Standardizing Shape Memory Alloys for Actuation
Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are increasingly being utilized in industrial actuation systems due to their unique ability to undergo phase transformations and return to predefined shapes. This characteristic positions them as a compelling alternative to traditional actuators, especially in applications requiring compact and reliable motion control solutions.
The Role of Standardization in SMA Actuation
Despite the promising capabilities of SMAs, the absence of standardized specifications and test methods has hindered their widespread adoption in industrial settings. Standardization is crucial for defining material properties, performance metrics, and testing methodologies, ensuring consistency, reliability, and safety across various applications.
Fig. 1 — Ecosystem of ASTM shape memory alloy standards for medical devices and actuation.
Kinitics Automation’s Contributions to SMA Standardization
Dean Pick, President and CEO of Kinitics Automation, has been working tirelessly to advance the standardization of SMAs for industrial use. His efforts include:
- Leading the Design Working Group at CASMART (Consortium for the Advancement of Shape Memory Alloy Research and Technology), a collaborative effort aimed at promoting the research and application of SMAs.
- Serving as the technical contact for the ASTM draft standard WK 82516, which focuses on wrought nickel-titanium-based SMAs for actuation.
The draft standard is discussed in a technical article co-authored by Dean, which is featured in the March 2025 issue of ASM International’s SMST NewsWire Magazine. With contributions from several leading minds and technical contacts in the SMA community, the article captures the current state of standardization and maps out its future direction.
Developing ASTM Standards for Industrial Applications
The development of ASTM draft standard WK 82516 aims to establish clear requirements for the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and thermal behavior of SMAs used in actuators. This draft standard covers several grades of SMA material, including ternary alloys and high-transition temperature titanium-rich compositions. By introducing a grading system based on transition temperature and micro-cleanliness, the standard seeks to assist in the production and selection of appropriate materials for a wide range of actuation applications.
While SMAs have a well-established presence in the medical field, with standards such as ASTM F2063 defining specifications for nickel-titanium alloys for medical devices and surgical implants, the expansion of industrial standards is essential for scaling their use in high value applications including automation and aerospace use cases. As standardization efforts progress, SMAs are poised to become a key enabling technology in industrial motion control, offering innovative solutions that can serve a wide range of industries.
For more detailed information, visit these links:
- See recent feature article in SMST Newswire Magazine (Magazine Link) (PDF File of Article)
- See a Kinitics 2023 technical article on the standardization of SMAs (Kinitics website)
