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
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Description
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
