
: high waiting times when operating multiple trains

==== Train stop ====
* The train will search for a path to stop with the [[Train stop]] on its right hand side in driving direction
* At least two [[Train stop]]s are needed to make a train drive between them. Installing a single [[Train stop]] would result in trains stopping at that station, without moving further.

==== Schedule ====
[[File:Railway-schedule-gui.png|thumb|256px|Schedule screen: 1: switch to locomotive screen; 2: [[Train stop]]s currently on route; 3: Available [[Train stop]]s; 4: enable/disable automatic driving; 5: Remove selected [[Train stop]] from route; 6: set selected [[Train stop]] as next stop; 7: Add selected [[Train stop]] to route;]]
* When left-clicking on the locomotive the player can set up a schedule:
* add the desired [[Train stop]]s to the route in correct order
* adjust the wait time for each [[Train stop]] individual
* to start the train, enable "automatic mode"

==== Troubleshooting ====
===== Train doesn't move =====
* Is the train fueled?
* Is the train facing the right direction?
* Is another train in the same block?

===== No path =====
* Is the track working properly?
* Is the next [[Train stop]] placed on right-hand side?
* Are signals set correctly, if any?
* Is a signal reading the location of the train before it moves?
----

=== Rail signals ===
[[File:Railway-test-setup.png|thumb|256px|A simple test setup to start with. Containing [[Train stop]]s for schedules, and [[Rail signal]]s to watch their behaviour.]]
{| class="wikitable"
| {{imagelink|rail-signal|Rail signal}} || {{imagelink|rail-chain-signal|Rail chain signal}} |-
|}

Understanding rail signals can be difficult. Several terms critical to understanding them are below:
; Rail segment
: A piece of track (one item). There are just [[Straight rail]] and [[Curved rail]].
; Segment
: A single path of continuous rails, a track without intersections or switches. This becomes important when [[Railway/Signal|Signals]] are employed. The player may check the number of the current segment by mousing over a segment.
; Block
[[File:Railway-signals-1.png|thumb|256px|Block #1 is occupied, signal into that Block is red. Block #2 is approached, thus showing yellow, other blocks are free, signals showing green.]]
: A set of segments defined by rail signals. By default every connected segment belongs to one block, no matter whether a train can drive on it or not, and even if it can be driven only in one direction (for example a joining switch: the other segment of the switch belongs to the same block!). The player can see the current block numbers of a rail piece in the info section. '''See also [https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3811#p28310 this forum post]''' for a good explanation about blocks.

As rail signals are used to employ multiple trains automatically note that driving a train manually ignores most of the rules described here. Driving a train manually on an automated network is possible and other automatic trains will follow signaling indicted by the player's movement. Sometimes it will be not possible to avoid a collision for automatic trains when the player ignores red/yellow signals, so be prepared for disaster.

;The most basic rules:
[[File:Railway-signals-2.png|thumb|256px|Block #1 occupied, signal red. Block #2 approaching, showing yellow. Chain signal #3 is reflecting block signal #2. The chain signal #4 is showing red, because the block is to be approached from another direction, thus the block is considered occupied.]]
#There is at maximum one Train in a block at any time.
#A red signal means that the following block is occupied by a train.
#A yellow signal means that a train is approaching, and already has the approval to enter the following block.
#[[Rail signal]]s separate a new block and reflect its state: green - free, yellow - to be occupied by approaching train, red - occupied
#[[Rail chain signal]]s separate a new block and reflect the state of the next [[Rail signal]]
#A train can only pass a signal if it is to the right of the track and will only pass a signal on the left if there is a signal on the right side as well.

== User tips and tricks ==
This section contains further links to in-depth knowledge. As a general advisory, tips given in this section detail the more intricate mechanics in the game and can be dangerous to the experience of players who wish to discover better methods on their own.

=== About Trains ===
* [[Vehicle/Train/Wagon]]: A wagon is like a rolling chest.
* [[Vehicle/Train/Driving]]: The player may manually drive a train, and enter the train by pressing Enter.
* [[Vehicle/Train/Reverse driving]]: How to drive a train in different directions while in automatic mode.
* [[Railway/Mixed transports]] - moving different items in wagons
* [[Railway/Train make-up]] - about how long trains should be.
* [[Vehicle/Train]] - the handling of loco and wagon
* [[Railway/Train path finding]] - how the trains find their path.

=== About train stations and stops ===
* [[Railway/Train stop]]s - don't mix train stops with train stations!
* [[Railway/Train station]]s - about the loading/unloading of trains
* [[Railway/Automated transport]] - all about automated transport.
* [[Railway/The renaming-of-train-stop-trick]]: What happens if the player gives a train stop the same name as another train stop?
* [[Railway/Multiple trains/Single track]]: It is possible to operate multiple trains on one track.

=== About Signaling ===
* [[Railway/Signal]]
** [[Railway/Signal/Block signal]]
** [[Railway/Signal/Chain signal]]
* [[Railway/Multiple trains]]
* [[Railway/Rail info]] - hovering a rail-segment reveals some important information
* [[Railway/Deadlocks]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=6936&p=54469#p54469 train signal behavior]

== Tips & Tricks ==
* When supply trains follow the player: http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6203
* The player may lay rails by sitting inside of the train.

== Relationship to [http://www.openttd.org/ OpenTTD] ==
Factorio's railway system works basically exactly like [http://wiki.openttd.org/Signals#Block_signals≈ the block signals in Open Traffic Tycoon Deluxe]. Players who have ever played that game will find some elements of it in Factorio. If not, they can learn from the openttd documentation.

{{Special:PrefixIndex/{{FULLPAGENAME}}/}}

Inserters

2016-04-13T00:44:57Z

JasonC: /* Inserter throughput */

{{Languages}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
'''Inserters''' are devices which are used to move items over short distances. When placed, they have a fixed direction. They can move items from behind and place them in front of them, this way, they can move items from one transport belt to another, but also extract items from and insert items into machines or storage devices. There are five types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).

'''IMPORTANT NOTE: Many behavioral things described on this page have changes with version 0.12. Be careful, this page is not fully updated yet!

==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. If two inserters are picking up from the same tile, the first placed inserter has priority.

