Visions, Concepts and Strategies for Smart Nitinol Actuators and Complex Nitinol Structures Produced by Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

This work covers different aspects of additive manufacturing of Nitinol parts. Firstly, requirements for the powder material and guidelines for the powder preparation are described in detail because the use of proper powder is essential for additive processing of high quality parts. Next, this work presents examples for Nitinol actuators, smart structures and devices which are produced by additive manufacturing. By demonstrating the functionality of these parts (e.g. shape recovery behavior after deformation), this work clearly points out a high potential for additive manufacturing of Nitinol. Moreover, additive manufacturing might even be able to open up new perspectives for Nitinol devices that have yet to be imagined.