One belt, eight smelters – how do you feed them all? Splitting the belt in half again and again turns into spaghetti, and it doesn’t even work for 5 or 7 machines. A manifold does: one belt runs past every machine, a splitter in front of each one feeds it, and whatever doesn’t fit moves on to the next. Tested in Satisfactory 1.2.4.1 (October 2026).
The one rule: the belt has to carry enough for everyone. Conveyor Belt Mk.3 = 270 per minute = 9 Smelters (30 Iron Ore each).
Next: manifold vs load balancer.
Full build guide that uses manifolds:
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The rule in one line: a manifold works as long as the belt carries at least what all machines need together. Mk.3 (270/min) = 9 Smelters, Mk.4 (480/min) = 16, Mk.5 (780/min) = 26. Next video: manifold vs load balancer – which one starts faster?
First one is better. Does it matter? Yes, it does
Manifold system my Beloved
Small Tip when settung up Manifolds: Fill the Last 2-3 Machines Up with Resources yourself so it doesnt take so long
Load balancers for factories that make your power = faster uptime
Manifolds for non critical factories = slower startup but same throughput after warming up anyway to help your power come back online if it trips
You can pre load the machines if the slow start up bothers you.
Easier to use distribution drones
I’d urge you not to use ai for the script. It’s obvious and people don’t like it. Just talk like yourself
Definitely agree here, manifold for me has always been much easier to use
If designing these systems I understand you must consider space amongst many other things but also consider reliability. The ones used most in the cycle will inevitably end up with the most down time, switching of units/mechanical parts. Ensure there is adequate access for a full unit replacement if needed as well as downtime on these units not affecting the feed line nor feed line affecting access to unit change-out. Also consider what parts are most likely to fail and what you can install within the area to assist in moving these parts in and out. Example: chain hoists, connection points for both chain fall or safety harnesses.
System design should always be looked at by end function and worst-case scenario effects. Talk with those doing the jobs on the floor and pick up insights before design completion. Learn from all involved in the work/world
My only rule in this game is that the NODES need to run at max speed, constantly.
i do that line every time and i didn't know this
"For 5 or 7 halving dosent even work."
Wait till this guy figures out you still simply split by 6 and loop the 6th line back to the start with a merger to load balance 5
There is a definite use for load balancers especially in Nuclear engineering
Also the uneven belt is really easily fixed by looping your spare back in the feed
So a 7 becomes and 8x but the 8th you simply feed back to its beginning
Easy fix: Connect the output later after every machine has run full.
one of my building now lol 🙂 mine ! 🙂