==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.

The reason for this behavior is, that otherwise the buffers would get too big; you would have resource problems for things further down the chain/line if the first things where trying to fill the input slot constantly.

{| 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]].

: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
* If a belt is in the same orientation as the inserter, the item will be placed on the right-hand lane, from the belt's perspective.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnInsideOfCorner.gif|left]]
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation to splitters anymore; placing in curves will not longer have a chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]).
* Inserters try to pick up items from all types of belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express belt for example, every try uses energy, burner inserters might not pick up from fast belts)
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)

==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==

If an inserter moves items from stack to stack (for example from an assembler into a chest), it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]].

==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where inserters do not need to move very often.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253 Inserter Power Efficiency]: Movements per energy and exact power usage numbers. See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6258 this thread], where energy per movement is explained.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400 Small Inserter Test]: Comparison if energy usage per item.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5524 Inserter heartbeats]: In some situations it is not possible to calculate the needed power usage.

==Inserter speed==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Rotation-speed (turns per [[Tick]]) Extension-speed ([[Tile]]s per Tick)
! Turns per [[Game-second]] Tiles per Game-second
! Game-second per full turn Game-seconds per Tile
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.01 0.02 || 0.6 1.2 || 1.667 0.833
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.014 0.03 || 0.84 1.8 || 1.191 0.56
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 0.02 0.04 || 1.2 2.4 || 0.833 0.416
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 0.035 0.07 || 2.1 4.2 || 0.476 0.238
|-
|}

===Rotation speed===
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).

Note, that an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. There are several situations, where you can optimize the angles (and so the speed) of inserters by placing them '''not''' in the symmetry axis!

===Extension speed===
The extension-speed is normally not visible (only when compared to other inserters), but there are measurable speed differences when taking - for example - from the near or the far side of a belt.

This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, cause the inserters needs to stretch out to the center of a wagon, which is some tiles long and leads to visible slower speed.

The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading] (not loading!).

==Inserter throughput==

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them on a straight, empty belt ([https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23409 experimentally measured to ±0.004]):

{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Items per [[Game-second]] Inserter facing East/West/South
! Items per Game-second Inserter facing North
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.588 || 0.579
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.831 || 0.820
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 1.153 || 1.129
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|-
|}

Actual rates may vary for different types of transfers (see also the note about inserter paths in the inserter speed section above).

==Movement and energy usage==
The energy usage is not dependend on the amount of rotation or extension, it is depending if the inserter starts an action, which is like grabbing, moving, release and returning. The entry and exit-piece of underground belts is technically only a half belt. Inserters will have problems to grab/place items from there and every try costs energy.

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

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

===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only, if everything else is full]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]

{{MachineNav}}

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

Inserters

2016-04-13T00:42:41Z

JasonC: /* Inserter throughput */

{{Languages}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
'''Inserters''' are devices which are used to move items over short distances. When placed, they have a fixed direction. They can move items from behind and place them in front of them, this way, they can move items from one transport belt to another, but also extract items from and insert items into machines or storage devices. There are five types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).

'''IMPORTANT NOTE: Many behavioral things described on this page have changes with version 0.12. Be careful, this page is not fully updated yet!

==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. If two inserters are picking up from the same tile, the first placed inserter has priority.

==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.

The reason for this behavior is, that otherwise the buffers would get too big; you would have resource problems for things further down the chain/line if the first things where trying to fill the input slot constantly.

{| 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]].

: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
* If a belt is in the same orientation as the inserter, the item will be placed on the right-hand lane, from the belt's perspective.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnInsideOfCorner.gif|left]]
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation to splitters anymore; placing in curves will not longer have a chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]).
* Inserters try to pick up items from all types of belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express belt for example, every try uses energy, burner inserters might not pick up from fast belts)
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)

==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==

If an inserter moves items from stack to stack (for example from an assembler into a chest), it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]].

==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where inserters do not need to move very often.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253 Inserter Power Efficiency]: Movements per energy and exact power usage numbers. See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6258 this thread], where energy per movement is explained.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400 Small Inserter Test]: Comparison if energy usage per item.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5524 Inserter heartbeats]: In some situations it is not possible to calculate the needed power usage.

==Inserter speed==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Rotation-speed (turns per [[Tick]]) Extension-speed ([[Tile]]s per Tick)
! Turns per [[Game-second]] Tiles per Game-second
! Game-second per full turn Game-seconds per Tile
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.01 0.02 || 0.6 1.2 || 1.667 0.833
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.014 0.03 || 0.84 1.8 || 1.191 0.56
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 0.02 0.04 || 1.2 2.4 || 0.833 0.416
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 0.035 0.07 || 2.1 4.2 || 0.476 0.238
|-
|}

===Rotation speed===
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).

Note, that an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. There are several situations, where you can optimize the angles (and so the speed) of inserters by placing them '''not''' in the symmetry axis!

===Extension speed===
The extension-speed is normally not visible (only when compared to other inserters), but there are measurable speed differences when taking - for example - from the near or the far side of a belt.

This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, cause the inserters needs to stretch out to the center of a wagon, which is some tiles long and leads to visible slower speed.

The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading] (not loading!).

==Inserter throughput==

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them on a belt ([https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23409 experimentally measured to ±0.004]):

{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Items per [[Game-second]] Inserter facing East/West/South
! Items per Game-second Inserter facing North
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.588 || 0.579
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.831 || 0.820
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 1.153 || 1.129
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|-
|}

Actual rates may vary for different types of transfers (see also the note about inserter paths in the inserter speed section above).

==Movement and energy usage==
The energy usage is not dependend on the amount of rotation or extension, it is depending if the inserter starts an action, which is like grabbing, moving, release and returning. The entry and exit-piece of underground belts is technically only a half belt. Inserters will have problems to grab/place items from there and every try costs energy.

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

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

===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only, if everything else is full]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]

{{MachineNav}}

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

Inserters

2016-04-13T00:18:48Z

JasonC: /* Inserter throughput */

{{Languages}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
'''Inserters''' are devices which are used to move items over short distances. When placed, they have a fixed direction. They can move items from behind and place them in front of them, this way, they can move items from one transport belt to another, but also extract items from and insert items into machines or storage devices. There are five types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).

