The future of motion is surprisingly small

The future of motion is surprisingly small

Actuation is all about movement. But what if the most powerful motion solution for your application looked more like a wire than a motor?

At Fort Wayne Metals, our Nitinol actuator wire leverages the power of shape memory to deliver reliable, repeatable motion in places where traditional actuation technologies may struggle. Heat it, and it contracts. Let it cool, and it returns to its original state, ready to do it all over again.

The result? A compact, lightweight solution that can open valves, move components, activate mechanisms, and perform work cycle after cycle with remarkable consistency.

Powering this material technology has been helped by the addition of new machines and our expanded round wire capabilities, down to 0.0508 mm [0.002 in]. Additionally, our teams are refining the entire actuator wire production process, from melting through fine wire processing, to optimize material performance.

Why engineers should explore actuator wire:

  • Small, light, and quiet operation
  • High power-to-weight ratio for efficient force delivery
  • Consistent, repeatable performance through specialized processing and training
  • Design flexibility that can help reduce system complexity
  • Capability for millions of actuation cycles when used within recommended parameters

From automotive and aerospace applications to consumer electronics and emerging technologies, actuator wire is helping engineers rethink what's possible when considering space, weight, and reliability. Instead of designing around the limitations of bulky actuators, teams can explore new possibilities with a material engineered to perform work in a compact package.

And because no two applications are exactly alike, our team can support custom specifications, testing, and additional processing capabilities to help bring your concept to life.

Learn more about our actuator wire capabilities by visiting Actuator wire or if you’re ready to move forward, contact your Sales Representative: Find your rep.

Categories: Advanced manufacturing, Nitinol innovations, Wire Technology