Belt transport system - Revision history

HeliGungir: /* See also */ Added link to Transport belts/Physics page

2026-01-14T23:45:29Z

See also: Added link to Transport belts/Physics page

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:45, 14 January 2026
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	* [[Transport belts]]		* [[Transport belts]]
	* [[Underground belts]]		* [[Underground belts]]
			* [[Transport belts/Physics]]

	{{C\|Logistics{{!}}#Belt transport system}}		{{C\|Logistics{{!}}#Belt transport system}}
	{{C\|Belt transport system{{!}}#Belt transport system}}		{{C\|Belt transport system{{!}}#Belt transport system}}

Bilka: typo

2025-12-18T14:06:34Z

typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:06, 18 December 2025
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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	Braiding (sometimes called ~~Weaving~~) can be particularly useful where more than two input lanes are required while also avoiding the use of a parallel belt/[[long-handed inserter]] combination. For example, this can be useful if there is limited space, such as when using a beacon. With a beacon range of 3 orthogonal tiles, two of which would be occupied by a belt and inserter, it would not be possible to place the parallel belt in the third space and still have a beacon on the same side, as the assembler would now be in the fourth tile and not in range. With the space saved by braiding, this is now possible.		Braiding (sometimes called weaving) can be particularly useful where more than two input lanes are required while also avoiding the use of a parallel belt/[[long-handed inserter]] combination. For example, this can be useful if there is limited space, such as when using a beacon. With a beacon range of 3 orthogonal tiles, two of which would be occupied by a belt and inserter, it would not be possible to place the parallel belt in the third space and still have a beacon on the same side, as the assembler would now be in the fourth tile and not in range. With the space saved by braiding, this is now possible.

	== See also ==		== See also ==

AmericanPatriot: /* Belt throughput */

2025-11-17T05:36:54Z

Belt throughput

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:36, 17 November 2025
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	=== Belt throughput ===		=== Belt throughput ===
	[[File:Stack inserters fill express belt.gif\|frame\|250px\|right\|4 [[bulk inserter]]s can compress an express belt at stack size 12 for the left inserters and stack size 8 for the right inserters.]]		[[File:Stack inserters fill express belt.gif\|frame\|250px\|right\|4 [[bulk inserter]]s can compress an express belt at any stack size greater than or equal to 7 for the left inserters and stack size 7 for the right inserters.]]
	Maximizing the throughput means ensuring that as many items as possible are transported. Therefore some definitions need to		Maximizing the throughput means ensuring that as many items as possible are transported. Therefore some definitions need to
	be introduced:		be introduced:

Bilka: underground belts also don't cross space

2025-10-09T14:42:47Z

underground belts also don't cross space

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:42, 9 October 2025
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	[[File:4-6-8.png\|thumb\|right\|Underground lengths\|250px]]		[[File:4-6-8.png\|thumb\|right\|Underground lengths\|250px]]
	Underground belts can be used to cross different flows of items without interfering. They move items like a [[Transport belts\|normal belt]].		Underground belts can be used to cross different flows of items without interfering. They move items like a [[Transport belts\|normal belt]].
	* Underground belts can cross any number of entities and most types of ground, like water and grass, as long as the input and output endpoints are on land, except for [[~~Lava~~]]{{SA}}.		* Underground belts can cross any number of entities and most types of ground, like water and grass, as long as the input and output endpoints are on land, except for space void and [[lava]]{{SA}}.
	* Underground belts can cross other underground entities (any number of underground belts or underground pipes). They won't be mixed.		* Underground belts can cross other underground entities (any number of underground belts or underground pipes). They won't be mixed.
	* For the connection only the endpoints (entry-side and exit-side) are relevant.		* For the connection only the endpoints (entry-side and exit-side) are relevant.

K1ngjulien: /* Braiding */ many people refer to braiding as weaving

2025-09-24T16:07:21Z

Braiding: many people refer to braiding as weaving

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:07, 24 September 2025
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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	Braiding can be particularly useful where more than two input lanes are required while also avoiding the use of a parallel belt/[[long-handed inserter]] combination. For example, this can be useful if there is limited space, such as when using a beacon. With a beacon range of 3 orthogonal tiles, two of which would be occupied by a belt and inserter, it would not be possible to place the parallel belt in the third space and still have a beacon on the same side, as the assembler would now be in the fourth tile and not in range. With the space saved by braiding, this is now possible.		Braiding (sometimes called Weaving) can be particularly useful where more than two input lanes are required while also avoiding the use of a parallel belt/[[long-handed inserter]] combination. For example, this can be useful if there is limited space, such as when using a beacon. With a beacon range of 3 orthogonal tiles, two of which would be occupied by a belt and inserter, it would not be possible to place the parallel belt in the third space and still have a beacon on the same side, as the assembler would now be in the fourth tile and not in range. With the space saved by braiding, this is now possible.

