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 use the links below to learn more about superelastic or shape memory options.
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 22 °C and 80 °C [7.6 °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.
Chemical composition
|
Element |
ASTM F2063 |
| Nickel | 54.5 - 57.0 |
| Carbon | 0.040 max |
| Cobalt | 0.050 max |
| Copper | 0.010 max |
| Chromium | 0.010 max |
| Hydrogen | 0.005 max |
| Iron | 0.050 max |
| Niobium | 0.025 max |
| Nitrogen | 0.005 max |
| Oxygen | 0.040 max |
| Titanium | Balance |
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. If your design is outside of these specifications please contact us for options.
- 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.
- Thickness: 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm [0.0007 in to 0.020 in]
- Width: 0.05 mm to 2.032 mm [0.0021 in to 0.080 in]
- Ratio:
- MAX 10:1
- MIN 3:1
Strip
- Thickness: 0.0762 mm to 1.016 mm [0.003 in to 0.040 in]
- Width: 2.032 mm to 12.065 mm [0.080 in to 0.475 in]
- Ratio:
- MAX 100:1
- MIN 10:1
- 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® wire manufactured with a Nitinol core or tube sheath
HHS® tube with an open center working channel
Melting high quality raw materials carefully combined in a precision melting process
Shape setting Nitinol wire to return to a set shape at transformation temperature
Strands and cables complex wire constructions for advanced applications
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.