The Unsplitter

[Badger]

There is a great amount of ingenuity required to be able to merge two ingredients/resources onto a single belt for the joy of satisfying a machine with one belt instead of two. But there isn't currently a generally automatic (belt-type) way to unmerge them. Yes, I acknowledge, you can use a filter inserter/chest/inserter to do this.
I'm thinking this would look similar to a splitter, but be an unsplitter, or something that sounds much better than anything I can come up with.
(perhaps one that is 3x1 tiles, 1 input in the center and two outputs, one on each end which effectively unmerges a belt back into two separate type.)

[Tekky]

But there isn't currently a generally automatic (belt-type) way to unmerge them. Yes, I acknowledge, you can use a filter inserter/chest/inserter to do this.

Experienced Factorio players seem to be using underground belts for this. However, I pesonally consider this to be an ugly hack. See this thread for further information:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=48047 Underground belt lane splitting, anyone else hate it?

I'm thinking this would look similar to a splitter, but be an unsplitter, or something that sounds much better than anything I can come up with.
(perhaps one that is 3x1 tiles, 1 input in the center and two outputs, one on each end which effectively unmerges a belt back into two separate type.)

You may find this mod interesting:

https://mods.factorio.com/mods/judos/beltSorter

[Zavian]

Also see viewtopic.php?f=6&t=56248 .

[Badger]

I actually somewhat enjoy using the Filter Inserter/Chest(logistics)/Inserter method because if you limit the chest to one or more lines, you allow it to build up a buffer amount should something happen downstream. It also allows you to change directions when doing so with belts is impossible due to space constrictions. Even further, it allows you a chest that you can cherry pick from for your own needs. (assuming this is prior to any logistic setup)

But I still like the idea of an unsplitter, but thank you for the suggestions you've given me.

I will acknowledge I've liked playing Vanilla thus far and will continue to do so until I've finished all achievements.