memory metal
Returns to form
Memory metal is an alloy that returns to a predetermined shape when heated.
The metal can be bent or deformed at lower temperatures, but when warmed past a threshold, it "remembers" its original form and snaps back.
Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy, is the most common example, used in medical stents, eyeglass frames, and aerospace applications.
Also called shape-memory alloy.
Shape-memory nickel-titanium alloy
- biocompatibleAccepted by living tissue
- corrosion-resistantWithstands oxidation and decay
- intermetallicOrdered compound of metals
- compositionArranged elements forming whole
Device producing controlled motion
- sensorInput-detecting device
- antennaBroadcast signal receiver
- couplingJoint between systems
- fastenerSecures things together
valve · robotics · aerospace · automotive · microdevice · release mechanism
Implanted tube for blockages
- bracesDental alignment devices
- implantDevice placed inside tissue
- guidewireCatheter-steering filament
- catheterInserted medical drainage tube
vascular · endoscopic · minimally invasive · biomedical · prosthetic · dental arch
Able to accept instructions
- reconfigurableAble to be rearranged
- deformableAble to change shape
- transformableAble to change form
- bendableAble to curve
springback · training · actuation · reset
nitinol
Shape-memory nickel-titanium alloy
- biocompatibleAccepted by living tissue
- corrosion-resistantWithstands oxidation and decay
- intermetallicOrdered compound of metals
composition · alloying · smelting · ingot
actuator
Device producing controlled motion
fastener · valve · robotics · aerospace · automotive · microdevice · release mechanism
stent
Implanted tube for blockages
catheter · vascular · endoscopic · minimally invasive · biomedical · prosthetic · dental arch
programmable
Able to accept instructions
- reconfigurableAble to be rearranged
- deformableAble to change shape
- transformableAble to change form
bendable · springback · training · actuation · reset
stress-induced
Caused by psychological pressure
- reversibilityCan be undone
memory metallead
Dense metal, symbol Pb
putty · modeling clay · clay · playdough
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