What are the Highest Density Components?
If the goal is to maximize ingots gained, the winner is Steel Plates, which only waste 11% of their volume for the volume of iron ingots you receive back.
This is, of course, assuming there are no gravity generator components or canvas on board, both of which are actually more dense than their component parts (in vanilla).
| Item | Volume (L) | Ingot Volume (L) | Wasted Space | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletproof Glass | 8 | 6.435 | 20% | 100% Si |
| Canvas | 8 | 15.0265 | -88% | Space Saver |
| Computer | 1 | 0.1064 | 89% | |
| Construction Components | 2 | 1.016 | 49% | 100% Fe |
| Detector Components | 6 | 2.315 | 61% | |
| Display | 6 | 2.272 | 62% | |
| Explosives | 2 | 1.235 | 38% | Mg |
| Girder | 2 | 0.762 | 62% | 100% Fe |
| Gravity Generator Components | 200 | 319.74 | -60% | Co, Ag, Au - Space Saver |
| Interior Plate | 5 | 0.381 | 92% | 100% Fe |
| Large Steel Tube | 38 | 3.81 | 90% | 100% Fe |
| Medical Components | 160 | 2.726 | 98% | Ag |
| Metal Grid | 15 | 0.418 | 97% | Co |
| Motor | 8 | 0.845 | 89% | |
| Power Cell | 40 | 0.422 | 99% | Can't be ground |
| Communications Components | 70 | 1.513 | 98% | |
| Reactor Components | 8 | 1.23 | 85% | Ag + Gravel |
| Small Steel Tube | 2 | 0.635 | 68% | 100% Fe |
| Solar Cell | 12 | 0.669984 | 94% | |
| Steel Plate | 3 | 2.667 | 11% | 100% Fe |
| Superconductor | 8 | 1.374 | 83% | Au |
| Thruster Component | 10 | 3.96 | 60% | Co, Au, Pl |
| MR-20 Magazine | 0.2 | 0.146 | 27% | Mg |
| Tools | 20 | 2.37 | 88% | Easily remade |
After Steel Plate, things get pretty bleak, pretty fast. Bulletproof Glass is the best way to salvage silicon, if needed, Construction Components are 2nd best for iron, but after that it's all more than 50% wasted space but the order is: Thruster Components, Detector Components, Displays/Girders, Small Steel Tubes, and Superconductors - all of which are more valuable than your own tools if you're using basic tools. Anything else should only be added if you've got space to spare and at that point it almost doesn't matter what you grab.