Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy, is used in a variety of medical devices. The material’s thermo-mechanical characteristics and its biocompatibility make it ideal for cardiovascular stents, endoscopic instruments, surgical tools and other products. However, nitinol can be challenging to assemble.
The term nitinol comes from its composition and where it was discovered more than 50 years ago: “nickel titanium” and “Naval Ordnance Laboratory.” The metal has magical properties, such as superelasticity and the ability to repeatedly retain its preformed shape. It also can change shape or length in response to temperature change or application of an electric current.