This week, in addition to making some new UI bits n' bobs (official term) we started work on some of the machine blocks you'll be able to craft.
Improvised Furnace
One of the first problems the player will face is, surviving the harsh elements that the stations' failing life support systems create. To that end, the first craftable machine to make it into the game is an improvised furnace.
Furnaces are useful for a few things: 1. They can help keep you warm when you stand next to them (who'd have thunk it?) and 2. You'll be able to refine additional materials in them through burning or smelting.
Downright Cozy!
Multiblock Machines
The real 'heart' of the crafting system we envision is allowing the player to build multi-block systems by placing different machine blocks down in different configurations to suit their own needs.
For instance, the standard furnace doesn't do a great job of heating a large area, but adding a fan block and some pipes, you can spread the heat where you need it, so you don't have to huddle around the fire for warmth.
If you use a fan to blow air in to the furnace on the other hand, you can increase the heat dramatically, and use the furnace to smelt higher temperature materials.
-Trev