Continuous Shape Memory Alloy Wire Production by Melt Spinning

摘要

In a method for forming a shape memory alloy wire a shape memory alloy composition of CuAlMnNi excluding grain refiner elements, is mixed, including between about 20 at % and about 28 at % Al, between about 2 at % and about 4 at % Ni, between about 3 at % and about 5 at % Mn, and Cu as a remaining balance. The mixture is heated between about 1100° C. and about 1400° C. and ejected from a crucible, at an ejection pressure of between about 3 bar and about 5 bar through a nozzle having a nozzle diameter of between about 200 microns and about 280 microns, to a face of a melt spinning wheel with speed of between about 9 m/s and about 13 m/s until there is formed a shape memory alloy wire having a length of at least about 1.5 meters and a diameter of no more than about 150 microns.