The idea is having a workshop similar to the weapon workshop (with a tech-tree) but for designing materials. Materials can be applied to various parts (I think mostly of the basic blocks) to give special bonus or modifications.
Modifications examples : Fire resist, cold resist, light material (less mass but less hp), heavy (more mass, more hp), reflective material, etc.
Other upgrades may give small power regeneration, stronger connections, etc.
Once the material is ready is can be painted over corresponding or compatible parts.
May replace the actual coating system.
Also, the drone core dont have special use (as i know of), maybe some upgrade for that too ? Like a bonus / malus system. Ex: Light core, 10% less mass, max 50 parts, etc.
Anyway my 2 cents,
Congrats for the game ! The more I play the more I like it!
