Flexinol Wires


Shape Memory Alloy Wires that contract when heated!

What are Flexinol Wires

Flexinol wires are highly processed strands of nickle-titanium alloy called nitinol- a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) that assumes a radically different crystaline structure at differing temperatures.

At room temperatures, Flexinol wires are easily stretched by a small force. However, when heated to above their transition temperature either by a source of heat or by a small electric current, they change to a much "harder" form and the wire returns to its un-stretched length:- the wire shortens with a useable amount of force.

So What?

Using Flexinol wires it is possible to devise very lightweight, flexible mechanisms;-

Practical Aspects

Pricing

All wires are priced at £10.00 per metre or £40.00 for 5 metres ( of the same gauge)

Project Book

To help you get the most from your Flexinol Wires we recommend the definative guide- Muscle Wires by Mondotronics. This 128 page book provides the essential Do's and Don'ts of working with Flexinol wire and includes 13 practical projects including Boris the six-legged insect.

Project Book, part number 3-133 @ £14.95

Project Book and Wire Kit, part number 3-168 @ £40.00

(Includes the Project book and 1 metre lengths of 50,100 and 150um wire - sufficient for the projects covered in the book)

Flexinol Flow valve

Normally closed flow control valve using Flexinol wire- extremely small (approx 6mm dia by 50mm long) and lightweight. Will work up to 75psi and requires 650mA at between 0.5 and 1V. Closing time between 0.1-2 seconds, Opening time 0.25-3 seconds.

Electrical contact is to the two ends of the body (the end pieces are separated by an insulating section)

Flexinol Valve, part number 3-200 @ £10.00

Flexinol Power Switch

Simple switch cover converts a standard microswitch to a lightweight, high power switch. Kit includes standard switch.

Connect 1VDC across the actuator contacts to operate the microswitch.

Flexinol Power Switch, part number 3-201 @ £5.00