Nitinol Sheets & Plates

The key properties are Superelasticity (recovering up to 8% strain immediately upon unloading) and the Shape Memory Effect (recovering a pre-set shape upon heating). They also feature excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.

They are used in minimally invasive medical devices (e.g., bone plates, stents, occlusion devices), aerospace components (actuators, morphing structures), and advanced structural dampers due to their ability to absorb large amounts of energy.

Processing starts with melting and forging Nitinol ingots, followed by hot rolling and specialized cold rolling to achieve the final thickness. Precise heat treatment (shape setting) is then applied to “program” the material’s specific shape memory or superelastic properties.

Selection depends on the application’s operational temperature and required behavior: for Superelasticity, choose a sheet where the Af temperature is well below the operating temperature (e.g., body temp); for Shape Memory actuation, choose an Af temperature slightly above the required activation temperature.

Yes. Manufacturers offer custom services including cut-to-size dimensions, specific surface finishes (e.g., mirror polishing for medical use), and precise control over the transformation temperatures (Af) of the alloy to meet unique project specifications.

Heat treatment, known as “shape setting,” is critical. Annealing at temperatures typically between 400°C and 550°C for specific dwell times determines the final Af temperature and “programs” the memory shape. Exceeding these limits can degrade the special properties.

Yes, primarily the standard binary alloy (NiTi), meeting ASTM F2063. However, ternary alloys (with Cu, Fe, or Co) are available to modify specific properties, such as the transformation temperature or to reduce hysteresis.