Shape Memory Alloys and Wires (SMA)

• Shape Memory Alloys Synonyms:

shape memory alloy, SMA, shape memory metal, shape memory wire, superelastic alloy, smart metal, memory alloy, muscle wire, smart alloy,
 

• Shape Memory Alloys Description:

The term Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) is applied to that group of metallic materials that demonstrate the ability to return to some previously defined shape or size when subjected to the appropriate thermal procedure. Generally, these materials can be plastically deformed at some relatively low temperature, and upon exposure to some higher temperature will return to their shape prior to the deformation.

• Alloys Having A Shape Memory Effect:

  c) Ag-Cd 44/49 at.% Cd
  d) Au-Cd 46.5/50 at.% Cd
  e) Cu-Al-Ni 14/14.5 wt.% Al and 3/4.5 wt.% Ni
  f) Cu-Sn approx. 15 at.% Sn
  g) Cu-Zn 38.5/41.5 wt.% Zn
  h) Cu-Zn-X (X = Si,Sn,Al) a few wt.% of X
  i) In-Ti 18/23 at.% Ti
  j) Ni-Al 36/38 at.% Al
  k) Ni-Ti 49/51 at.% Ni
  l) Fe-Pt approx. 25 at.% Pt
  m) Mn-Cu 5/35 at.% Cu
  n) Fe-Mn-Si
  o) Pt alloys
   

• Commercial Shape Memory Alloys:

a) Nickel-titanium alloys

b) Copper-base alloys such as CuZnAl and CuAlNi

• Shape Memory Alloys Physical Properties Available:

Strip, ribbon, sheet, wire, & tube

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  Shape Memory Alloys Typical Applications:

a) Superelastic Devices

b) Shape Memory Actuation Devices

c) Martensitic Devices

d) Medical implants (Pt alloys)

• Shape Memory Alloys Packaging:

Usually to customer specification