What is Nitinol?
The NiTi shape memory alloy called nitinol is composed of nickel and titanium in approximately equiatomic ratio. Thanks to its ability to get austenitic and martensitic structures by stressing or changing temperature, it possesses unique properties such as superelasticity, pseudoelasticity, and shape memory. Moreover, it's corrosion resistance and biocompatibility make this material suitable for producing various types of devices, including surgery implants. Its transformation temperatures are very sensitive to chemical composition, which demands the manufacturing process's quality. Commonly vacuum induction melting (VIM), vacuum arc remelting (VAR) methods, or their combination (VIM/VAR) is used for the fabrication of the NiTi alloy [3]. The pure nickel and titanium batch is melted by the VIM method by an induction field, providing sufficient melt homogenization. This process takes place in a graphite crucible situated in an evacuated chamber.
Thin Film Fabrication of Nitinol
Nitinol thin film actuators have attracted significant development efforts in the recent past. Nitinol films, normally less than 10_m in thickness, were deposited on silicon, glass, or polymeric substrates by sputter deposition. Photolithographic techniques then fabricate commercial devices consisting of Nitinol film on a silicon substrate. Compositions of Nitinol thin film reported in various studies include binaries of 48.2-51.9 atomic percent Ni, NiTiHf, and NiTiCu using either pre-alloyed or elemental targets. Deposition using pre-alloyed targets produced films having much more uniform compositions consistent with the target chemistry, while the process using elemental targets results in much more difficult control of composition with variations across the film. Films in the as-deposited state are generally amorphous and require subsequent heat treatments to re-crystallize. Crystalline films in the as-deposited state can be achieved with heated substrates. Miniature pneumatic valves actuated by thin film Nitinol are currently commercialized. Devices such as spacers in flat panel displays and other micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) actuated by Nitinol thin film actuators are being developed.
Conclusions of Nitinol
With the rapid growth of the Nitinol industry, the associated manufacturing technologies have come a long way in the last decade, although not mature in any standard of metallurgical process. Recent releases of ASTM standards governing material specifications (F2063), standard terminology (F2005), and test methods (F2004 and F2082) not only standardize the language of communication but also promote a consensus within the industry. Significant resources are continuously being invested in process development by the processors and end users. Advancement in Nitinol process development allows the material to penetrate cost-sensitive volume commercial markets. The medical device market can tolerate higher costs but strictly demands better quality and consistency. It is anticipated that requirements will continue to pressure tighter chemistry control in raw materials to reliably achieve better than +/-5ºC tolerance in transformation temperatures. Developments in laser cutting, photochemical etching, forming, and surface finishing technologies have the potential to improve physical and mechanical properties, especially the fatigue life, will be on-going. Control of surface finish to deliver unfailing corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility will receive intense attention for medical implants. While thin film technology is beginning to be commercialized, process stability and quality control of thin film properties will probably attract more awareness. Other near-net-shape technologies, such as powder and thermal spray processes, may one day find their niches of commercial value.
Price of Nitinol
Nitinol particle size and purity will affect the product's Price, and the purchase volume can also affect the cost of Nitinol. A large amount of large amount will be lower. The Price of Nitinol is on our company's official website.
Nitinol supplier
Mis-Asia is a reliable and high-quality global chemical material supplier and manufacturer. It has over 12 years of experience providing ultra-high quality chemicals and nanotechnology materials, including Nitinol, nitride powder, graphite powder, sulfide powder, and 3D printing powder. If you are looking for high-quality and cost-effective Nitinol, you are welcome to contact us or inquire any time.
