An Intermetallic NiTi-Based Shape Memory Coil Spring for Actuator Technologies

Amongst various intermetallic shape memory alloys (SMAs), nickel–titanium-based SMAs (NiTi) are known for their unique elastocaloric property. This widely used remembering material demonstrates excellent mechanical and electrical properties with superior corrosion resistance super-long fatigue life. The straight-drawn wire form of NiTi has a maximum restorable strain limit ~4%. However, linear ~20% can be attained in its coil spring structure. Various material/mechanical engineers have exploited this mechanic characteristic stress-triggered heating/cooling efficiency to design smart engineering structures, especially actuator technologies. short technical note reflects the characteristics structure phase transformations thermal transformation properties. micro-actuators based on been found possible, suggesting uses from biomedical advanced high-tech applications. In recent years, advancements modular robotic systems involving NiTi-based gained speculative commercial interest.