- Kinetic Press: Converts burn slag into gold and spores efficiently.
- Burn Slag: Created by using a flamethrower on regular slag.
- Input Rate: Process small batches to prevent overflow and clogs.
- Vertical Filters: Use filters vertically to act as gates for inputs.
- Gravity Separation: Gold sinks, spores float, simplifying sorting.
Understanding the Kinetic Press
The Kinetic Press is a mid-game building essential for advanced resource processing in Sandustry. It allows players to convert Burn Slag—a less dense variant of slag—into valuable Gold and Spores. Unlike standard processing machines, the Kinetic Press has a specific processing capacity per tick, meaning it cannot handle infinite inputs simultaneously without backing up.
The green area with arrows above the Kinetic Press indicates its active processing zone. If you drop more slag than this zone can handle, the excess will remain unprocessed on top, potentially clogging your system.
Video Highlights:
- Explanation of the green processing zone and capacity limits.
- Demonstration of converting slag to burn slag using flamethrowers.
- Compact setup designs for handling overflow.
- Using filters to regulate input speed.
Key Mechanics
To use the press effectively, you must first understand the density changes in the material.
- Slag: Standard density, 6 blocks high.
- Burn Slag: Created by firing a flamethrower at slag. It is significantly less dense (less than 2 blocks high).
- Output: The press produces Gold (heavier) and Spores (lighter).
| Material Type | Source | Density | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slag | Shakers (Wet Sand) | High (6 blocks) | Input for burning |
| Burn Slag | Flamethrower | Low (<2 blocks) | Input for Press |
| Gold | Kinetic Press | Heavy | Sinks to bottom |
| Spores | Kinetic Press | Light | Floats on top |
Optimal Setup Strategies
Building an efficient system requires managing the flow of materials. Since the Kinetic Press cannot process a full stack of slag instantly, you must throttle the input.
Place the Kinetic Press directly underneath your slag storage. Use a filter floor to let burn slag drip through onto the press naturally.
Strategy Comparison
Launcher Feed System
- High Throughput: Uses launchers to move slag.
- Risk: Prone to pile-ups if the press is busy.
- Fix: Use a vertical filter before the press to slow down the drop rate.
Gravity Drip System
- Low Maintenance: Slag burns and falls naturally.
- Efficiency: Slower but consistent.
- Best For: Compact bases where space is limited.
Managing Overflow
One common issue is slag piling up on top of the press faster than it can process. To fix this, you can use a Filter on the output side of the press or strictly limit the input layer height.
| Setup Method | Complexity | Throughput | Space Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Drop | Low | Low | Minimal |
| Launcher + Filter | Medium | Medium | Moderate |
| Splitter Array | High | High | Large |
Advanced Sorting Techniques
Once your Kinetic Press is running, you will have a mix of Gold and Spores. Separating these is crucial for storage and further crafting.
Gravity Separation
The game physics naturally assist here. Gold is heavier than Spores.
- Gold: Will sink to the bottom of a stream or pile.
- Spores: Will float to the top.
You can exploit this by using a horizontal conveyor belt. The Gold will stick to the bottom layer, while Spores slide along the top.
If Spores are not drained fast enough, they can pile up above the Kinetic Press. This causes fresh slag to land on the Spores instead of the press, halting production. Always ensure Spore output is clear.
Using Filters for Sorting
To automate the separation:
- Output Layer: Allow the mixed output to fall onto a conveyor.
- Bottom Filter: Place a filter set to "Gold" on the lower belt.
- Top Filter: Use a standard filter or splitter for the Spores on the upper layer.
| Filter Setting | Position | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Allow Gold | Bottom layer | Extracts heavy gold from the mix |
| Block Slag | Input layer | Prevents unburnt slag from entering |
| Allow Spores | Top layer | Isolates floating spores |
Step-by-Step Build Guide
Follow these steps to build a compact, high-efficiency processing unit.
Prepare Slag Storage
Build a container for your Slag. Ideally, place this above your processing area so gravity does the work of moving items to the next stage.
Install Flamethrowers
Place Flamethrowers (unlocked in Tools I) aimed at the Slag output. When activated, they turn Slag into Burn Slag, which reduces its volume significantly.
Position the Kinetic Press
Place the Kinetic Press directly below the burning area. Ensure there is enough headroom for the green processing arrows to function, or use a filter to regulate the fall speed.
Configure Output Filters
Below the press, place a filter set to "Allow Gold" to catch the heavy gold. Let the Spores pass or fall off into a separate collection belt.
Test Flow Rates
Run the system and observe. If Slag piles up on the press, add a vertical filter before the press to throttle the input speed.
Checklist & Goals
Use this checklist to ensure your factory is running at peak efficiency.
Processing Milestones:
- Unlock Flamethrower from Tools I
- Build first Kinetic Press
- Automate Slag to Burn Slag conversion
- Separate Gold from Spores using gravity
- Achieve zero overflow pile-up
Once your system runs without manual intervention and overflow is eliminated, you have mastered the Kinetic Press mechanics.
FAQ
Q: Why is my Kinetic Press not processing all my slag?
The press has a limited capacity per tick. If you drop too much slag at once, the excess sits on top unprocessed. Use a filter or launcher limiter to slow down the input rate.
Q: How do I separate Gold and Spores effectively?
Use gravity. Gold is heavier and sinks, while Spores float. A horizontal conveyor belt naturally separates them, allowing you to filter Gold from the bottom layer.
Q: What happens if Spores pile up?
If Spores aren't removed fast enough, they can form a layer above the Kinetic Press. New slag will land on the Spores instead of the press, stopping production. Always prioritize Spore drainage.
Q: Can I use Launchers with the Kinetic Press?
Yes, but be careful. Launchers can throw slag faster than the press processes it. Use a vertical filter between the launcher and the press to act as a throttle.