Problem:
How to protect sliding metal surfaces (both aluminum and steel) from abrasive wear, a corrosive environment and cold welding. In addition, struts and nodes which are connected to form the structure needed to be lubricated to enable the sleeves on the strut ends to slide over the connecting ends of the nodes, thus locking the struts into place. Minimal friction was also a key concern because it affects the ease and speed of assembling components in space.

Solution:
Two "synergistic" coatings, NEDOX and TUFRAM, were combined and, through a multi-step process, became an integral part of the top layers of the base metals. After treatment the surfaces remained lubricated and withstood permanent adherence from most solid substances, whilst providing resistance to wear and tear.