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 skill of 6.

Summary

Maximum multi-analyzer distance

Once a project has been selected in the Research tab, colonists assigned to Research work type will work at a hi-tech research bench to complete the project.

The rate of research depends on the following factors:

The research speed stat of the researcher
The type of research bench and facilities used. Hi-tech research benches have ×1 multiplier to this research rate, and can be linked to a multi-analyzer for an addition 10% buff. Some research projects require either the hi-tech research bench, or both the bench and the multi-analyzer to be researched. Multi-analyzers link to all hi-tech research benches within 4 tiles. Only linked benches can be used to research projects that require the multi-analyzer.

Whether the bench is outdoors and, if indoors, the cleanliness of the room. Building research benches outdoors imposes a ×0.75 penalty to research speed. Indoors, the cleanliness of the room the bench is in comes into play, granting modifiers ranging from ×0.75 for very dirty rooms, ×1 for clean, to ×1.09 for sterile.

Multiple researchers can contribute toward a project at the same time, so long as sufficient research benches are available, and benches can be freely swapped between researchers.

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

Analysis

Once they are unlocked, hi-tech research benches are 33.33% faster at researching than the simple research bench. As soon as Microelectronics is researched and the colony has sufficient power and resources to construct them, simple benches should be replaced. This is also required to unlock projects beyond Microelectronics. Multiple research benches can be used concurrently; as soon as you have the resources and manpower to spare, you may want to have 2 researchers operating at once.

If resources are tight but several researchers are available, simple research benches can be retained in order to research less complex technologies. Simple and hi-tech research benches may be used together, though pawns will automatically abandon any simple benches when hi-tech is required.

Because research is a long term task, it is advisable to place dining chairs or armchairs at each bench to keep your researchers comfortable. If resources are limited, placing half of the available researchers on a night shift allows them to share benches. Research benches should ideally be placed in their own room, called a Laboratory, and outside of major thorougfares to help keep them clean. Flooring the room is also highly recommended - placing down steel or sterile tile will even slightly increase research speed, but is less of a priority due to their cost. Sculptures and other beautiful items will keep the researchers happy. If investing any significant amount of resources into a laboratory, it is recommended to build it such that it will fit the multi-analyzer that will eventually be required.

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