Guide to Automating Iron Plates Production in Factorio 2.0

In Factorio 2.0, the automation of Iron Plates marks the inaugural production line you’ll streamline. Given that most production chains depend on Iron Plates well into the later stages of gameplay, you’ll find yourself frequently expanding this aspect of your factory every time you unlock new research. Consequently, setting up Iron Plates automation in a manner that allows for easy growth is crucial. Here’s how to accomplish that in Factorio 2.0.

Automating Iron Plates in Early Game Factorio 2.0

During the early stages, you are required to utilize fuel-burning Furnaces to convert Iron Ores into Iron Plates. A typical oversight among players is neglecting to leave enough space adjacent to the Furnace for an additional conveyor or transport belt that facilitates an automated refueling process.

Furnaces necessitate fuel that can be derived from Wood, Coal, or other sources, which means you need a transport belt to deliver fuel to each Furnace. Thus, a straightforward early automated Iron Plates construction involves arranging a lengthy row of Furnaces with an empty grid on either side (either top and bottom or left and right).

Create a continuous line of Iron Ores situated two grids away from the Furnaces to allow for the placement of an inserter. Position another line of Coal above your Iron Ore line, and employ a Long Inserter to automate the fueling process of the Furnaces. On the opposite end of the Furnaces, establish another line to collect your Iron Plates. An inserter can be placed at the end to transfer the Plates into a chest or storage unit.

Initially, all Iron Plates produced should funnel into a single transport belt. Subsequently, any production lines requiring Iron Plates will draw from this belt. It’s crucial to avoid creating a cluttered, tangled setup when developing additional production factories.

Scaling Iron Plates in Mid-Game Factorio 2.0

With the initial setup established, slight adjustments will be necessary. Notably, as your Furnaces can now function purely on electricity, Coal is no longer a requirement, thereby freeing up an entire transport belt line.

Additionally, you’ll need to expand your Iron Plates production capacity as increased production lines will demand even more Iron Plates. Make sure you have ample room to incorporate Splitters into the Iron Plates line for efficient distribution to the various production lines that rely on them. For instance, the automated production of Steel Beams alone will necessitate a significant supply of Iron Plates, and by this stage, you would already be utilizing them for constructing Fast Transport Belts, Iron Sticks, Iron Cogwheels, and beyond.

It’s evident that Iron Plates require a substantial area for expansion, which likely explains the adage, “the Factory must grow,” favored by many Factorio enthusiasts.

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