Convert Lava into Cinder, move the solid with ordinary logistics, then apply direct Flamethrower fire to recreate Lava.
Looking for the numbers? Open the Cinder material data for sources, conversion ratios and patch history.
Cinder in Sandustry is the transportable solid used to move Lava. Lava itself cannot be picked up with the Grabber or sent through Pipes, so freeze it into Scoria, break the Scoria into Cinder, transport the solid, and turn it back into Lava at the destination.
How to move Lava
- Freeze Lava into Scoria with Snow or the Cryoblaster.
- Break the Scoria with any weapon to obtain Cinder.
- Pick up the Cinder with the Grabber or route it into a logistics line.
- Move it with Conveyor Belts or Launchers.
- Apply direct Flamethrower fire at the destination to turn it back into Lava.
Lava → Snow/Cryoblaster → Scoria → break → Cinder → transport → direct Flamethrower → Lava
How to obtain Cinder
Snow or the Cryoblaster freezes Lava into Scoria. Destroy that Scoria with any weapon to release Cinder.
The official Lava page does not rank weapons by speed or confirm an exact Lava-to-Cinder ratio. Test a small amount before sizing a permanent line.
Cinder transport options
- Grabber: pick up and reposition Cinder.
- Conveyor Belts: carry Cinder as part of a continuous factory route.
- Launchers: send Cinder across gaps or into a separate part of the line.
The official Lava page confirms all three methods. It does not provide a throughput comparison, so choose according to the distance and geometry of your factory rather than an unverified speed ranking.
See the Lava guide for the broader Scoria and factory-burner cycle.
How to turn Cinder back into Lava
Cinder requires the direct flame of the Flamethrower to melt back into Lava. Passive heat sources do not perform this conversion.
If Cinder remains solid beside a hot structure, aim the Flamethrower directly at it. Prepare a contained destination before converting a large amount because the result is liquid Lava.
Building a contained Lava pocket
The official Lava page documents a compact Filter method:
- Set a Filter to allow Cinder.
- Place a solid block below it.
- Add Cinder to the Filter position.
- Ignite the Cinder to create Lava held at that point.
Test the pocket with a small amount before connecting the full line. The current sources do not establish an exact conversion ratio, ignition duration, maximum throughput, or fastest weapon for breaking Scoria.
Quick troubleshooting
- Lava will not enter a Grabber or Pipe: convert it into Cinder before transport.
- Scoria remains in place: break it with any weapon to obtain Cinder.
- Cinder remains solid: use direct Flamethrower fire; passive heat does not work.
- Cinder misses the destination: test the Conveyor Belt or Launcher route with a small batch before scaling.
- Lava will not stay where needed: use a contained destination such as the documented Filter pocket.
Sources
The formation, supported transport methods, direct-ignition requirement, and Filter pocket were rechecked on September 1, 2026. Exact ratios, ignition duration, weapon efficiency, and throughput remain unconfirmed.
FAQ
How do you get Cinder in Sandustry?
Freeze Lava into Scoria with Snow or the Cryoblaster, then destroy that Scoria with any weapon to release Cinder.
Why can't Lava be transported directly?
Lava cannot be picked up with the Grabber or sent through Pipes. Converting it into solid Cinder is what makes it movable with ordinary logistics.
How do you turn Cinder back into Lava?
Cinder requires the direct flame of the Flamethrower. Passive heat sources do not perform the conversion, so aim the Flamethrower straight at the Cinder.
How can Cinder be moved around a factory?
The official Lava page confirms the Grabber, Conveyor Belts, and Launchers all work with Cinder. It gives no throughput comparison, so choose by distance and geometry.