'''IMPORTANT NOTE: Many behavioral things described on this page have changes with version 0.12. Be careful, this page is not fully updated yet!

==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. If two inserters are picking up from the same tile, the first placed inserter has priority.

==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.

The reason for this behavior is, that otherwise the buffers would get too big; you would have resource problems for things further down the chain/line if the first things where trying to fill the input slot constantly.

{| 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]].

: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
* If a belt is in the same orientation as the inserter, the item will be placed on the right-hand lane, from the belt's perspective.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnInsideOfCorner.gif|left]]
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation to splitters anymore; placing in curves will not longer have a chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]).
* Inserters try to pick up items from all types of belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express belt for example, every try uses energy, burner inserters might not pick up from fast belts)
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)

==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==

If an inserter moves items from stack to stack (for example from an assembler into a chest), it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]].

==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where inserters do not need to move very often.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253 Inserter Power Efficiency]: Movements per energy and exact power usage numbers. See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6258 this thread], where energy per movement is explained.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400 Small Inserter Test]: Comparison if energy usage per item.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5524 Inserter heartbeats]: In some situations it is not possible to calculate the needed power usage.

==Inserter speed==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Rotation-speed (turns per [[Tick]]) Extension-speed ([[Tile]]s per Tick)
! Turns per [[Game-second]] Tiles per Game-second
! Game-second per full turn Game-seconds per Tile
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.01 0.02 || 0.6 1.2 || 1.667 0.833
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.014 0.03 || 0.84 1.8 || 1.191 0.56
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 0.02 0.04 || 1.2 2.4 || 0.833 0.416
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 0.035 0.07 || 2.1 4.2 || 0.476 0.238
|-
|}

===Rotation speed===
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).

Note, that an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. There are several situations, where you can optimize the angles (and so the speed) of inserters by placing them '''not''' in the symmetry axis!

===Extension speed===
The extension-speed is normally not visible (only when compared to other inserters), but there are measurable speed differences when taking - for example - from the near or the far side of a belt.

This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, cause the inserters needs to stretch out to the center of a wagon, which is some tiles long and leads to visible slower speed.

The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading] (not loading!).

==Inserter throughput==

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them on a belt ([https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23409 experimentally measured to ±0.004]):

{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Items per [[Game-second]] Vertical Belt East/West Insert
! Items per Game-second Horizontal Belt North/South Insert
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.588 || 0.579
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.831 || 0.820
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 1.153 || 1.129
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|-
|}

Actual rates may vary for different types of transfers (see also the note about inserter paths in the inserter speed section above).

==Movement and energy usage==
The energy usage is not dependend on the amount of rotation or extension, it is depending if the inserter starts an action, which is like grabbing, moving, release and returning. The entry and exit-piece of underground belts is technically only a half belt. Inserters will have problems to grab/place items from there and every try costs energy.

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

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

===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only, if everything else is full]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]

{{MachineNav}}

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

Inserters

2016-04-13T00:06:32Z

JasonC: /* Inserter throughput */

{{Languages}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
'''Inserters''' are devices which are used to move items over short distances. When placed, they have a fixed direction. They can move items from behind and place them in front of them, this way, they can move items from one transport belt to another, but also extract items from and insert items into machines or storage devices. There are five types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).

'''IMPORTANT NOTE: Many behavioral things described on this page have changes with version 0.12. Be careful, this page is not fully updated yet!

==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. If two inserters are picking up from the same tile, the first placed inserter has priority.

==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.

The reason for this behavior is, that otherwise the buffers would get too big; you would have resource problems for things further down the chain/line if the first things where trying to fill the input slot constantly.

{| 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]].

: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
* If a belt is in the same orientation as the inserter, the item will be placed on the right-hand lane, from the belt's perspective.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnInsideOfCorner.gif|left]]
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation to splitters anymore; placing in curves will not longer have a chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]).
* Inserters try to pick up items from all types of belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express belt for example, every try uses energy, burner inserters might not pick up from fast belts)
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)

==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==

If an inserter moves items from stack to stack (for example from an assembler into a chest), it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]].

==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where inserters do not need to move very often.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253 Inserter Power Efficiency]: Movements per energy and exact power usage numbers. See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6258 this thread], where energy per movement is explained.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400 Small Inserter Test]: Comparison if energy usage per item.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5524 Inserter heartbeats]: In some situations it is not possible to calculate the needed power usage.

==Inserter speed==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Rotation-speed (turns per [[Tick]]) Extension-speed ([[Tile]]s per Tick)
! Turns per [[Game-second]] Tiles per Game-second
! Game-second per full turn Game-seconds per Tile
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.01 0.02 || 0.6 1.2 || 1.667 0.833
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.014 0.03 || 0.84 1.8 || 1.191 0.56
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 0.02 0.04 || 1.2 2.4 || 0.833 0.416
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 0.035 0.07 || 2.1 4.2 || 0.476 0.238
|-
|}

===Rotation speed===
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).

Note, that an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. There are several situations, where you can optimize the angles (and so the speed) of inserters by placing them '''not''' in the symmetry axis!

===Extension speed===
The extension-speed is normally not visible (only when compared to other inserters), but there are measurable speed differences when taking - for example - from the near or the far side of a belt.

This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, cause the inserters needs to stretch out to the center of a wagon, which is some tiles long and leads to visible slower speed.

The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading] (not loading!).

==Inserter throughput==

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them on a belt ([https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23409 experimentally measured to ±0.004]):

{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Items per [[Game-second]] Vertical Belt East/West Insert Far Side
! Items per Game-second Horizontal Belt North/South Insert Far Side
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.588 || 0.579
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.831 || 0.820
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 1.153 || 1.129
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|-
|}

Actual rates may vary for different types of transfers (see also the note about inserter paths in the inserter speed section above).

==Movement and energy usage==
The energy usage is not dependend on the amount of rotation or extension, it is depending if the inserter starts an action, which is like grabbing, moving, release and returning. The entry and exit-piece of underground belts is technically only a half belt. Inserters will have problems to grab/place items from there and every try costs energy.

