Shape Setting

Shape-setting refers to the process used to form a Nitinol wire, tube or sheet into a specific and often complex geometry. Whether the Nitinol alloy is to be used in the superelastic or shape memory condition, it is necessary to establish the appropriate heat treatment. This is done by carefully constraining the material into its new shape using a specially designed fixture or mandrel followed by a defined heat treatment. Multiple shaping operations may be necessary if the part is particularly complex or to prevent cracking/fracture of high strain regions.