Steel Beam Production Automation Guide for Factorio 2.0

The introduction of Steel Beams in Factorio 2.0 can pose challenges for new players, as it may necessitate significant changes to their initial factory design. Unlike previous setups, Steel Beams now require Iron Plates to be re-smelted rather than being directly used in Assembly Machines. This alteration could disrupt existing beginner factory configurations, especially if players haven’t allocated sufficient space for future expansion. Fortunately, revamping your setup is straightforward, and below, we’ll outline a method to automate Steel Beam production while maintaining a steady Iron Plate supply in Factorio 2.0.

Automated Steel Beams Production in the Early Game: Factorio 2.0

Early Steel Beams Production in Factorio 2.0 — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Steel Beams Production Ratio: 5 Iron Plates = 1 Steel Beam

At the beginning, if your Assembly Machine is positioned close to the Furnaces that produce Iron Plates, you’ll need to remove it and expand your setup. Alternatively, if you prefer not to modify your current line, you can locate another Iron Ore node to establish a separate production line. Either approach should lead you towards establishing an automated Iron Plates factory, designed for easy expansion when necessary.

Your automated Iron Plate production should include a single transport belt line, allowing you to evenly distribute the Plates among various production lines. Since Electric Furnaces are not available yet, consider setting up a line of Furnaces with at least three spaces adjacent to one side for an inserter and a long inserter to accommodate both Iron Ore and Coal for processing and automating refueling.

Once established, channel all Iron Plates onto one belt for transport to another area. It’s beneficial to leave some space on this main Iron Plates line for easy splitting if you decide to create an additional factory or production line in the future.

Next, construct another row of Furnaces to smelt the Iron Plates into Steel Beams. I recommend implementing a temporary coal supply to handle the refueling of these Furnaces until you unlock Electric Furnaces. After the transition to electric power, you can safely remove all coal lines. If setting this up feels like too much work, you can opt to manually supply coal until Electric Furnaces become available.

Mid-Game Steel Beams Automation in Factorio 2.0

Steel Beams Factory with Extra Iron Plates in Factorio 2.0 — Image courtesy of Prima Games

As you progress to mid-game, the demand for Steel Beams increases, with applications in engines, purple potions, and more. Implement the same principles used for Iron Plates earlier, but now focus on Steel Beams to enable a seamless splitting of one main Steel Beam line to various production lines.

Begin by establishing a factory with expansion capabilities. By this stage, you should have access to Electric Furnaces, alleviating the need for manual refueling. Ensure that your Steel Beams factory remains strategically placed away from your Iron Plates production area.

It’s essential to leave room for an additional Iron Plate line, which will be needed if your Iron Ore nodes become depleted, requiring a new iron source. You could resolve this by either creating a new Iron Plates factory or developing an extensive transport system—like a train—to replenish resources from your previous Iron Plate factory.

Ultimately, strive for an automated Steel Beams factory that operates efficiently with a straightforward “one input”system: simply supply Iron Plates to keep production running smoothly.

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