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

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

===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only, if everything else is full]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]

{{MachineNav}}

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

Inserters

2016-04-13T00:05:55Z

JasonC: /* Inserter throughput */ more throughput experiments

{{Languages}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
'''Inserters''' are devices which are used to move items over short distances. When placed, they have a fixed direction. They can move items from behind and place them in front of them, this way, they can move items from one transport belt to another, but also extract items from and insert items into machines or storage devices. There are five types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).

'''IMPORTANT NOTE: Many behavioral things described on this page have changes with version 0.12. Be careful, this page is not fully updated yet!

==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. If two inserters are picking up from the same tile, the first placed inserter has priority.

==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.

The reason for this behavior is, that otherwise the buffers would get too big; you would have resource problems for things further down the chain/line if the first things where trying to fill the input slot constantly.

{| 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]].

: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
* If a belt is in the same orientation as the inserter, the item will be placed on the right-hand lane, from the belt's perspective.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnInsideOfCorner.gif|left]]
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation to splitters anymore; placing in curves will not longer have a chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]).
* Inserters try to pick up items from all types of belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express belt for example, every try uses energy, burner inserters might not pick up from fast belts)
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)

==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==

If an inserter moves items from stack to stack (for example from an assembler into a chest), it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]].

==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where inserters do not need to move very often.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253 Inserter Power Efficiency]: Movements per energy and exact power usage numbers. See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6258 this thread], where energy per movement is explained.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400 Small Inserter Test]: Comparison if energy usage per item.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5524 Inserter heartbeats]: In some situations it is not possible to calculate the needed power usage.

==Inserter speed==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Rotation-speed (turns per [[Tick]]) Extension-speed ([[Tile]]s per Tick)
! Turns per [[Game-second]] Tiles per Game-second
! Game-second per full turn Game-seconds per Tile
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.01 0.02 || 0.6 1.2 || 1.667 0.833
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.014 0.03 || 0.84 1.8 || 1.191 0.56
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 0.02 0.04 || 1.2 2.4 || 0.833 0.416
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 0.035 0.07 || 2.1 4.2 || 0.476 0.238
|-
|}

===Rotation speed===
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).

Note, that an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. There are several situations, where you can optimize the angles (and so the speed) of inserters by placing them '''not''' in the symmetry axis!

===Extension speed===
The extension-speed is normally not visible (only when compared to other inserters), but there are measurable speed differences when taking - for example - from the near or the far side of a belt.

This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, cause the inserters needs to stretch out to the center of a wagon, which is some tiles long and leads to visible slower speed.

The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading] (not loading!).

==Inserter throughput==

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them from the side of a belt ([https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23409 experimentally measured to ±0.004]):

{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Items per [[Game-second]] Vertical Belt East/West Insert Far Side
! Items per [[Game-second]] Horizontal Belt North/South Insert Far Side
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.588 || 0.579
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.831 || 0.820
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 1.153 || 1.129
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 2.306 || 2.220
|-
|}

Actual rates may vary for different types of transfers (see also the note about inserter paths in the inserter speed section above).

==Movement and energy usage==
The energy usage is not dependend on the amount of rotation or extension, it is depending if the inserter starts an action, which is like grabbing, moving, release and returning. The entry and exit-piece of underground belts is technically only a half belt. Inserters will have problems to grab/place items from there and every try costs energy.

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

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

===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only, if everything else is full]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]

{{MachineNav}}

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

Inserters

2016-04-13T00:03:00Z

JasonC: /* Inserter throughput */

{{Languages}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
'''Inserters''' are devices which are used to move items over short distances. When placed, they have a fixed direction. They can move items from behind and place them in front of them, this way, they can move items from one transport belt to another, but also extract items from and insert items into machines or storage devices. There are five types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).

'''IMPORTANT NOTE: Many behavioral things described on this page have changes with version 0.12. Be careful, this page is not fully updated yet!

==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. If two inserters are picking up from the same tile, the first placed inserter has priority.

==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.

The reason for this behavior is, that otherwise the buffers would get too big; you would have resource problems for things further down the chain/line if the first things where trying to fill the input slot constantly.

{| 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]].

: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
* If a belt is in the same orientation as the inserter, the item will be placed on the right-hand lane, from the belt's perspective.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnInsideOfCorner.gif|left]]
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation to splitters anymore; placing in curves will not longer have a chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]).
* Inserters try to pick up items from all types of belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express belt for example, every try uses energy, burner inserters might not pick up from fast belts)
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)

==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==

If an inserter moves items from stack to stack (for example from an assembler into a chest), it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]].

==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where inserters do not need to move very often.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253 Inserter Power Efficiency]: Movements per energy and exact power usage numbers. See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6258 this thread], where energy per movement is explained.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400 Small Inserter Test]: Comparison if energy usage per item.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5524 Inserter heartbeats]: In some situations it is not possible to calculate the needed power usage.

==Inserter speed==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Rotation-speed (turns per [[Tick]]) Extension-speed ([[Tile]]s per Tick)
! Turns per [[Game-second]] Tiles per Game-second
! Game-second per full turn Game-seconds per Tile
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.01 0.02 || 0.6 1.2 || 1.667 0.833
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.014 0.03 || 0.84 1.8 || 1.191 0.56
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 0.02 0.04 || 1.2 2.4 || 0.833 0.416
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 0.035 0.07 || 2.1 4.2 || 0.476 0.238
|-
|}

===Rotation speed===
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).

Note, that an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. There are several situations, where you can optimize the angles (and so the speed) of inserters by placing them '''not''' in the symmetry axis!

===Extension speed===
The extension-speed is normally not visible (only when compared to other inserters), but there are measurable speed differences when taking - for example - from the near or the far side of a belt.

This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, cause the inserters needs to stretch out to the center of a wagon, which is some tiles long and leads to visible slower speed.

The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading] (not loading!).

==Inserter throughput==

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them from the side of a belt ([https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23409 experimentally measured to ±0.004]):

{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Items per [[Game-second]]
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.588
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.831
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 1.153
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 2.306
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 2.306
|-
|}

Actual rates may vary for different types of transfers (see also the note about inserter paths in the inserter speed section above).