	== See also ==		== See also ==

K1ngjulien: /* Underground belts */ Mention that underground belts can't cross Lava

2025-09-24T16:02:53Z

Underground belts: Mention that underground belts can't cross Lava

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 24 September 2025
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	[[File:4-6-8.png\|thumb\|right\|Underground lengths\|250px]]		[[File:4-6-8.png\|thumb\|right\|Underground lengths\|250px]]
	Underground belts can be used to cross different flows of items without interfering. They move items like a [[Transport belts\|normal belt]].		Underground belts can be used to cross different flows of items without interfering. They move items like a [[Transport belts\|normal belt]].
	* Underground belts can cross any number of entities and most types of ground, like water and grass~~. (~~as long as the input and output endpoints are on land)		* Underground belts can cross any number of entities and most types of ground, like water and grass, as long as the input and output endpoints are on land, except for [[Lava]]{{SA}}.
	* Underground belts can cross other underground entities (any number of underground belts or underground pipes). They won't be mixed.		* Underground belts can cross other underground entities (any number of underground belts or underground pipes). They won't be mixed.
	* For the connection only the endpoints (entry-side and exit-side) are relevant.		* For the connection only the endpoints (entry-side and exit-side) are relevant.

Pikmario: Replaced "X times faster" with more accurate "X times as fast"

2025-08-19T14:19:09Z

Replaced "X times faster" with more accurate "X times as fast"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 19 August 2025
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	== Belt tier overview ==		== Belt tier overview ==

	There are 3 different tiers of belts available for use (4 with [[Space Age]]). The [[transport belt]] has a yellow color and is the slowest, as well as the cheapest to craft. The next tier up, the [[fast transport belt]] has a red color and is twice as fast as the standard transport belt. The [[express transport belt]] is the final tier in the base game. It is colored blue and is three times ~~faster than~~ normal belts, or 1.5× ~~faster than~~ red belts. The [[turbo transport belt]]{{SA}} can only be crafted on [[Vulcanus]]. It is colored green and is four times ~~faster than~~ normal belts, or 2× ~~faster then~~ red belts.		There are 3 different tiers of belts available for use (4 with [[Space Age]]). The [[transport belt]] has a yellow color and is the slowest, as well as the cheapest to craft. The next tier up, the [[fast transport belt]] has a red color and is twice as fast as the standard transport belt. The [[express transport belt]] is the final tier in the base game. It is colored blue and is three times as fast as normal belts, or 1.5× as fast as red belts. The [[turbo transport belt]]{{SA}} can only be crafted on [[Vulcanus]]. It is colored green and is four times as fast as normal belts, or 2× as fast as red belts.

	The "stacks" below refers to stacks created by a [[stack inserter]]{{SA}}, not inventory stacks. If no stack inserters are involved, this is equivalent to items.		The "stacks" below refers to stacks created by a [[stack inserter]]{{SA}}, not inventory stacks. If no stack inserters are involved, this is equivalent to items.

Bilka: words

2025-06-13T09:41:44Z

words

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:41, 13 June 2025
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	<gallery mode="nolines" class="center" widths=450px heights=200px>		<gallery mode="nolines" class="center" widths=450px heights=200px>
	File:underground_belt_braiding.gif\|Different types of underground belts can be braided together along the same line of tiles, with items staying in their respective belt types.		File:underground_belt_braiding.gif\|Different types of underground belts can be braided together along the same line of tiles, with items staying in their respective belt types.
	File:underground_belt_braiding2.gif\|The same concept ~~as left~~, but with a different belt design.		File:underground_belt_braiding2.gif\|The same concept, but with a different belt design.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Cardinal: Facts correction.

