What is a Nitinol Shape Memory Alloy Sheet?

A Nitinol Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) sheet is a specialized material made from an alloy of nickel (Ni) and titanium (Ti), known for its unique ability to “remember” its original shape. When deformed, Nitinol sheets can return to their pre-set shape upon heating or removal of stress, making them highly valuable for various industrial and medical applications.

Chemical Properties and CAS Number

• Chemical Composition: Approximately 55% Nickel (Ni) and 45% Titanium (Ti)
• CAS Number: 52013-44-2
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to corrosion, particularly in biological environments.
• Biocompatibility: Highly biocompatible, ideal for medical implants and devices.

Thickness of Nitinol Sheets

Nitinol sheets are available in thicknesses typically ranging from 0.1 mm to several millimeters, tailored according to specific application requirements. Thinner sheets are more flexible and suitable for intricate designs, whereas thicker sheets provide structural integrity and durability.

Applications of Nitinol Sheets

1. Medical Devices

Nitinol sheets are widely used in stents, orthodontic archwires, surgical instruments, and implants due to their shape-memory properties and biocompatibility.

2. Aerospace and Automotive Industries

Used for actuators, connectors, and vibration dampers, leveraging shape memory to enhance performance and reduce maintenance.

3. Robotics and Actuators

Ideal for creating lightweight, compact actuators that respond dynamically to temperature changes, beneficial for robotic limbs and sensors.

4. Consumer Products

Utilized in eyewear frames, smartphone antennas, flexible connectors, and household appliances where durability and shape retention are critical.

5. Civil Engineering

Applied in structural vibration control, seismic dampers, and adaptive building elements, improving structural resilience against earthquakes and wind.

Pricing of Nitinol Sheets

Prices vary depending on thickness, quality, surface finish, and order quantity:

• Medical-grade Nitinol Sheets: Approximately $200 – $1,500 per kilogram, often higher due to strict manufacturing standards and purity requirements.
• Industrial-grade Nitinol Sheets: Typically priced from $100 – $500 per kilogram, suitable for general industrial and engineering applications.

Factors Influencing Nitinol Prices

• Alloy purity and composition accuracy
• Sheet thickness and dimensions
• Surface finish and additional treatments (e.g., electropolishing)
• Order quantity and custom manufacturing specifications

Conclusion

Nitinol Shape Memory Alloy sheets offer remarkable versatility due to their unique shape memory and superelastic properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Widely utilized in medical, aerospace, automotive, robotics, and consumer industries, Nitinol sheets provide robust solutions where adaptability, reliability, and durability are paramount. Prices are influenced by purity, thickness, and intended application, reflecting the advanced technology involved in their production.