Advances in micro-laser-melting of the shape-memory alloy NiTi

摘要

Shape memory alloys (SMA) can be reversed to their original shape after a finite deformation, as the crystal transformation is fully reversible. For processing of SMAs at high purity, selective laser melting was used. As an example, Nitinol actuators with a cross section of 100 μm × 360 μm and a length between 14 mm and 24 mm were fabricated. The advantages of the chosen laser sintering process were shown. Furthermore NiTi SMAs could be qualified as actuators for medical applications.