Nitinol is a unique metal alloy made of nickel and titanium and is known for its “shape memory” and “superelastic” properties. This means it can return to its original shape after bending or twisting when heated, and it can flex under stress without breaking. Nitinol is also lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and biocompatible, making it safe for use in the human body.
In medical applications, it is commonly used in stents, guidewires, surgical tools, and dental braces. In consumer products, it’s found in eyeglass frames and high-end gadgets.
Nitinol also plays a role in aerospace and robotics, where flexibility and shape control are important. Its ability to “remember” shapes makes it ideal for smart components and temperature-sensitive systems.
Nitinol is available in several forms to suit different needs, such as wire, tube, sheet, and rod. These forms can be further processed or custom-shaped depending on the application. Its versatility and unique behavior make Nitinol a smart choice for advanced engineering and design.
Properties & Grades
Grade 1 Nitinol is a flexible and durable material commonly used in applications such as guidewires, tools, and actuators. It has excellent strength and flexibility, with a tensile strength of at least 895 MPa and good elongation (the ability to stretch without breaking). This makes it ideal for products that need to bend and return to shape. While it offers great corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, it has less strict impurity controls compared to Grade 2, making it suitable for non-implant applications.
| Ni | Ti | C | Co | Cu | Cr | Fe | H | N | O |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54.5 – 57.0 | Bal | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.05 | 0.005 | 0.005 | 0.005 |
- Grade 2 Nitinol is specifically designed for critical medical applications, including implants like stents and heart valves. It offers the same core properties as Grade 1, but with enhanced quality controls. Grade 2 undergoes stricter testing to ensure it is free from defects and impurities, providing better fatigue resistance and long-term durability. This makes it ideal for use in the human body, meeting the highest standards for medical safety, strength, and performance.
| Ni | Ti | C | Co | Cu | Cr | Fe | H | N | O |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54.5 – 57.0 | Bal | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.05 | 0.005 | 0.005 | 0.005 |
Applications & Grades
They are a base material in applications that do not require any formability beyond minimal bending and/or roll-forming.
- Medical Implants
- Eyewear
- Actuators
- Aerospace
- Robotics and Engineering
- Consumer Products