==Movement and energy usage==
The energy usage is not dependend on the amount of rotation or extension, it is depending if the inserter starts an action, which is like grabbing, moving, release and returning. The entry and exit-piece of underground belts is technically only a half belt. Inserters will have problems to grab/place items from there and every try costs energy.

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

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

===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only, if everything else is full]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]

{{MachineNav}}

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

Inserters

2016-04-09T23:25:35Z

JasonC: /* Inserter throughput */

{{Languages}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
'''Inserters''' are devices which are used to move items over short distances. When placed, they have a fixed direction. They can move items from behind and place them in front of them, this way, they can move items from one transport belt to another, but also extract items from and insert items into machines or storage devices. There are five types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).

'''IMPORTANT NOTE: Many behavioral things described on this page have changes with version 0.12. Be careful, this page is not fully updated yet!

==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. If two inserters are picking up from the same tile, the first placed inserter has priority.

==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.

The reason for this behavior is, that otherwise the buffers would get too big; you would have resource problems for things further down the chain/line if the first things where trying to fill the input slot constantly.

{| 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]].

: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
* If a belt is in the same orientation as the inserter, the item will be placed on the right-hand lane, from the belt's perspective.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnInsideOfCorner.gif|left]]
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation to splitters anymore; placing in curves will not longer have a chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]).
* Inserters try to pick up items from all types of belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express belt for example, every try uses energy, burner inserters might not pick up from fast belts)
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)

==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==

If an inserter moves items from stack to stack (for example from an assembler into a chest), it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]].

==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where inserters do not need to move very often.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253 Inserter Power Efficiency]: Movements per energy and exact power usage numbers. See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6258 this thread], where energy per movement is explained.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400 Small Inserter Test]: Comparison if energy usage per item.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5524 Inserter heartbeats]: In some situations it is not possible to calculate the needed power usage.

==Inserter speed==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Rotation-speed (turns per [[Tick]]) Extension-speed ([[Tile]]s per Tick)
! Turns per [[Game-second]] Tiles per Game-second
! Game-second per full turn Game-seconds per Tile
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.01 0.02 || 0.6 1.2 || 1.667 0.833
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.014 0.03 || 0.84 1.8 || 1.191 0.56
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 0.02 0.04 || 1.2 2.4 || 0.833 0.416
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 0.035 0.07 || 2.1 4.2 || 0.476 0.238
|-
|}

===Rotation speed===
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).

Note, that an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. There are several situations, where you can optimize the angles (and so the speed) of inserters by placing them '''not''' in the symmetry axis!

===Extension speed===
The extension-speed is normally not visible (only when compared to other inserters), but there are measurable speed differences when taking - for example - from the near or the far side of a belt.

This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, cause the inserters needs to stretch out to the center of a wagon, which is some tiles long and leads to visible slower speed.

The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading] (not loading!).

==Inserter throughput==

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them from the side of a belt ([https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23409 experimentally measured]):

{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Items per [[Game-second]]
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.588 (±0.004)
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.831 (±0.006)
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 1.153 (±0.008)
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 2.306 (±0.015)
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 2.306 (±0.015)
|-
|}

Actual rates may vary for different types of transfers (see also the note about inserter paths in the inserter speed section above).

==Movement and energy usage==
The energy usage is not dependend on the amount of rotation or extension, it is depending if the inserter starts an action, which is like grabbing, moving, release and returning. The entry and exit-piece of underground belts is technically only a half belt. Inserters will have problems to grab/place items from there and every try costs energy.

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

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

===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only, if everything else is full]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]

{{MachineNav}}

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

Inserters

2016-04-09T23:24:44Z

JasonC: /* Inserter speed */

{{Languages}}
[[File:Mpstark-KVmf6LZ.gif|right]]
'''Inserters''' are devices which are used to move items over short distances. When placed, they have a fixed direction. They can move items from behind and place them in front of them, this way, they can move items from one transport belt to another, but also extract items from and insert items into machines or storage devices. There are five types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).

'''IMPORTANT NOTE: Many behavioral things described on this page have changes with version 0.12. Be careful, this page is not fully updated yet!

==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. If two inserters are picking up from the same tile, the first placed inserter has priority.

==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.

The reason for this behavior is, that otherwise the buffers would get too big; you would have resource problems for things further down the chain/line if the first things where trying to fill the input slot constantly.

{| 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]].

: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters will '''always''' place the item on the furthest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
* If a belt is in the same orientation as the inserter, the item will be placed on the right-hand lane, from the belt's perspective.
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnInsideOfCorner.gif|left]]
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation to splitters anymore; placing in curves will not longer have a chance to [[Transport belts/Blocking items|block]]).
* Inserters try to pick up items from all types of belts (with v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters have problems picking up items
** From fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express belt for example, every try uses energy, burner inserters might not pick up from fast belts)
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)

==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==

If an inserter moves items from stack to stack (for example from an assembler into a chest), it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]].

==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where inserters do not need to move very often.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5253 Inserter Power Efficiency]: Movements per energy and exact power usage numbers. See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6258 this thread], where energy per movement is explained.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5400 Small Inserter Test]: Comparison if energy usage per item.
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5524 Inserter heartbeats]: In some situations it is not possible to calculate the needed power usage.

==Inserter speed==
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Rotation-speed (turns per [[Tick]]) Extension-speed ([[Tile]]s per Tick)
! Turns per [[Game-second]] Tiles per Game-second
! Game-second per full turn Game-seconds per Tile
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.01 0.02 || 0.6 1.2 || 1.667 0.833
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.014 0.03 || 0.84 1.8 || 1.191 0.56
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 0.02 0.04 || 1.2 2.4 || 0.833 0.416
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 0.04 0.07 || 2.4 4.2 || 0.417 0.238
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 0.035 0.07 || 2.1 4.2 || 0.476 0.238
|-
|}

===Rotation speed===
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).

Note, that an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. There are several situations, where you can optimize the angles (and so the speed) of inserters by placing them '''not''' in the symmetry axis!

===Extension speed===
The extension-speed is normally not visible (only when compared to other inserters), but there are measurable speed differences when taking - for example - from the near or the far side of a belt.

