Hi-tech research bench

A hi-tech research bench is a Production bench at which your colonists can research new technology.

It is the more advanced version of the simple research bench, providing faster research speeds and allowing access to more advanced technologies. It is also the only bench that can be linked to the Multi-analyzer.

Acquisition

Hi-tech research benches can be constructed once the Microelectronics research project has been completed. They require 150 Stuff (Metallic, 1500 for SMVs), 100 Steel, 10 Components, 5,000 ticks (1.39 mins) of work, and a Construction of 6

Summary

Once you've selected a project in the Research tab, your research-capable colonists will operate the bench when not otherwise occupied. Multiple researchers can contribute toward a project at the same time, so long as sufficient research benches are available and/or day/night shifts are used.

Building research benches outdoors imposes a x0.75 penalty to research speed. Indoors, the cleanliness of the room the bench is in comes into play, granting modifiers ranging from x0.75 for very dirty rooms to x1.09 for sterile, which requires a room covered in sterile tiles.

Hi-tech research benches have a Research Speed Factor of 100%, compared to the simple research benches' 75%, meaning that projects are completed 33% faster on the hi-tech bench. Furthermore, some research projects require a hi-tech research bench in order to be researched at all. They are also the only bench that can be linked to the Multi-analyzer, increasing the research speed by 10% and allowing access to research project that require the analyser.

Unlike the simple research bench, these cannot be un/reinstalled, only deconstructed.

Analysis

Hi-tech research benches can only be produced after researching Microelectronics and require more space and resources to construct than simple research benches, as well as electricity to operate. However, with a research rate of 100% instead of the simple benches' 75%, they produce results significantly faster, and are capable of working on advanced projects simple benches can't touch. They can also benefit from the addition of a multi-analyzer, producing even faster results.

Most colonies will eventually to upgrade to hi-tech benches to keep up with progression, and colonies should do so as soon as possible to ensure they get maximum returns on their researcher's time. That said, if there are more researchers than there are hi-tech benches, such as when a shortage of advanced components is experienced, retaining the simple benches for lower tech projects allows more researchers to work at the same time. In such a case, the researcers with the highest Research Speed should be placed on the hi-tech benches.

Because research projects are such long-term projects, it is strongly advised you place dining chairs or armchairs at each bench to keep your researchers comfortable.

Stats table

Hi-tech research bench	Beauty	Work to Build	HP	Flammability	Market Value
Material	Beauty	Work to Build	HP	Flammability	Market Value
Bioferrite	0	012,500 ticks (3.47 mins)	500	75%	665
Gold	20	004,500 ticks (1.25 mins)	150	40%	15,525
Plasteel	0	011,000 ticks (3.06 mins)	700	0%	1,900
Silver	6	005,000 ticks (1.39 mins)	175	40%	2,030
Steel	0	005,000 ticks (1.39 mins)	250	40%	815
Uranium	0	009,500 ticks (2.64 mins)	625	0%	1,445