Alchemy Factory Beginner Guide: Conveyors & Setup
Master early automation in Alchemy Factory 1.0. Connect conveyor belts, pipes, and workbench crafting to build a profitable alchemical empire.
Quick Answer: Essential Automation Principles
In Alchemy Factory Version 1.0, successful early-game automation rests on three foundational pillars:
- Short Loop Layouts: Keep raw extraction points adjacent to refining cauldrons to minimize conveyor travel delay.
- Workbench Progression: Craft basic logistical parts at the physical Workbench before expanding into advanced alchemy.
- Dedicated Storefront Feeders: Always route finished potions and jewelry directly to display shelves to maintain cash flow.
Step 1: Gathering Raw Ingredients and First Tools
Before setting up long assembly lines, gather starter herbs, stones, and water near your central base. Open your inventory and build your first Workbench.
- Primary Herb Patches: Collect botanical reagents for basic healing potions.
- Water Sourcing: Connect fluid pipes to clean water sources to feed dilution basins.
- Workbench Fabrication: Unlike older Early Access versions, Version 1.0 routes all utility structures through the Workbench.
Step 2: Laying Out Conveyor Belts and Fluid Pipes
Automation in Alchemy Factory requires managing two distinct logistics layers: solid materials on conveyor belts and liquids inside pressurized pipes.
- Conveyor Orientation: Ensure arrow directions align from hopper outputs into cauldron inputs.
- Liquid Elevation: Use gravity feeds and pipe connectors when routing water and special elixirs across elevations.
- Buffer Storage: Install intermediate chest buffers between extractors and processors to absorb supply spikes.
Early Game Equipment & Logistics Matrix
| Automation Apparatus | Primary Function | Sourcing Method | Bottleneck Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conveyor Belt | Short-range directional solid transfer | Crafted at Workbench | Use splitters to prevent right-angle jams |
| Fluid Pipe | Pressurized liquid transport for basins | Crafted at Workbench | Elevate pipes above walking pathways |
| Workbench | Fabricates utility tools & splitters | Hand-built in field | Centralize adjacent to primary raw hoppers |
| Brew Barrel | Ferments commercial beverage goods | Unlocked via progression | Connect dedicated clean water supply lines |
Step 3: Integrating the Storefront and Sales Racks
Your factory exists to fund your alchemy empire. Automate the end of every production line directly into customer-facing shelves.
- Position product displays near the shop entrance to maximize foot traffic exposure.
- Use the entrance flip sign to toggle your shop open once stock is replenished.
- Monitor customer buying habits to identify which potions yield the highest profit margins.
Blueprint FAQs
How do I start automating in Alchemy Factory? +
Begin by harvesting raw minerals and herbs, craft basic conveyor belts at the Workbench, connect storage bins to processing cauldrons, and wire output lines directly to your shop sales racks.
Where do I unlock non-production utility devices in 1.0? +
In Version 1.0, non-production devices are unlocked at the physical Workbench rather than the Tech Tree.
How do I prevent bottlenecks on conveyor belts? +
Keep input ratios balanced, avoid right-angle merge jams by using splitters, and separate fluid pipe networks from solid item lines.