This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, cause the inserters needs to stretch out to the center of a wagon, which is some tiles long and leads to visible slower speed.

The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading] (not loading!).

==Inserter throughput==

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them from the side of a belt ([https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23409 experimentally measured]):

{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Items per [[Game-second]]
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|burner-inserter|Burner inserter}} || 0.588 (±0.004)
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|basic-inserter|Basic inserter}} || 0.831 (±0.006)
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|long-handed-inserter|Long handed inserter}} || 1.153 (±0.008)
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|fast-inserter|Fast inserter}} || 2.306 (±0.015)
|- align="center"
| align="left"| {{imagelink|smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || 2.306 (±0.015)
|-
|}

==Movement and energy usage==
The energy usage is not dependend on the amount of rotation or extension, it is depending if the inserter starts an action, which is like grabbing, moving, release and returning. The entry and exit-piece of underground belts is technically only a half belt. Inserters will have problems to grab/place items from there and every try costs energy.

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

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

===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[Inserter item stack size]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn, works only for transport from stack to stack
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [[Storages/Sorting]] (extended filtering)
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only, if everything else is full]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]

{{MachineNav}}

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

Steam engine

2016-04-04T19:56:10Z

JasonC: /* Using other liquids? */ add fluid consumption rate

{{Languages}}
{{Machinery
|input =time, 0.5 + iron gear wheel, 5 + pipe, 5 + iron plate, 5
|raw =time, 5.5 + iron plate, 20
|producers =manual + assembling machine 2 + assembling machine 3
}}

Steam engines are used to produce electricity. They do this by taking in hot water and converting it into electricity. Thus the hotter the water the more electricity can be produced. If there is an overabundance of electricity then steam engines will reduce their production to match consumption.

Hovering the mouse over a steam engine will display information for that particular steam engine: current production as well as maximum productivity.

It is possible to chain multiple steam engines together as water will pass through them. The current optimal ratio is 1 [[offshore pump]] : 14 [[boiler]]s : 10 [[steam engine]]s

'''Steam engines themselves don't produce any pollution.''' ([[Boiler]]s do!)

== Using other liquids? ==

The steam engine can use any type of liquid to generate electricity. This can be used to get rid of unused oil-products. Just fill unusable oil products into a steam engine and it will destroy the liquids (cold liquids will be destroyed at a rate of [https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?p=144748#p144748 6.0 fluid / second]). It works the same as for cold water; you don't need to warm it. If you heat the liquid before that, the hot oil will produce electrical power, just like with hot water.

But of course you should convert the unusable oil products into useables, instead of just making electricity out of it!

See also [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7108 Oil Refinery RANT]

[[File:electric-network.jpg|600px]]

== Examples ==
[[File:electrical-network-example-1.png|frame|384px|A basic modular power plant.]]
 

== See also ==
* [[Electric network]]
** [[Power Production]]
* [[Power production/Special accumulator usages]]
* About [[Power production/Optimal ratios|Calculation of good steam engine/boiler combinations]]
* [[Power production/Dealing with priorities#How_to_switch_off_steam_engines_in_the_night.2C_when_enough_accumulator_capacity_is_available.3F|How to switch off steam engines in the night, when enough accumulator capacity is available?]]
* [[Liquid network]]

{{MachineNav}}

[[Category:Items]]
[[Category:Electric network]]
[[Category:Liquid network]]

User:JasonC

2016-04-04T15:43:29Z

JasonC:

I started playing this game May 2016 (0.12.26). I enjoy writing and editing documentation. As I learn things about this game, if I encounter unclear articles in the wiki I will do my best to clear them up.

Currently I have rewritten or made non-minor contributions to the following sections, feel free to review them for mistakes:

* [[Power_production/Special_accumulator_usages#Isolation_of_Power_Networks|Isolation of Power Networks]]
* [[Power_production/Optimal_ratios#Solar_Panels.2FAccumulators|Solar Panels / Accumulators]]

See my contributions page for full activity, which hopefully will grow.

User talk:JasonC

2016-04-04T15:43:13Z

JasonC: Blanked the page

User:JasonC

2016-04-04T15:42:56Z

JasonC:

I started playing this game May 2016. I enjoy writing and editing documentation. As I learn things about this game, if I encounter unclear articles in the wiki I will do my best to clear them up.

Currently I have rewritten or made non-minor contributions to the following sections, feel free to review them for mistakes:

* [[Power_production/Special_accumulator_usages#Isolation_of_Power_Networks|Isolation of Power Networks]]
* [[Power_production/Optimal_ratios#Solar_Panels.2FAccumulators|Solar Panels / Accumulators]]

See my contributions page for full activity, which hopefully will grow.

User:JasonC

2016-04-04T15:42:13Z

JasonC:

I'm a person whose user name is JasonC.

That was my 8 words. Anyways I started playing this game May 2016. I enjoy writing and editing documentation. As I learn things about this game, if I encounter unclear articles in the wiki I will do my best to clear them up.

Currently I have rewritten or made non-minor contributions to the following sections, feel free to review them for mistakes:

* [[Power_production/Special_accumulator_usages#Isolation_of_Power_Networks|Isolation of Power Networks]]
* [[Power_production/Optimal_ratios#Solar_Panels.2FAccumulators|Solar Panels / Accumulators]]

See my contributions page for full activity, which hopefully will grow.

Power production/Special accumulator usages

2016-04-04T04:53:49Z

JasonC: /* Isolation of Power Networks */

{{Languages}}
{{sublinks}}

== Isolation of Power Networks ==

[[Electric network#Storage|Accumulator]]s can be used to isolate two separate power networks, which has a number of uses. Since accumulators have a lower delivery priority than any other entity, this guarantees that they only receive energy when you have enough left over after powering all other entities in a network. At the same time, accumulators can also be used to deliver energy in another electrical network, and can charge and discharge at the same time. Consider the following example:

[[File:Accumulator_Network_Isolation.png]]

The two power networks A and B are not directly connected to each other: They are connected only through the accumulators, which are shared by both networks. This is accomplished by setting up electric poles for each network connected to the accumulators, then ensuring the sets of poles are not connected to each other (which can be done by crafting a copper wire then dragging it between two connected poles to sever the connection, exactly as is done for disconnecting circuit wires).

