What parts need an entire factory and what parts dont?

[directorguy7]

Not sure how to ask, but getting to the point where not only do I need to automate stuff, but need to automate at a large scale.

So I guess question is what products require an entire manifold versus just a compact setup. For example, I have a pure iron node feeding 270/min (maxing out mk3 belts) to 3 smelters. The Ore to smelters obviously would be a good idea do a manifold/organized easily expandable setup. Should I do the same level of setup for rods? Or screws, etc? Or are they more just used only in iron factories?

Hard to tell if the space elevator parts should have a lot of time dedicated to them or not. If they are used for one or two space elevator runs, and not used to make other "core" parts, then a quick and dirty setup for them may be better.

Or should every single part be automated and mass produced? Whats kind of a general high level factory grouping I should use? I have a big factory with coal, iron, and copper all close by, basically a metal works factory. It will eventually have to send some of its stuff to I assume more exotic materials factories with a train, etc.

[anmana]

This question feels like "What is better: A broadsword or a double handed Axt". It depends, like always.

Regarding the space lift parts it should be okay to let you know that some parts will be needed later for new space lift parts. Regarding the question of small satelite facilities or a huge chunk of a factory...that depends ^^
You can manifold everything (the only thing where I would advise to load blance is bio mass burners) but you do not need to. You can load balance the production lines for Modular frames but then again manifolds is less intensive in work.

My suggestions would be "play". Just play further until you know how you would manage your setups. Manifolds are preferred by many because of the space (load balancing needs much more space in comparison, expecially for complexer parts).
In the end you will find out wether or not you would like to tear the old ones down to make space for the new ones with better technologies or if you just build a new factory in some other place and let the old one just work along.

[Tarogar]

in general : Do you find yourself crafting an item a whole lot? probably a good idea to set up some proper production. but there is no reason to sweat it. one thing you have plenty of is space so you can always build more later on. as for wheter you build a huge factory that does one thing or not... i don't know, i have a big factory that produces things on demand, locally. so i don't have those mega factories but i also kinda don't have all those smaller factories everywhere. there is no single right or wrong answer there. just different solutions to the same problem.

[nfgman]

Anything with pipes.

[anmana]

Oh, and then there are "alternaitve recipes" which one can find in crashed freighters. Researched in the MAM and sometimes they can change your whole concept of one or more production lines.

[TH3R4BB!T]

Mostly the basic products you better make factories for, with that you build what ever you need and can make small production lines belting them to the machine to make it. However, first look at the elevator products and work your way down from there making production lines

[Lawn-Mower]

The word 'need' is a bit too dramatic.. Even 'desire' would be as my desire is likely different to yours.

[Gal Kraft]

To the heart of the matter, I find rebuilding inevitable. Only those that have memorized the progression might be able to short cut the process, though they also may find the time to rebuild negligible, because they're already pros at rebuilding.

My take. I'm probably still more in the novice category

EDIT: for the space elevator, sometimes I just use a make shift assembler/manufacturer with storage bins leading into them, manually dumping the components. Perhaps that was more related to your question.

[Sasheria]

Many of us struggle with this question. It depends on how would you approach it.

I am replaying (start over) for 1.0 and still love train. It is not efficient as a belt bus, but easier to move stuff around (it does take a lot of space for train station)

I am thinking of making "main component in their own factory like everything that require iron ingot only and distribute the parts to other stations (which will take up a lot of space)

but I think I'll like that method better since I can expand to new "factory" by just building a station and call for parts ;)

[directorguy7]

Thought about a better way to ask. If I wanted to play this as a lite-simulation of factories, how would real world corporations setup this game to mimic real world? Where do each production lines begin and end in the whole network of facilities?

[Ray Garraty]

Originally posted by directorguy7:

I have a pure iron node feeding 270/min (maxing out mk3 belts) to 3 smelters

So you haven't unlocked Miners Mk. 3 yet? I suggest make manifold-like smelters (and constructors) line and leave some space for inevitable future expansion

[Scruntle]

I spent 7 hours setting up an entire fuel power plant to use my heavy oil residue, and then immediately figured out that I can just use a heavy oil residue alt recipe with other alt recipes to quintuple my plastic and rubber output. so like 40 fuel generators are still just sitting over there.

[Blue Wraith]

Separate factories for power, rubber + plastic, aluminum. Not sure you would consider them factories, but I setup some machines on site at mining node for things that I don't use in raw form, are not right next to base, and take less space as the next level product. e.g. I transport caterium ingots, concrete, reanimated SAM back to base, not the raw ore. Just for unlocking the milestones, I don't make any other factories.

My unlock base uses a floor per generation of product (ingots on 1, iron plates/rods, wire, etc on 2, and so on. Inputs come thru floor, outputs exit thru ceiling. Between each production floor is a subfloor for routing conveyors. Products that skip floors are routed outside up one side of the building. Makes it easy to expand without pre-planning anything. Only thing you really have to plan up front is how high each floor is. Answer is 8 4m blocks of space on production floors in case you need a particle accelerator. I use 3 4m blocks of space for wiring floors, could probably be less.

[Ray Garraty]

Originally posted by directorguy7:

What parts need an entire factory

Uranium fuel rods.
Might not be a bad idea to set their complete-cycle production and utilization in a remote area with all necessary raw resouces close by, like the Swamp

[Isoclan]

Central or distributed production is always the main question in this game - and each player has their own answer, especially regarding logistics: some love watching a huge do-it-all factory full of thousands of belts in action; others enjoy watching trains, trucks and pipes carrying goods across the map.
But if it's your first run, I'd say don't plan too much in early tiers: at some point, you will inevitably feel the urge to redesign and rebuild everything. Meaning also: don't get to sentimentally attached to your first outposts - the game makes it very hard to avoid erasing and rebuilding everything several times..........

[Dreepa]

Originally posted by Isoclan:

Central or distributed production is always the main question in this game - and each player has their own answer, especially regarding logistics: some love watching a huge do-it-all factory full of thousands of belts in action; others enjoy watching trains, trucks and pipes carrying goods across the map.
But if it's your first run, I'd say don't plan too much in early tiers: at some point, you will inevitably feel the urge to redesign and rebuild everything. Meaning also: don't get to sentimentally attached to your first outposts - the game makes it very hard to avoid erasing and rebuilding everything several times..........

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