maybe this is a job for another mod on top, but you could add a hot-iron-plate -> hot-gear recipe that's faster than the normal one (same for rods and wire, etc.). or slow down the cold gear recipes

I endorse this idea; maybe make it Foundry-exclusive. Call it Hot-forging

Thanks for your idea. I like it.

Currently I'm not sure if I should make it a separate mod or as a setting, but people have plenty ideas for more advanced stuff and I think I should do something with it.

Same for steel (if not in mod like this already, did not install myself, sorry):
Hot iron plate should be able to insert into next furnance directly without cooling to make steel. Optionally faster recipe or with less fuel consumption.

Also in space cooling should be faster if spoil can be modified per surface..?

Also in space cooling should be faster if spoil can be modified per surface..?

Shouldn't it be the other way around as in vacuum dissipating heat is actually harder than in atmosphere? You know, because there is no air to exchange the heat and the only way to cool down is radiating it.