In the above example:

* The accumulators will only charge if extra power is being produced by network A or B.
* The accumulators will discharge as needed into either network if one is not producing enough power.
* Since the maximum input/output rate of an accumulator is 300kW, power flow between the two networks will be limited to 300kW times the number of accumulators (1.5MW in the example).
* Note that this isolation is bidirectional: Either network can charge the accumulators, and the accumulators can discharge into either network.

This technique can be used whenever this type of isolation is desired.

=== Reduce Energy Consumption in Critical Situations ===

In particular, one good use for the above technique is to limit electricity consumption in low power situations by isolating non-critical parts of your factory (such as [[Radar]], [[Lab]]s, [[Electric furnace]]s, [[Electric mining drill|electric miner]]s, [[Beacon]]s, etc.) from critical parts (such as lasers, ammo production, or whatever your priorities are).

To do this, place your main generators and critical components on one network and place your non-critical components on another network, isolating the two as above. Now, two things will happen:

* Power will ''only'' flow to the non-critical network when you are generating a surplus on the main network, and
* The rate will always be limited to 300kW per accumulator.

Because the accumulators will only receive power if you have a surplus on the main network, this will in effect deactivate the low-priority network when electricity is in short supply. This will also limit power consumption by the low priority network if its usage becomes high, for example if you have two factories on a low priority network and usually only one of them runs at a time, if both happen to run they won't consume more than the total limit, they'll just slow down.

Essentially you are saying "only deliver power to these systems if I have enough to spare, and even then don't exceed this delivery rate".

In general this is a technique which works well when you've just researched accumulators and solar panels, but don't have enough resources to build big solar farms and accumulator farms yet.

== Minimizing need for Steam power ==

* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5585

== Order of with accu connected networks ==

* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4814 Powering sequence] - the order in which accumulators are loaded. This is also about how the electric network orders internally new networks.

Raw fish

2016-04-04T01:44:14Z

JasonC:

{{languages}}
{{Resource
|name=Raw fish
|icon=fish
|image=Swimming-Fish.jpg
|extra1={{InfocardRow|Restores|20 health}}
}}
<onlyinclude>
'''Raw fish''' can be harvested from water. Since 0.7 they can be used to refill a small amount of health instantly. To harvest: Look for them swimming around in water (not all bodies of water have fish) then mine them as usual. To use: place the fish in the quick-bar and press the corresponding quick-slot key.
</onlyinclude>
{{c|Items}}{{c|Resources}}
{{EquipNav}}

Power production/Optimal ratios

2016-04-03T21:02:46Z

JasonC: /* Solar Panels/Accumulators */ add ratio for power requirement, note about approximate ratio, handy blueprint link from forum

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This is about how many [[Boiler]]s, [[Pump]]s, [[Steam engine]]s and also ratios of [[Solar panel]] and [[Basic accumulator]] (and more).

== Hot liquids ==

=== Steam engines, pumps and boilers ===

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Needed number of entities in different situations
! Situation !! # of steam engines !! # of boilers !! # offshore pumps !! Comment
|-
| One steam engine || '''1''' || 2 || 1 || Could be used in very niche situations
|-
| One off-shore pump || 10 || 14 || '''1''' || A very popular and widely-used setup
|-
| Full throughput of a pipe || max. 21 || max. 28 || 3 || Total throughput depends on the length of the pipe
|}

Each steam engine needs roughly 1.31 boilers when running at full capacity.

One [[Pump|offshore pump]] can satisfy 14 [[Boiler]]s and 10 [[Steam engine|steam engines]]. 13 boilers will make the job also, but this tends to have problems to raise the temp after coal shortness or other accidents ([[Biter]]s love to attack the boilers).

To fully satisfy a pipe you need 3 [[Pump]]s or 5 [[Small pump]]s (or better 6, but that depends on pressure!). But with this setup you will find, that the length of your pipe-setup will influence this too much. This is definitely not a beginner strategy.

==== See also ====
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5950 Research topic about energy]
* [[Liquids/Hot|Hot Liquids]]
* [[Liquids/Pipe physics]].

=== Hot liquids in tanks ===

To equalize the needed throughput (different needs of energy between day and night for example), hot water from boilers can also be stored in [[Storage Tank|storage tanks]] and used by extra steam engines during peak times or during night (if solar is in place). This energy storage technique can be used instead of or in addition to [[Basic accumulator|accumulators]].

See [[Liquids/Hot#Storing_hot_liquids_as_energy_storage|about storing of hot liquids]] how to use that.

== Solar Panels/Accumulators ==

=== Optimal ratio ===

The optimal ratio is 0.84 (21:25) accumulators per solar panel, and 23.8 solar panels per megawatt required by your factory (this ratio accounts for solar panels needed to charge the accumulators).

A "close enough" ratio is 20:24:1 accumulators to solar panels to megawatts required (for example, a factory requiring 10 MW can be approximately entirely powered, day and night, by 200 accumulators and 240 solar panels - this approximation differs from optimal only in that it calls for 2 extra solar panels, which is negligible).

This is taken from [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5594 Accumulator / Solar Panel Ratio] (which calculates this in an impressive mathematical way!) and [https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?p=143317#p143317 another post in that thread] (which calculates the solar panel to megawatt ratio in a much less impressive way).

There are also these related older threads:

* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5168
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=5394
* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7619

=== Perfect placing ===

* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1865 Big Solar Farm]: About the perfect placing of panels
* [https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?p=124780#p124780 9x9 Blueprint]: A suggestion for a repeatable tile with a 5:6 accumulator to solar panel ratio that happens to coincide with the 20:24 "close enough" ratio above (4 of these tiles can provide 1 MW of continuous power).

Power production/Special accumulator usages

2016-04-03T20:48:28Z

JasonC: /* Reduce energy consumption in critical times */ complete rewrite

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== Isolation of Power Networks ==

[[Electric network#Storage|Accumulator]]s can be used to isolate two separate power networks, which has a number of uses. Since accumulators have a lower delivery priority than any other entity, this guarantees that they only receive energy when you have enough left over after powering all other entities in a network. At the same time, accumulators can also be used to deliver energy in another electrical network, and can charge and discharge at the same time. Consider the following example:

[[File:Accumulator_Network_Isolation.png]]

The two power networks A and B are not directly connected to each other: The are connected only through the accumulators, which are shared by both networks. This is accomplished by setting up electric poles for each network connected to the accumulators, then ensuring the sets of poles are not connected to each other (which can be done by crafting a copper wire then dragging it between two connected poles to sever the connection, exactly as is done for disconnecting circuit wires).

