This 0.012' Flexinol® Actuator Wires, also known as shape memory Nitinol, are made of a nickel - titanium alloy. It's a one - foot - long piece that can flex and contract when heated or when a specific current is applied. These wires are perfect for linear actuators, replacing small motors or solenoids. When in its martensitic form, the wire can be bent into various shapes. Apply an electrical current of about 200mA or heat it to around 100C, and it'll snap back to its previous shape with great force. You can also anneal it at about 500C (using an industrial furnace or just a lighter) to set a new shape, and it'll return to that new form when current or heat is applied. Note that these are the “HT” type wires. Key features include a length of 305mm, a diameter of 0.30mm, a current of 1.5A required for the austenite form, a pull force of 2.83lbs, and a resistance of 0.31 ohms/inch. There are also a datasheet and a product video available.
Using the Flexinol actuator wire is quite straightforward. First, you can bend it into different shapes when it's in its martensitic form. To make it return to its previous shape, apply an electrical current of about 200mA or heat it to around 100C. If you want to set a new shape, you can anneal it at about 500C using an industrial furnace or a lighter. When you apply current or heat again later, it'll go back to that new shape. Remember, these are “HT” type wires. As for maintenance, keep it in a dry place to prevent corrosion. When handling, avoid excessive bending or stretching beyond its capacity to maintain its performance. And always refer to the datasheet for more detailed information and safety guidelines.