2025-03-20T15:49:51Z

Facts correction.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:49, 20 March 2025
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	[[File:4-6-8.png\|thumb\|right\|Underground lengths\|250px]]		[[File:4-6-8.png\|thumb\|right\|Underground lengths\|250px]]
	Underground belts can be used to cross different flows of items without interfering. They move items like a [[Transport belts\|normal belt]].		Underground belts can be used to cross different flows of items without interfering. They move items like a [[Transport belts\|normal belt]].
	* Underground belts can cross any number of entities and ~~all~~ types of ground, like water and grass. (as long as the input and output endpoints are on land)		* Underground belts can cross any number of entities and most types of ground, like water and grass. (as long as the input and output endpoints are on land)
	* Underground belts can cross other underground entities (any number of underground belts or underground pipes). They won't be mixed.		* Underground belts can cross other underground entities (any number of underground belts or underground pipes). They won't be mixed.
	* For the connection only the endpoints (entry-side and exit-side) are relevant.		* For the connection only the endpoints (entry-side and exit-side) are relevant.
	* The underground distance is 4, 6 and 8 [[Map_structure#Tile\|tiles]], respectivly, for the three belt types.		* The underground distance is 4, 6 and 8 [[Map_structure#Tile\|tiles]], respectivly, for the three belt types in base game.
	* An underground belt pair that bridges a gap of 4 tiles stores up to 44 items. An express underground belt pair at max length stores up to 72 items.		* An underground belt pair that bridges a gap of 4 tiles stores up to 44 items. An express underground belt pair at max length stores up to 72 items.
	* The half of the underground belt tile with a belt can accept input from the side. The other half (with a tunnel entrance) blocks incoming items.		* The half of the underground belt tile with a belt can accept input from the side. The other half (with a tunnel entrance) blocks incoming items.

Cardinal: Improved layout, image resized.

2025-03-20T09:33:01Z

Improved layout, image resized.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 20 March 2025
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	{{Languages}}		{{Languages}}
	[[File:transport_belt_preview.png\|right]]The belt transport system is the first system the [[player]] will use to transport items from place to place. It, along with [[Railway\|trains]], and [[Logistic network\|Logistic robots]], makes up the systems of item transportation in Factorio.		[[File:transport_belt_preview.png\|right]]
			The belt transport system is the first system the [[player]] will use to transport items from place to place. It, along with [[Railway\|trains]], and [[Logistic network\|Logistic robots]], makes up the systems of item transportation in Factorio.

	Belts specifically are used to transport items and run without using energy. Belts can also interact with other moving entities such as [[player]]s, [[vehicle]]s and [[enemies]], also allowing for faster or slower movement speed.		Belts specifically are used to transport items and run without using energy. Belts can also interact with other moving entities such as [[player]]s, [[vehicle]]s and [[enemies]], also allowing for faster or slower movement speed.

	== Belt tier overview ==		== Belt tier overview ==
	~~[[File:Transport_belts_speed.gif\|300px\|thumb\|top\|Animation showing the three types of belt in the base game and their speed (from top to bottom: regular belts, fast belts, and express belts).]]~~
	There are 3 different tiers of belts available for use (4 with [[Space Age]]). The [[transport belt]] has a yellow color and is the slowest, as well as the cheapest to craft. The next tier up, the [[fast transport belt]] has a red color and is twice as fast as the standard transport belt. The [[express transport belt]] is the final tier in the base game. It is colored blue and is three times faster than normal belts, or 1.5× faster than red belts. The [[turbo transport belt]]{{SA}} can only be crafted on [[Vulcanus]]. It is colored green and is four times faster than normal belts, or 2× faster then red belts.		There are 3 different tiers of belts available for use (4 with [[Space Age]]). The [[transport belt]] has a yellow color and is the slowest, as well as the cheapest to craft. The next tier up, the [[fast transport belt]] has a red color and is twice as fast as the standard transport belt. The [[express transport belt]] is the final tier in the base game. It is colored blue and is three times faster than normal belts, or 1.5× faster than red belts. The [[turbo transport belt]]{{SA}} can only be crafted on [[Vulcanus]]. It is colored green and is four times faster than normal belts, or 2× faster then red belts.

	The "stacks" below refers to stacks created by a [[stack inserter]]{{SA}}, not inventory stacks. If no stack inserters are involved, this is equivalent to items.		The "stacks" below refers to stacks created by a [[stack inserter]]{{SA}}, not inventory stacks. If no stack inserters are involved, this is equivalent to items.

			[[File:Transport_belts_speed.gif\|250px\|thumb\|top\|Animation showing the four types of belt and their speed (from top to bottom: regular belts, fast belts, express belts and turbo belts).]]