In the above example:

* The accumulators will only charge if extra power is being produced by network A or B.
* The accumulators will discharge as needed into either network if one is not producing enough power.
* Since the maximum input/output rate of an accumulator is 300kW, power flow between the two networks will be limited to 300kW times the number of accumulators (1.5MW in the example).
* Note that this isolation is bidirectional: Either network can charge the accumulators, and the accumulators can discharge into either network.

This technique can be used whenever this type of isolation is desired.

=== Reduce Energy Consumption in Critical Situations ===

In particular, one good use for the above technique is to limit electricity consumption in low power situations by isolating non-critical parts of your factory (such as [[Radar]], [[Lab]]s, [[Electric furnace]]s, [[Electric mining drill|electric miner]]s, [[Beacon]]s, etc.) from critical parts (such as lasers, ammo production, or whatever your priorities are).

To do this, place your main generators and critical components on one network and place your non-critical components on another network, isolating the two as above. Now, two things will happen:

* Power will ''only'' flow to the non-critical network when you are generating a surplus on the main network, and
* The rate will always be limited to 300kW per accumulator.

Because the accumulators will only receive power if you have a surplus on the main network, this will in effect deactivate the low-priority network when electricity is in short supply. This will also limit power consumption by the low priority network if its usage becomes high, for example if you have two factories on a low priority network and usually only one of them runs at a time, if both happen to run they won't consume more than the total limit, they'll just slow down.

Essentially you are saying "only deliver power to these systems if I have enough to spare, and even then don't exceed this delivery rate".

In general this is a technique which works well when you've just researched accumulators and solar panels, but don't have enough resources to build big solar farms and accumulator farms yet.

== Minimizing need for Steam power ==

* http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5585

== Order of with accu connected networks ==

* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4814 Powering sequence] - the order in which accumulators are loaded. This is also about how the electric network orders internally new networks.

File:Accumulator network isolation.png

2016-04-03T20:15:18Z

JasonC: Grammar

An illustration of the isolation of two power networks using accumulators.

File:Accumulator network isolation.png

2016-04-03T20:14:46Z

JasonC: An illustration of isolating two power networks using accumulators.

An illustration of isolating two power networks using accumulators.

Furnace

2016-04-03T19:45:06Z

JasonC: /* Types */ add pollution values to summary table

{{Languages}}
[[File:factorio-beacon.png|thumb|384px|12 [[Electric furnace]]s affected by a single [[Basic beacon]] (this number can't be improved as of 7.1).]]

Furnaces are used to smelt [[items#resources|resources]] into usable [[items#Intermediate products|products]] for further usage. This makes them a key building for development and automation. Starting with very basic [[Stone_furnace|stone furnaces]] the player can advance through [[research]] and replace them with more efficient and faster furnaces later in the game.

Furnaces are affected by [[Beacon]]s.

== Beginner ==
=== Types ===
[[File:furnace-example-1.png|thumb|384px|An advanced smelter in late gameplay. Furnaces energy consumption reduced to minimum of 20% with 2 [[module|Effictivity modules]] consuming only 36 kW each.]]
{| class="wikitable"
! Type !! Total raw !! Crafting Speed !! Maximum energy !! Module slots !! Size !! Pollution
|-
| {{imagelink|stone-furnace|stone_furnace|Stone Furnace}} || {{icon|stone|5|stone}} || 1 || 180 kW ([[fuel|burner]]) || 0 || 2 x 2 || 1.8
|-
| {{imagelink|steel-furnace|steel_furnace|Steel Furnace}} || {{icon|steel-plate|8|Steel plate}} {{icon|stone-brick|10|stone_brick}} || 2 || 180 kW ([[fuel|burner]]) || 0 || 2 x 2 || 3.6
|-
| {{imagelink|electric-furnace|electric_furnace|Electric Furnace}} || {{icon|copper-plate|25|copper_plate}} {{icon|iron-plate|10|iron_plate}} {{icon|steel-plate|15|Steel plate}} {{icon|plastic-bar|10|Plastic bar}} {{icon|stone-brick|10|stone_brick}} || 2 || 180 kW ([[Electric_network|electric]]) || 2 || 3 x 3 || 0.9
|-
|}

For details on Crafting Speed see: https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=8370

=== Recipes ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Input !! Output !! Work consumed [[Stone furnace]] !! Time [[Stone furnace]]
|-
| {{icon|iron-ore|1|Iron ore}} || {{icon|iron-plate|1|Iron plate}} || 0.63 MJ || 3.5 s
|-
| {{icon|copper-ore|1|Copper ore}} || {{icon|copper-plate|1|Copper plate}} || 0.63 MJ || 3.5 s
|-
| {{icon|stone|2|Stone}} || {{icon|stone-brick|1|Stone brick}} || 0.63 MJ || 3.5 s
|-
| {{icon|iron-plate|8|Iron Plate}} || {{icon|steel-plate|1|Steel plate}} || 3.15 MJ || 17.5 s
|-
|}

For details see [[Units#Power]].

== Advanced ==
=== Multitask furnaces ===
The furnace chooses the used recipe by itself (it uses the recipe with the right input item). This behavior can be used to furnace, depending on what is currently needed/coming in.

See http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5930&start=10#p47008 and ff.

Note, that this strategy is quite advanced, cause the inserters will fill normally the furnace up to 5 items, so especially when the output is blocked (cause too much produced) you cannot input (the more needed) item.

== Expert ==
===Relationship to [[Assembling machine]]===
Since v0.11 the furnaces are technically (c++ code) the same class. This means for example for modding, that a furnace should be able to use two input items.

==See also==
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6802 Smelting where you mine]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6657 Burner or Electric?]

{{MachineNav}}

[[Category:Crafting network]]