Nitinol specification guidelines
ASTM International, in conjunction with the Nitinol community, has issued several standards that aid in specifying Nitinol.
ASTM Standard Nitinol Specifications
| ASTM F 2004-05 | Standard test method for determination of transformation temperature of nickel-titanium shape memory alloys by thermal analysis |
| ASTM F 2005-05 | Standard terminology for nickel-titanium shape memory alloys |
| ASTM F 2063-05 | Standard specification for wrought nickel-titanium shape memory alloys for medical devices and surgical implants |
| ASTM F 2633-07 | Standard specification for wrought nickel-titanium shape memory alloy tube for medical devices and surgical implants |
| ASTM F 2082-06 | Standard test method for determination of transformation temperature of nickel-titanium shape memory alloys by bend and free recovery |
| ASTM F 2516-07e1 | Standard test method for tension testing of nickel-titanium superelastic materials |
ASTM F 2004 Commentary
This specification provides guidance on the determination of transformation temperature of fully annealed materials, and is not appropriate for testing products that are heat treated to impart superelasticity. A sample can be solution annealed and tested, but the transformation temperature will be that of the ingot, not product. There is also controversy over the exact temperature, time, and protective gas used during solution annealing. Please contact Johnson Matthey should you have questions regarding test methods to ensure compliance.
ASTM F 2063-05 Commentary
From its inception, ASTM F 2063 was created to govern the manufacture of wrought products, not finished products. There is an ongoing debate in the industry as to whether it properly specifies chemistry and inclusion size and distribution. Johnson Matthey supports ASTM 2063-05 as a raw material specification only. It is important to discuss this topic prior to adding to an existing or new specification.