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m (Completed the warning disclaimer to talk about the 0.13 new stuff about inserters.)
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'''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! New (experimental) 0.13 update also divides inserters in 2 categories : normal ones and stack inserters. Only the stack inserters can move more than 2 items at a time but consume a lot more of electricity, compared to 0.12.
''For the common yellow electrical inserter, see [[Inserter]].''
 
'''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. By doing this, 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 seven types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns [[Fuel|fuel]]).
 
== Types of inserters ==
 
* [[Burner inserter]] - The only [[fuel]]-powered inserter.
* [[Inserter]] - The standard yellow electrical inserter.
* [[Fast inserter]] - The much faster blue inserter.
* [[Long handed inserter]] - Capable of inserting and removing from a greater range.
* [[Filter inserter]] - Purple inserter used for filtering.
* [[Stack inserter]] - New inserter available with V0.13, allows much greater throughput.
* [[Stack filter inserter]] - A filtered version of the Stack inserter.
 


==Mechanics==
==Mechanics==
Inserters will:
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]])
* '''Pick up''' [[Items]] off the ground, off of a [[Transport belts|Transport belt]], or from any object that has storage space, including [[Storages/Chests|chests]], [[furnace]]s and [[assembling machine]]s.
* '''Place''' the item onto the ground, onto a transport belt, or into any object that has storage space for [[Storages/Stack|stacks]].
* '''Place''' the item onto the ground, onto a transport belt, or into any object that has storage space.
* Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts.
* Try to pick up items from all types of belts (as of v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
* Inserters will run at slower speeds when starved for energy.
 
Inserters will '''not''':
* Insert items into an entity with a full inventory.
* Place more than one item at a time onto the same ground tile.
* Place items into a stack limited inventory, beyond the stack limit (red slots).
 


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.
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==
==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.
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.
This is to allow for all machines to receive their share of items. The common limits on insertion are shown in the table below.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Entity !! Item type !! Inserter limit !! Comment
! 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.
| [[Boiler]]s, [[Burner inserter]]s, [[Furnace]]s || [[Fuel]] || align="center" | 5 ||
|-
|-
| [[Gun turret]]s || [[Magazines]] || align="center" | 10 || Since v0.8.4
| [[Gun turret]]s || Bullet Magazines || align="center" | 10 || Since v0.8.4. Allows for 100 shots before depleting.
|-
|-
| [[Assembling machine]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
| [[Assembling machine]]s || Items needed for the recipe || Double the number of items needed in the recipe ||
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|}
|}


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.
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 bonus]] research. Overfilling can also happen if multiple inserters are used to insert items into one building.


==Inserters and transport belts==
==Inserters and transport belt interaction ==
[[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]].
[[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.


: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
: [[File:PlaceOnFarSide.gif|left]]
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{{clear}}
{{clear}}
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
: [[File:TakeFromNearSide.gif|left]]
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane.
* Inserters '''prefer''' taking items from the nearest lane. If the nearest lane is empty, the inserter will take from the far lane.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
: [[File:PlaceOnRightSide.gif|left]]
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* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
* If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.
{{clear}}
{{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
== Potential issues ==
** 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)
Inserters may have problems picking up items:
** From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)
 
* From very fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. ([[Inserter|basic inserters]] cannot pick up from [[express transport belt]] for example)
* From the entry or exit of an underground belt (because the time they have to pick up is shorter)


==Inserter Item Stack Size Bonus==
==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]].
If an inserter moves items from inventory to inventory (for example from an assembler into a chest), or (as of v0.13) from an inventory to a belt, it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the [[Inserter item stack size bonus]] research.


==Power usage==
==Power usage==
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving
* Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving, as idle power
* The amount of energy used is the same for every movement
* 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.
* The [[Burner inserter]] does not drain energy when idle, but uses more energy when it is active. It is quite useful for situations where the inserter does 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==
==Inserter speed==
<span style="color:#FF0000">'''MAINTAINER NOTE: The below info (up to [[Inserters#Rotation_speed|Rotation speed]]) has not been updated to reflect v0.13. Values will likely not be correct, and must be re-tested.''' </span>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Type
! Type
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Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).
Convention: 2π rad = 100% of a circle rotation = '''1 turn''' (or one full rotation).


Note, an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. When grabbing from a transport belt, it is slightly faster when grabbing items from the closest lane.
Note: an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. When grabbing from a transport belt, it is slightly faster when grabbing items from the closest lane.


===Extension speed===
===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.
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.
This effect is also important for [[Railway network/Train station|Train stations]], when unloading items from wagons, because the inserter 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!).
The extension speed is especially important for [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9244 train unloading].


