Alchemy Factory Belt Speed Guide
Belts start feeling slow once factories grow and machines pile onto the same line. Conveyor belt speed looks simple, but it controls ratios, layouts, and how smooth everything runs later.
Conveyor Belt Speed Explained
Conveyor belt speed controls how many items per minute can move on a single belt. It does not change how fast items look, only how many fit through over time.
You can see the exact belt speed number in the World tab. This number is the hard limit for that belt.
If machines try to output more than the belt allows, they back up. When that happens, production stalls and fuel gets wasted.
The Short Answer On Upgrades
Belt speed should usually match production speed.
Keeping both upgrades at the same tier preserves clean ratios. When they drift apart, layouts get awkward fast.
How Belt Speed Math Actually Works
Belts are measured in items per minute. Machines also output items per minute.
If a machine outputs 25 per minute and the belt is 75 per minute, that belt can support exactly 3 machines.
This rule stays true at higher tiers. A 50 per minute machine on a 150 per minute belt still fits 3 cleanly.
When the math lines up, belts stay full and machines never pause.
Why Belts Still Feel Slow At High Levels
Even with high logistics levels, belts can feel slow.
This usually happens because more machines are feeding the same line. The belt did not get worse, the factory just grew faster than the belt.
Another common cause is production speed being higher than belt speed. Machines want to output more than the belt can move, so items stack up instantly.
Production Speed And Ratio Problems
Production speed changes machine output. Belts do not auto adjust.
If production speed is higher than belt speed, you may need strange splits like 2 to 3 just to stay even. This gets annoying quickly.
If belt speed is higher than production, belts will look empty but still work fine. This is usually safer than the other way around.
Practical Belt Planning Rules
Match belt speed and production speed upgrades early
Use belt speed first when a line feeds many machines
Check the World tab often to confirm actual belt capacity
Redesign belts when adding new machines, not after backups start
Accept empty belts over backed up machines every time
Final Blurb
Conveyor belt speed is the quiet backbone of every factory. When belts and production stay aligned, everything feels smooth and easy. When they drift apart, the factory fights you. Keep the math clean, watch the World tab, and your belts will stop feeling slow.
FAQ
Why do my belts feel slow even at high level
Usually too many machines are feeding the same belt or production speed is higher than belt speed.
Should I upgrade belt speed or production speed first
Upgrade them together early. If you must choose, belt speed is harder to work around.
Does belt speed affect fuel usage
Indirectly. Backed up machines still consume fuel, so slow belts can waste heat.
Where do I see exact belt speed
Open the World tab. The belt speed value is shown there clearly.
Is it bad if belts look empty
No. Empty belts are fine. Backed up machines are the real problem.
