Relevant aspects of laser cutting of NiTi shape memory alloys

Abstract

Since several years the need for realizing small and smart devices composed of functional materials is constantly increasing. Among this advanced materials, shape memory alloys (SMAs) are some of the most important functional materials in several applications, including in the biomedical and aerospace fields. Nowadays, laser cutting is probably the most widespread cutting technology for realising SMA mini- and micro-devices for several applications. The present manuscript reviews the scientific literature on the performance of laser-cut elements, in NiTi SMA, under different points of view. The literature was systematically analysed, according with a technological, metallurgical, functional and device/prototypal approaches. It can be highlighted that a relevant correlation between design, process condition and material performances can promote the realization of advanced smart devices made in NiTi SMA.

Keywords

• Laser material processing
• Laser cutting
• Shape memory alloy
• NiTi
• Microstructure
• Functional properties