Pulverizer

The Pulverizer is a single-tile crafting block that converts Scrap into Sand at a fixed one-to-one rate. It is explicitly designed for maps or sectors where Scrap is abundant but natural Sand deposits are scarce or unavailable. Compared with the Disassembler, the Pulverizer is much cheaper to build, avoids producing Slag byproducts, and delivers a steady, continuous Sand output that does not require downstream filtering or separation.

Mechanically, the Pulverizer consumes 30 power per second and processes Scrap into Sand at a throughput of 1.5 Scrap → 1.5 Sand per second (one production cycle every 0.666 seconds). Its compact single-tile footprint makes it the smallest and cheapest dedicated crafting block, sharing build cost parity with the Silicon Smelter while taking far less space.

The Pulverizer fits into resource chains that require Sand as a feedstock. Place Pulverizers close to structures that consume Sand-derived materials—such as Silicon production, Metaglass, or Surge Alloy manufacturing—to minimize conveyor distance and buffering. Because its output is continuous and clean, it is particularly convenient as a local Sand source feeding smelters and assemblers without the need for sorting or slag handling.

Practical usage and strategic notes:

• Use Pulverizers on sectors with plentiful Scrap to replicate the Sand supply you would normally obtain from natural deposits; you can apply the same mining ratios for Scrap that you would use for Sand thanks to the 1:1 conversion.
• Compared to Disassemblers, Pulverizers are recommended when you need a low-cost, space-efficient Sand generator and do not require the additional resource variety that Disassemblers produce.
• The absence of slag output simplifies logistics and reduces the need for extra storage or trash disposal systems.
• Because the block is cheap and compact, it is often used as a bait or placement trick in base layouts; one noted tactic is placing Pulverizers in forward positions that attract Horizon enemies into anti-air turret firing arcs.
• In maps lacking natural Sand, locate Pulverizers adjacent to Silicon Smelters or assemblers producing Metaglass and Surge Alloy to ensure uninterrupted production of higher-tier items.
• Keep power supply in mind: a chain of Pulverizers will scale Sand output linearly but also increase power draw by 30/s per unit, so plan generators and distribution accordingly.

The Pulverizer provides an efficient, low-complexity solution for converting surplus Scrap into a reliable Sand supply and is a strong choice when build cost, space, and cleanliness of output are priorities.