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
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	smelting ore, or producing items with many different ingredients such as [[Utility science pack]]. The belt can be unmerged using a splitter filter. It is also possible to unmerge a mixed belt by using underground belts since an underground belt will block half of the belt.		smelting ore, or producing items with many different ingredients such as [[Utility science pack]]. The belt can be unmerged using a splitter filter. It is also possible to unmerge a mixed belt by using underground belts since an underground belt will block half of the belt.

	[[File:Transport_belts_2_lanes.gif~~\|top]]   [[~~File:Transport_belts_unmerge.gif~~\|top]]~~		<gallery mode="nolines" class="center" widths=350px heights=350px>
			File:Transport_belts_2_lanes.gif
			File:Transport_belts_unmerge.gif
			</gallery>

	Belts going across a splitter will have items from the splitter moving to one side of the crossing belt.		Belts going across a splitter will have items from the splitter moving to one side of the crossing belt.

	[[File:splitters_to_one_side.gif\|~~top~~\|Splitters moving objects to just one side of a belt.]]		[[File:splitters_to_one_side.gif\|center\|Splitters moving objects to just one side of a belt.]]

	Commonly, merging and un-merging is done by using a [[splitter]]. The trick in the second gif is better described in the '''[[Belt_transport_system#Separating_belt_lanes\|underground belt]]''' section.		Commonly, merging and un-merging is done by using a [[splitter]]. The trick in the second gif is better described in the '''[[Belt_transport_system#Separating_belt_lanes\|underground belt]]''' section.
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	maintain throughput, balancing the lanes may be necessary. The gifs below show two ways how to do this. The former only works if only one lane is in use initially. For further explanation of the mechanics, see [[Balancer mechanics#Lane_balancers\|lane balancers]].		maintain throughput, balancing the lanes may be necessary. The gifs below show two ways how to do this. The former only works if only one lane is in use initially. For further explanation of the mechanics, see [[Balancer mechanics#Lane_balancers\|lane balancers]].

	[[File:Transport_belts_balance1.gif~~\|top]]   [[~~File:Transport_belts_balance2.gif~~\|top]]~~		<gallery mode="nolines" class="center" widths=350px heights=250px>
			File:Transport_belts_balance1.gif
			File:Transport_belts_balance2.gif
			</gallery>

	=== Belt throughput ===		=== Belt throughput ===
	[[File:Stack inserters fill express belt.gif\|frame\|~~230px~~\|right\|4 [[bulk inserter]]s can compress an express belt at stack size 12 for the left inserters and stack size 8 for the right inserters.]]		[[File:Stack inserters fill express belt.gif\|frame\|250px\|right\|4 [[bulk inserter]]s can compress an express belt at stack size 12 for the left inserters and stack size 8 for the right inserters.]]
	Maximizing the throughput means ensuring that as many items as possible are transported. Therefore some definitions need to		Maximizing the throughput means ensuring that as many items as possible are transported. Therefore some definitions need to
	be introduced:		be introduced:
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	=== Manipulating belt lanes ===		=== Manipulating belt lanes ===
	<gallery mode="~~slideshow~~">		<gallery mode="nolines" class="center" widths=350px heights=250px>
	File:Swap_belt_lanes.~~png~~\|Swapping lanes on a belt with a different item per belt lane.		File:Swap_belt_lanes.gif\|Swapping lanes on a belt with a different item per belt lane.
	File:~~Splitter_seperate_belt_lanes~~.~~png~~\|Separating lanes with different items on them.		File:Splitter_separate_belt_lanes.gif\|Separating lanes with different items on them.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

	== [[Circuit network]] ==		== [[Circuit network]] ==

	[[File:transport_belt_circuits.png\|thumb\|~~200px~~\|Two belts connected to a [[constant combinator]].]][[Red wire\|Red]] or [[green wire]]s can be connected to segments of transport belts to use them as part of a circuit. Belts connected to the circuit network will appear with a yellow cage above them, with a moving red scanner within it. When a belt is connected to a circuit, a GUI can be accessed from the connected belt for settings on how the belt will be used for a circuit; there are two modes of operation that can be used:		[[File:transport_belt_circuits.png\|thumb\|250px\|Two belts connected to a [[constant combinator]].]]
			[[Red wire\|Red]] or [[green wire]]s can be connected to segments of transport belts to use them as part of a circuit. Belts connected to the circuit network will appear with a yellow cage above them, with a moving red scanner within it. When a belt is connected to a circuit, a GUI can be accessed from the connected belt for settings on how the belt will be used for a circuit; there are two modes of operation that can be used:

