Shape Memory NT Alloy

Deformed NT shape memory alloy restores itself to its original shape when heat is applied to it. this process of remembering its original shape is why this alloy is now called a shape meory alloy. NT shape memory alloy is used in a wide variety of applications and diverse consumer fields. Prime examples are automobiles and household electrical appliances. the NT alloy often functions as an actuator and sensor. If used effectively, the NT alloy can reduce the physical size of mechanisms, improve product reliablity and provide a longer product service life.

Shape Memory Spring for Shower

Mixing Valve

SMA spring controls the ratio of cold and hot water. It prevents noticable change in temperature if the water supply is interrupted.

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Automatic oil valve adjusting device for Shinkansen

The latest models of Shinkansen (also known as the Bullet train), are equipped with aluminium gearboxes that incorporate an automatic oil level adjusting system (valve). The valve with an SMA spring controls the oil level inside the gearbox according to the change of oil temperature. Installing this system achieved a reduction of oil temperature of 30 degrees celsius

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Shape Memory Spring for Automotive Application

Our SMA NT spring can be used as a combined sensor and actuator. A typical solution is to use the SMA NT spring in a valve system, where it automatically senses temperature change and exerts a significant (calculated) force to actuate the valve. In the case of the Autotronic transmission, the valve system automatically changes the direction of oil flow.

Super-Elastic NT Alloy

This alloy behaves like a rubber material with a very wide elwastic region. It can be bent or deformed, but it's extraordinary elasticity allows it to recover its original shape when the bending or deformation stress is removed. This unique elasticity feature of the super-elastic NT alloy has been implemented ina wide variety of springs, wires and tube applications for clothing accessories, personal accessories, electronic devices and treatments in the medical and dental fields.

NT Tube

The production of Super Elastic tubes used to be a challenge. We have established a product line with a wide range of sizes and properties, all of superb quality. Increasing demand for this product have been forthcoming from the Medical Device Industry.

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frame

NT wire for Cellular phone Antenna

Super Elastic wire is globally used as the core wire of the retractable antenna for cellular phone

Eyeglass frames

Utilizing Super Elasticity for the temple and bridge, NT Eyeglass frames can stand excessive straining and offer super comfort. Its unique quality is also ideal for children's glasses too.

NT Super Elastic Wire for Medical Guidewires

Furukawa make several grades of super elastic wire with customized characteristics.

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Orthodnotic Wire

SEA Round and Square wires are used for braces. their constant recovery forces throughout straining reduces unpleasant sensations for patients. An ideal choice for braces.

Properties of Furukawa NT Alloy

When ordinary metallic materials have an excessive stress beyond their elastic regions, they are not able to fully restore their original shapes. After the excessive stress load is removed, a permanent deformation remains. When Furukawa's Nt shape memory alloys have an excessive stress load applied, beyond its elastic region, at a temperature less than the transformation (Af) temperature, it undergoes a plastic-like deformation. When heat, higher than the transformation is applied, the deformation disappears and the original shape is restored. Furukawa's super-elastic NT alloy can accept an excessive stress load up to ten times the alloys elastic stress region, at a temperature higher than the transformation temperature. When the excessive stress load is removed, the deformation disappears and the alloy restores its original shape.

Physical properties of Furukawa NT Alloy

Density	g/cm	6.4~6.5
Melting point	°C	1240~1310
Specific heat	J/(kg·K) {cal/(g·°C)}	230~314 {0.056~0.075}
Linear expansion co-efficient	10-³/°C	10
Heat conductivity	W/(m·K) {cal/ (cm·°C)}	20 {0.05}
Specific resistance	10m {µ cm}	05~1.1 {50~110}

Mechanical properties of Furukawa NT Alloy

Tensile strength	Material that is heat treated Material that is not heat treated	MPa {kgf/mm} MPa {kgf/mm}	686~1470 {70~150} 1176~1960 {120~200}
Elongation	Material that is heat treated Material that is not heat treated	% %	~60 ~25

Integrated Production System

Furukawa offers a complete manufacturing solution in an integrated production system ranging from the melting operation through forming and machining fabricated parts. Product quality is highly controlled with strict engineering and manufacturing parameters.

Physical properties of Furukawa NT Alloy

Wide variety of Nt Alloy types

Furukawa offers a wide variety of NT alloy formulations to meet your shape memory characteristics, super elastic characteristics and customer specific requirements. A wide range of transformation temperatures are also available. please contact us with your specific requirements. we can offer further information and guidance to engineer your custom device design requirements.

Effect	Symbol	Alloy types	Range of transformation temperatures (°C)	Restorable deformation(%)	Temperature hysteris (°C)	Durability	Application example
Shape memory effect	NT-M NT-LS	Ni-Ti Ni-Ti-Fe	0~70	1	2~3	>1,000,000	Sensor actuator designed for a long service life
	NT-H	Ni-Ti-Cu	50~80	5~6	10~15	10,000~50,000	Sensor actuator designed for a large stroke
	NT-M	Ni-Ti	-10~100	6~8	20~40	<100	Connector Joint

Effect	Symbol	Alloy types	Range of transformation temperatures (°C)	Super-elastic stress (MPa {kgf/mm})	Stress hysteris (MPa {kgf/mm})	Feature Application	Application example
Super-elastic effect	NT-E NT-L	Ni-Ti Ni-Ti-Fe	-20~50	294~588 {30~60}	245~428 {25~45}	Long service life Good machinability	Various spring devices Antenna core wire Medical Devices Frame of glasses Orthodontic wires
	NT-N NT-RA	Ni-Ti Ni-Ti-Cr		490~882 {50~90}	245~428 {25~45}	High super-elastic stress
	NT-HR	Ni-Ti-Cu-Cr		294~882 {30~60}	98~294 {10~30}	Low stress hysteris

NT Alloy shapes

Furukawa NT alloy is available in a wide variety of shapes. Shapes currently available are round wire, square wire, extremely thin wire, springs, tubes and other three-dimensional objects. Furukawa can customise these shapes to your specific requirements with our proprietary forming and shape memory processes.