Since you guys are going to the trouble to paint things....Why not standardize your colors so even your paint teaches and your presentations are more dynamic.

Some components might qualify for mulitple categories so that you could paint stripes, paint different sides, or just follow a heirarchy of most important attributes.
First make a list of attributes you want to communicate about, and assign colors:

-Moving (also serves as safety)
-Wearable/replaceable/consumable
-Scaleable (in thickness, girth or length) for more strength or capacity as needed
-Still under development/scrutiny
-Material thickness
-Modular/Interchangeable
-Patent Pending (j/k)