Flexinol - 0.005 Diameter (1 foot)

Flexinol is a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (Nitinol) wire that contracts when heated or when electrical current is applied, making it a compact alternative to small motors and solenoids for linear actuation. This 1-foot (305 mm) length of 0.005" (0.127 mm) diameter HT-type wire delivers reliable, repeatable motion in a tiny form factor.

At room temperature, the wire is in its flexible martensitic form and can be bent or shaped freely. Apply approximately 320 mA of current or heat to ~100°C, and it transitions to its stronger austenite form, recovering its trained shape with considerable force. You can anneal it at ~500°C to set a custom default shape.

Key Features

• Shape Memory Actuation – Contracts and returns to a trained shape when heated
• Compact Linear Actuator – Replaces small motors or solenoids in tight spaces
• Low Current Activation – Just 320 mA to trigger the austenite transition
• Custom Shape Training – Anneal at ~500°C to set any desired default shape
• HT (High Temperature) Type – Higher transition temperature for more controlled activation

Specifications

• Length: 305 mm (1 foot)
• Diameter: 0.127 mm (0.005")
• Activation Current: 320 mA
• Pull Force: 0.49 lbs (222 g)
• Resistance: 1.9 Ω/inch
• Activation Temperature: ~100°C

Ideal For

• Robotics and animatronics
• Wearable tech and smart textiles
• Interactive art installations
• Compact linear actuator replacements

Package Contents

• 1× Flexinol HT wire, 0.005" × 1 foot

Resources

• Datasheet (PDF)