An alloy
like no other.

 

 

Nitinol

When combined in just the right amounts, nickel and titanium create Nitinol. Known for its unique superelastic and shape memory properties - the ability to remember and return to a specified shape after deformation when exposed to a predetermined temperature - this alloy is revolutionizing the way the medical device and other high-performance industries manufacture next-generation solutions.

Anything but basic Nitinol solutions

There are two primary types of Nitinol: superelastic and shape memory, which are determined by transformation temperature. Superelastic Nitinol is cooler, and shape memory Nitinol is warmer. Don't let the description fool you - the same superelastic and shape memory effect is taking place regardless of category.

To help you pick the Nitinol that is best for your application, at Fort Wayne Metals, we divide the categories of superelastic and shape memory into grades with stricter temperature ranges. You can click over to the superelastic or shape memory pages to learn more.

Superelastic Nitinol is commonly used in medical devices. Transformation temperatures for superelastic grades are between -20°C and 22°C [-4°F and 71.6°F].

Shape memory Nitinol is commonly used for actuators and other industrial applications. Transformation temperatures for shape memory grades are between 22°C and 80°C [71.6°F and 176°F], with some grades offering temperatures greater than 85°C [185°F].

In addition to producing Fort Wayne Metals-melted Nitinol, we use material from other leading Nitinol suppliers. We then apply our advanced processing capabilities to manufacture precision wire-based products.

Already know what you're looking for? Reach out to one of our Sales Representatives to start a conversation.

 

Product forms and capabilities

Determining which grade of Nitinol is right for your application is only part of the equation. If you need Nitinol as basic round wire, that's exactly what you'll get, but there are many more options to maximize device design.

Melting high quality raw materials carefully combined in a precision melting process

Round wire 0.02 mm to 1.7 mm [0.0005 in to 0.067 in] depending on surface finish

Flat wire

  • Thickness: 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm [0.0007 in to 0.020 in]
  • Width: 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm [0.0021 in to 0.060 in]
  • Ratio:
    • MAX 6:1
    • MIN 3:1

    Centerless ground bar

    • Size range: 1.7 mm to 6.3 mm [0.068 in to 0.250 in]
    • Diameters greater than 2.5 mm [0.099 in] are only available in some grades and surface conditions.

    Turkshead 

    • 0.15 mm x 0.15 mm to 0.9 mm x 0.9 mm [0.006 in x 0.006 in to 0.035 in x 0.035 in]
    • Ratio: 
      • MAX 2:1
      • MIN 1:1

    Custom shapes in a wide variety of shaped cross-sectional wire

    DFT® composites manufactured with a Nitinol core or tube sheath

    HHS® tube with an open center working channel

    Shape setting Nitinol wire to return to a set shape at transformation temperature

    Surface finishes

    We offer a variety of surface finishes so you can tailor our Nitinol to your exact needs.

    Light oxide diamond drawn surface

    Dark oxide diamond drawn surface

    Etched chemical removal of oxide layer - will maintain smooth surface

    Pickled chemical removal of oxide layer along with a slight amount of base metal - surface will have a rough texture

    Etched and mechanically polished chemical removal of oxide layer followed by mechanical polish - surface will have stainless steel appearance although at > 40x magnification micro scratches are present

     

    Enhanced solutions

    Because Nitinol has such unique material properties, we’ve developed a range of products to support our customers’ needs. From ultra-smooth oxide free Silk® Nitinol, to ultra-stiff USN® wire, and hardworking actuator wire, you’ll find all kinds of material solutions for your applications, right here.

    Contact us so we can help you find the right Nitinol for your application.