shape memory alloys

• what do shape memory alloys do?

  change when stimulated by heat or electricity, sometimes called nitinol
• properties of shape memory alloys

  • return to original shape when heated
• uses of shape memory alloys

  • surgical stents
  • dental braces
  • fire sprinklers
• advantages of SMAs

  • lengthen the life of the product
  • reduced overall size
  • less complex
• disadvantages of SMAs

  • expensive
  • continuous use can cause metal fatigue