==Inserter throughput==
==Inserter throughput==
<span style="color:#FF0000">'''MAINTAINER NOTE: The below info (up to [[Inserters#See_also|See also]]) has not been updated to reflect v0.13. Values may not be correct, and should be re-tested.''' </span>


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):
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):
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Actual rates may vary for different types of transfers (see also the note about inserter paths in the inserter speed section above).
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==
==See also==
* [[Electric network]]
* [[Electric network]]
* [[Transport network]]
* [[Transport network]]
 
* [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.
===Special behavior===
===Special behavior===
* [[Inserters/Interaction with other Entities]]
* [[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
* [[Inserter item stack size bonus]]: Inserter moves more than an item per turn.
* [[Inserters:Focus/Grep-Points]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2640 Pick up only if everything else is full]
* [[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]]
* [[Inserter experiments]]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]
* [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1929#p13876|| Use inserters instead of belts]


{{MachineNav}}
{{MachineNav}}

Revision as of 17:01, 24 July 2016


For the common yellow electrical inserter, see Inserter.

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. By doing this, 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 seven types of inserters, all requiring electricity to run (except the Burner Inserter, which burns fuel).

Types of inserters


Mechanics

Inserters will:

  • Pick up Items off the ground, off of a Transport belt, or from any object that has storage space, including chests, furnaces and assembling machines.
  • Place the item onto the ground, onto a transport belt, or into any object that has storage space.
  • Inserters can place items on all types of conveyor belts.
  • Try to pick up items from all types of belts (as of v0.12 there is no limitation anymore).
  • Inserters will run at slower speeds when starved for energy.

Inserters will not:

  • Insert items into an entity with a full inventory.
  • Place more than one item at a time onto the same ground tile.
  • Place items into a stack limited inventory, beyond the stack limit (red slots).


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.

This is to allow for all machines to receive their share of items. The common limits on insertion are shown in the table below.

Entity Item type Inserter limit Comment
Boilers, Burner inserters, Furnaces Fuel 5
Gun turrets Bullet Magazines 10 Since v0.8.4. Allows for 100 shots before depleting.
Assembling machines Items needed for the recipe Double the number of items needed in the recipe
Furnaces Items needed for the recipe Double the number of items needed in the recipe
Labs Science packs Double the number of items needed for one research point

An inserter that takes items from an object containing stacks of items (such as a chest) can overfill the target building due to the Inserter item stack size bonus research. Overfilling can also happen if multiple inserters are used to insert items into one building.

Inserters and transport belt interaction

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.

  • Inserters will always place the item on the furthest lane.
  • Inserters prefer taking items from the nearest lane. If the nearest lane is empty, the inserter will take from the far lane.
  • 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.
  • If the item is placed on a corner piece, it will be put on the inside of the curve, regardless of orientation.


Potential issues

Inserters may have problems picking up items:

  • From very fast belts, because the items are moving too quickly. (basic inserters cannot pick up from express transport belt for example)
  • 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 inventory to inventory (for example from an assembler into a chest), or (as of v0.13) from an inventory to a belt, it is able to transport more items at once. The secret behind this is the Inserter item stack size bonus research.

Power usage

  • Electric inserters drain energy even when they are not moving, as idle power
  • 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 the inserter does not need to move very often.


Inserter speed

MAINTAINER NOTE: The below info (up to Rotation speed) has not been updated to reflect v0.13. Values will likely not be correct, and must be re-tested.

Type Rotation-speed (turns per Tick)
Extension-speed (Tiles per Tick)
Turns per Game-second
Tiles per Game-second
Game-second per full turn
Game-seconds per Tile
Burner inserter 0.01
0.02
0.6
1.2
1.667
0.833
Basic inserter 0.014
0.03
0.84
1.8
1.191
0.56
Long handed inserter 0.02
0.04
1.2
2.4
0.833
0.416
Fast inserter 0.04
0.07
2.4
4.2
0.417
0.238
Smart-inserter.png
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: an Inserter doesn't always need to make full turns. When grabbing from a transport belt, it is slightly faster when grabbing items from the closest lane.

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 Train stations, when unloading items from wagons, because the inserter 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 train unloading.

Inserter throughput

MAINTAINER NOTE: The below info (up to See also) has not been updated to reflect v0.13. Values may not be correct, and should be re-tested.

For an inserter removing items from a chest and placing them on a straight, empty belt (experimentally measured to ±0.004, valid at least thru 0.12.33):

Type Items per Game-second
Inserter facing East/West/South
Items per Game-second
Inserter facing North
Burner inserter 0.588 0.579
Basic inserter 0.831 0.820
Long handed inserter 1.153 1.129
Fast inserter 2.306 2.220
Smart-inserter.png
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).


See also

Special behavior


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