Author | Applied Energistics Team |
---|---|
Category | Storage & Automation |
Autocrafting is one of the core functions of AE2. It allows your ME Network to:
Function | Description |
---|---|
Automatic Assembly | Items and fluids are crafted on demand. |
Export Automation | Crafted items can be sent directly into machines or inventories. |
Stock Control | Networks can maintain set amounts of items in storage. |
Extended Support | With addons, autocrafting can handle fluids, gases (Mekanism), and more. |
Autocrafting is complex, but once mastered it becomes one of the most powerful automation tools in modded Minecraft.
An autocrafting setup always requires three core components:
Component | Purpose |
---|---|
Request Source | Player terminal, Export Bus, or Interface with a crafting card. |
Crafting CPU | Manages the job, calculates ingredients, and stores intermediates. |
Pattern Provider | Pushes inputs into machines and accepts results back. |
Process of a Crafting Job:
Patterns are encoded in a Pattern Encoding Terminal using blank patterns.
Pattern Type | Function |
---|---|
Crafting | Encodes crafting table recipes. Used with Pattern Providers + Molecular Assemblers. |
Smithing Table | Encodes smithing recipes. Automated like crafting patterns. |
Stonecutting | Encodes stonecutter recipes. Automated like crafting patterns. |
Processing | Defines input → output, regardless of process. Works with machines, smelters, or full production chains. Supports batching (e.g., 8 cobblestone → 8 stone). |
Method | Usage |
---|---|
Level Emitter + Crafting Card | Emits redstone to request items regardless of input. Useful for infinite farms or recursive recipes (e.g., cobble duplication). |
Crafting CPUs are multiblocks that manage jobs. They must form a rectangular prism.
Component | Role |
---|---|
Crafting Storage | (Required) Determines job size. Sizes: 1k, 4k, 16k, 64k, 256k. |
Co-Processing Unit | (Optional) Sends ingredients to multiple machines at once. |
Crafting Monitor | (Optional) Displays active jobs. Can be dyed. |
Crafting Unit | (Optional) Filler block to shape the multiblock. |
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Job Handling | Each CPU handles one job. Multiple jobs require multiple CPUs. |
Intermediates | Stores items between multi-step recipes. |
Request Sources | Can accept requests from players, automation, or both. |
Pattern Providers push ingredients to machines and handle returned results.
Rule | Details |
---|---|
Ingredient Handling | Inputs are pulled directly from the CPU, never stored in the provider. |
Push Mode | Always sends all ingredients at once (no partial batches). |
Output Handling | Results can be piped back into the same provider, saving channels. |
Interaction | Details |
---|---|
With Empty Interface | Provider bypasses the interface and injects straight into subnet storage. |
Rule | Details |
---|---|
Multiple Providers | Identical patterns run in parallel. |
Distribution | Providers round-robin jobs across connected faces. |
Variant | Function |
---|---|
Normal | Pushes to all sides. Full network connection. |
Directional | Pushes only to one side. No connection on that side (used for subnets). |
Flat | Cable part. Multiple can share a single cable for compact setups. |
Setting | Purpose |
---|---|
Blocking Mode | Prevents new batches if ingredients remain in machine. |
Lock Crafting | Holds provider until previous result is inserted or under redstone. |
Visibility | Can hide or show in Pattern Access Terminals. |
Priority | Higher priority providers are chosen when multiple patterns exist. |
The Molecular Assembler executes recipes from patterns.
Role | Function |
---|---|
Craft Execution | Runs Crafting, Smithing, and Stonecutting Patterns. |
Output | Auto-ejects results to adjacent inventories. |
Pairing | Works best directly next to Pattern Providers. |
AE2 Autocrafting combines four parts:
Component | Function |
---|---|
Patterns | Define recipes. |
Pattern Providers | Push inputs and receive results. |
Molecular Assemblers | Execute crafting recipes. |
Crafting CPUs | Manage jobs and intermediates. |
This system scales from simple smelting to massive modded megafactories, supporting flexible workflows, batching, subnet tricks, and redstone integration.