Shape memory alloys (SMA)

Thermal shape memory alloys are wires or sheets that change shape in a predefined way when exposed to thermal energy. They independently sense and respond to an external stimulus in a predefined, reliable, repeatable and reversible manner. At the same time, they are extremely light in relation to their power density. SMAs therefore provide elegant solutions to a wide range of actuator and sensor tasks. For example, actuators in automotive and aerospace applications can be greatly simplified compared to previous solutions and can be extended to include temperature-based functions.