---
navigation:
  parent: index.md
  title: Circuit Etcher
  icon: ae2cs:circuit_etcher
  position: 90
item_ids:
  - ae2cs:circuit_etcher
---

# Circuit Etcher

<Row gap="16">
  <BlockImage id="ae2cs:circuit_etcher" scale="8" />
</Row>

The **Circuit Etcher** is a processor-production machine provided by AECS.
It is used to directly process block-based materials into finished processors,
simplifying the original multi-step manufacturing workflow.

---

## Functional Role

In the original workflow, processors typically require the following steps:

1. Use Inscriber Presses to create circuit boards
2. Produce silicon wafers
3. Combine circuit boards and silicon wafers to obtain processors

The Circuit Etcher consolidates all of these steps into a single machine operation,
enabling a direct conversion from **raw block materials to finished processors**.

This machine is primarily intended to:

- Reduce the operational complexity of processor production
- Minimize reliance on Inscriber Presses and intermediate products
- Increase processor throughput in mid- to late-game automated environments

---

## Operating Method

Recipes are processed by consuming energy,
and the resulting outputs are identical to those produced by the conventional crafting process.

No additional material savings are provided;
the simplification is purely in the manufacturing method.

---

## Machine Characteristics

The Circuit Etcher has the following general machine properties:

- Supports the **[Side Configuration](side_config.md)** system
- Can automatically draw power from the connected **ME network**
- Can also receive power via external energy cables
- **Participates in channel transmission**
