Nitinol Spring Description
Nitinol spring is a type of shape memory spring. Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) are one of the most promising smart materials available today, and they can provide novel solutions in several fields and for various applications (e.g. actuator, biomedical application, clamping systems, etc.). Shape memory nitinol demonstrates a unique ability to recover its initial shape after deformation through a reversible thermo-elastic phase transformation. This ability allows shape memory nitinol to recover from large strains, either spontaneously (pseudoelasticity) or through an increase in temperature (Shape Memory Effect). Among the commercially available Shape Memory Alloys, nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti and Ni–Ti-based) alloys are outstanding due to their excellent performance, reliability, and strain recovery properties. Ni-Ti alloy is attractive for various medical applications due to its biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and fatigue behavior.
Nickel Titanium’s superelastic qualities make it the perfect material for orthodontic springs. With proper usage, NiTi springs are highly resistant to permanent set and provide comfortable, predictable forces during treatment. In comparison, stainless steel springs exert high initial forces, lose force quickly after placement, and will commonly take a permanent set.
XOT is pleased to offer our Nickel Titanium compression and extension springs. Compression springs are available in Variable and Superelastic forces to meet the needs of specific treatment plans. Our new Even Force™ Extension springs deliver near-constant force! A more in-depth explanation of exhibited spring forces may be found in Spring Basics.
A shape memory alloy (SMA) has two unique properties: (1) pseudoelastic effect (PEE) or superelastic effect (SEE) and shape memory effect (SME). These unique properties are achieved through a solid-state phase change (molecular rearrangement) that occurs in an SMA. The phase transition occurs between the high temperature parent phase austenite and the low temperature phase martensite (M) and is referred as martensitic phase transformation. SME refers to the ability of the material, initially deformed in its low temperature phase, to recover its original shape upon heating to its high temperature phase . Super elasticity occurs when the martensitic phase transformation is stress induced at a constant temperature which is above austenite transformation temperature.
Compression
Compression, or Open Coil, springs are used to create spaces between teeth or, more simply, to move points away from one another. The coils are compressed when loaded and provide forces ‘outward’.
Extension
Extension, or Closed Coil, springs are used to close spaces between teeth or, more simply, to move points closer to one another. The coils are extended when loaded and provide retraction forces to close spaces.
Distalizing
Distalizing, or Open-Closed Coil, springs are specialized springs used to distalize molars. The springs are compressed when loaded and exert forces against the molars to tip, or move, them in the proper direction.
Neet Separating
Neet separating springs do just that! They are placed between teeth and quickly create space for banding.
Class II
Class II springs are an efficient alternative for Class II elastics, particularly for non-compliant patients. These springs consist of a variable force spring with pre-attached eyelets and ligature wire.
Nitinol Spring Specific Advantages
A. Superior reliability.
B. No gas or liquid leaks.
C. 2-3x higher heat sensitivity compared to waxy components.
D. Shorter response time to temperature changes.
E. Lowered the total cost of modern SMA springs.
F. Our Nitinol can be used in standard compression, extension, or torsion springs.
Commercial applications include
- Nitinol spring are great for use in various applications including temperature control valves, actuators, orthodontics, and more
- Dentistry – bracing wires and brackets
- Medicine – vein stents
- Optics – frames for eye glasses
- Heat switches
- Fire safety devices
We provide a wide range of nitinol spring. Custom products can be manufactured upon your requests.Your ideas deserve not just enthusiastic support but also real-world vetting for manufacturabilty and profitability. We deliver both, for a greater chance that you’ll deliver a breakthrough destined for market success. Our mission is to help you achieve your goals; and to that end we welcome a continuous flow of engineer-to-engineer communication.