Side Flex Latch Nitinol Actuator

This prototype actuator provided actuation along the narrow axis of the actuator. The idea was to use the music wire flexures as biasing springs and to make it as thin as possible. It is capable of developing roughly 1 pound of force without exceeding a design limit of 25 ksi for high cycle capability. Dynalloy recommends 25 ksi as their “million cycle” force for Flexinol.

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Indianapolis, IN USA

Portland, OR USA

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Shape Memory Alloy Actuator Actuated in Liquid Nitrogen

Nitinol can operate in the most extreme environments including this one at minus 356 degrees Fahrenheit. Our Nitinol Actuation Model predicted we would need to energize this Flexinol actuator at 30 Volts for 0.2 seconds to overcome the cooling effect of the liquid Nitrogen.

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Indianapolis, IN USA

Portland, OR USA

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Mon-Sat: 8am - 5pm
Sun: Closed

Shape Memory Alloy Automotive Active Grille Mechanism (AGM) or Shutters

Our very first project was prototyping an SMA powered Active Grille Mechanism (AGM) for BMW. The actuator provided one inch of powered stroke in both directions. In order to overcome wind resistance at high speed the actuators needed to provide more than 5 pounds of force. Designed for automotive 12 Volt power bus. Each modular actuator used over 48″ of 0.015″ diameter Flexinol HT by Dynalloy. (more…)

High speed Flexinol HT cooling with Mineral Oil and Dry Ice

This video shows part of a study to determine enhanced cooling for rapid cycling of Nickel-Titanium. We show 20″ of 15 mil Flexinol HT cooling in 2.2 seconds to full recovery in Mineral Oil and Dry Ice and a 15 pound spring. Experimental data matches our model data closely.

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Indianapolis, IN USA

Portland, OR USA

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Mon-Sat: 8am - 5pm
Sun: Closed

SMA Actuator Moving a Binary Latch

This is an example of a commercially available actuator we designed. It essentially works like a Bic Pen. Press in once to engage, press a second time to disengage.

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Indianapolis, IN USA

Portland, OR USA

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Office Hours

Mon-Sat: 8am - 5pm
Sun: Closed