	'''Enable/disable''' - A circuit condition dictates whether or not the belt will allow items through.<br />		'''Enable/disable''' - A circuit condition dictates whether or not the belt will allow items through.<br />
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	The belt's GUI will also have a "content read mode" setting, which can be set to either '''pulse''' or '''hold'''. '''Pulse''' will read the belt's contents for only one [[Time\|tick]], while '''hold''' will read the belt's contents continuously on every tick.		The belt's GUI will also have a "content read mode" setting, which can be set to either '''pulse''' or '''hold'''. '''Pulse''' will read the belt's contents for only one [[Time\|tick]], while '''hold''' will read the belt's contents continuously on every tick.

	[[File:transport_belt_circuit_gui.png\|thumb\|right\|Transport belt GUI.~~\|130px~~]]		[[File:transport_belt_circuit_gui.png\|thumb\|right\|Transport belt GUI.]]

	<gallery mode="~~slideshow~~">		<gallery mode="nolines" class="center" widths=450px heights=200px>
	File:transport_belt_circuit_example1.gif\|A small example of a transport belt circuit reading belt contents to trigger two lamps.		File:transport_belt_circuit_example1.gif\|A small example of a transport belt circuit reading belt contents to trigger two lamps.
	File:transport_belt_circuit_example2.gif\|[[Fast inserter]]s are activated by the [[arithmetic combinator]]s' setup; when a specific item enters a belt segment that's connected to the circuit network, the inserters place the same item on another belt.		File:transport_belt_circuit_example2.gif\|[[Fast inserter]]s are activated by the [[arithmetic combinator]]s' setup; when a specific item enters a belt segment that's connected to the circuit network, the inserters place the same item on another belt.
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	== Underground belts ==		== Underground belts ==
			[[File:4-6-8.png\|thumb\|right\|Underground lengths\|250px]]
	Underground belts can be used to cross different flows of items without interfering. They move items like a [[Transport belts\|normal belt]].		Underground belts can be used to cross different flows of items without interfering. They move items like a [[Transport belts\|normal belt]].

	~~[[File:4-6-8.png\|thumb\|right\|Underground lengths\|200px]]~~
	* Underground belts can cross any number of entities and all types of ground, like water and grass. (as long as the input and output endpoints are on land)		* Underground belts can cross any number of entities and all types of ground, like water and grass. (as long as the input and output endpoints are on land)
	* Underground belts can cross other underground entities (any number of underground belts or underground pipes). They won't be mixed.		* Underground belts can cross other underground entities (any number of underground belts or underground pipes). They won't be mixed.
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	=== Separating belt lanes ===		=== Separating belt lanes ===
	<gallery mode="~~slideshow~~">		<gallery mode="nolines" class="center" widths=350px heights=350px>
	File:Block belt lane.~~png~~\|This is built by placing one underground belt and then using R to reverse its direction. This converts the underground belt entrance to an exit (and vice versa).		File:Block belt lane.gif\|This is built by placing one underground belt and then using R to reverse its direction. This converts the underground belt entrance to an exit (and vice versa).
	File:Transport belts unmerge.gif\|This can also be used to split the lanes of a belt onto seperate belts instead of using a splitter filter.</gallery>		File:Transport belts unmerge.gif\|This can also be used to split the lanes of a belt onto seperate belts instead of using a splitter filter.
			</gallery>

	=== Braiding ===		=== Braiding ===
	<gallery mode="~~slideshow~~">		<gallery mode="nolines" class="center" widths=450px heights=200px>
	File:underground_belt_braiding.gif\|Different types of underground belts can be braided together along the same line of tiles, with items staying in their respective belt types.		File:underground_belt_braiding.gif\|Different types of underground belts can be braided together along the same line of tiles, with items staying in their respective belt types.
	File:underground_belt_braiding2.gif\|The same concept, but with a different belt design.		File:underground_belt_braiding2.gif\|The same concept as left, but with a different belt design.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	* [[Underground belts]]		* [[Underground belts]]

	{{C\|Logistics{{!}}#Belt transport system}} {{C\|Belt transport system{{!}}#Belt transport system}}		{{C\|Logistics{{!}}#Belt transport system}}
			{{C\|Belt transport system{{!}}#Belt transport system}}