====== AE2 Mechanics: Autocrafting ======

^ 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.  

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===== How Autocrafting Works =====

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:**  
  - A request is created (terminal / automation).  
  - The Crafting CPU calculates the required steps.  
  - Pattern Providers push inputs into machines:  
    - Crafting recipes → Molecular Assemblers  
    - Processing recipes → Modded machines / setups  
  - Results re-enter the ME Network (via Import Bus, Interface, or Provider).  
  - Intermediate products are held in the CPU until needed.  

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===== Patterns =====

Patterns are encoded in a **Pattern Encoding Terminal** using blank patterns.  

==== Types of 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). |

==== The Most General Pattern ====

^ 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). |

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===== Crafting CPUs =====

Crafting CPUs are **multiblocks** that manage jobs. They must form a rectangular prism.  

==== Components ====

^ 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. |

==== Behavior ====

^ 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. |

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===== Pattern Providers =====

Pattern Providers push ingredients to machines and handle returned results.  

==== Behavior ====

^ 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. |

==== Subnet Interaction ====

^ Interaction | Details |
| With Empty Interface | Provider bypasses the interface and injects straight into subnet storage. |

==== Parallelization ====

^ Rule | Details |
| Multiple Providers | Identical patterns run in parallel. |
| Distribution | Providers round-robin jobs across connected faces. |

==== Variants ====

^ 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. |

==== Settings ====

^ 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. |

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===== Molecular Assemblers =====

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. |

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===== Summary =====

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.