Muscle Wire - 0.005 Diameter (1 foot)

Muscle Wire is a shape memory alloy (Nitinol — nickel-titanium) that contracts when heated or when an electrical current is applied, then returns to its original length when cooled. This property makes it useful as a lightweight, silent alternative to small motors or solenoids in robotic and interactive projects.

When in its low-temperature martensitic form, the wire can be bent and shaped freely. Applying approximately 200 mA of current (or heating to around 100°C) causes it to transition to its stronger austenite form, recovering its trained shape with considerable force. The wire can be annealed at approximately 500°C to set a new memory shape.

Key Features

• Shape Memory Alloy – Contracts when heated or energised, returns to shape when cooled
• Electrically Actuated – Approximately 200 mA activates the transition
• High Pull Force – 2.2 N (0.49 lbs) for its small diameter
• Re-trainable – Anneal at ~500°C to set a new memory shape
• Silent Operation – No motors or gears required

Specifications

• Material – Nickel-titanium (Nitinol)
• Length – 305 mm (1 ft)
• Diameter – 0.127 mm (0.005″)
• Activation Current – ~200 mA
• Activation Temperature – ~100°C
• Pull Force – 2.2 N (0.49 lbs)
• Resistance – 74.8 Ω/m (1.9 Ω/inch)

Package Contents

• 1× Muscle Wire, 0.127 mm diameter, 305 mm length

Resources

• Flexinol Actuator Wire Datasheet (PDF)