Nitinol processing

Nitinol – advancing performance in medical applications

First discovered in 1962 by William J. Buehler at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory (NOL) in the United States, nitinol is a nickel-titanium alloy with unique shape memory and superelastic properties. Its name reflects both its composition and its place of discovery. These characteristics make nitinol a preferred material for critical medical devices such as stents and heart valves, where consistent performance inside the human body is essential.

Unlike stainless steel, nitinol can return to its original shape after deformation, thanks to a reversible phase transformation between its martensite and austenite phases at a defined transformation temperature. This combination of shape memory effect and superelasticity enables devices to adapt to complex anatomical structures while maintaining functionality and make it ideal for minimally invasive procedures.

Alleima has more than 20 years of expertise in processing nitinol, supporting the development of advanced medical devices that rely on its unique properties. Manufacturing nitinol demands precision and strict process control, as even minor variations in cold work or transformation temperature can significantly influence performance. As a trusted partner, Alleima offers end-to-end capabilities in nitinol component manufacturing, including braiding, shaping, grinding, joining, and cleanroom assembly.

We work closely with our customers to turn material potential into medical breakthroughs though driving innovation, ensuring reliability, and enabling better patient outcomes.