Nitinol Bar & Rod — Superelastic & Shape Memory Alloy ASTM F2063 Supplier
Princeton Nitinol supplies medical-grade Nitinol (NiTi) bar and rod engineered for superelastic and shape memory performance. Fully compliant with ASTM F2063, ISO 5832-11, and ISO 9001:2015. Diameter from 0.1 mm to 100 mm, length up to 3000 mm with custom Af temperatures and surface finishes — trusted by medical device OEMs, aerospace engineers, and precision machining shops worldwide.
ASTM F2063 Certified Bar & Rod
Medical-grade chemistry and transformation temperature control for orthopaedic implants, surgical instruments, and aerospace components.
Diameter 0.1 mm to 100 mm
From fine rod for guidewire cores to heavy bar for CNC-machined structural components. Centerless ground finish for precision tolerances.
Custom Af from -50 °C to +130 °C
Precision heat treatment to dial in your exact active Af temperature. ±5 °C tolerance standard, verified by DSC per ASTM F2004 for every lot.
Product Overview — Medical Grade NiTi Bar & Rod
Our superelastic Nitinol bar and rod delivers up to 8% recoverable strain — approximately 80x the elastic limit of stainless steel — making it the material of choice for flexible orthopaedic pins, kink-resistant guidewire cores, and compliant drive shafts that must endure repeated deformation without permanent set. Shape memory bar and rod transforms from its deformed martensitic state back to a preset geometry when heated above its Af temperature, enabling solid-state actuation in aerospace release mechanisms, thermal valves, and cryogenic couplings.
Every bar and rod is fully traceable to its heat lot, with material certificates documenting chemical composition, transformation temperatures (DSC per ASTM F2004), tensile properties, and surface condition. Straightness, diameter, and surface finish are verified with laser micrometry and coordinate measurement — so your Swiss turning, CNC milling, or EDM process starts with dimensionally accurate stock.
Key Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Superelasticity — 8% recoverable strain | Flexible, kink-resistant components that return to original geometry after deformation — ideal for orthopaedic pins and flexible drive shafts. |
| Shape Memory Effect (SME) | Heat-activated recovery to a preset shape — solid-state actuation without motors, gears, or hydraulics. |
| ASTM F2063 / ISO 5832-11 Compliant | Meets strict chemical, mechanical, and biocompatibility requirements for medical implants and surgical instruments. |
| Wide Diameter Range — 0.1 to 100 mm | From ultra-fine rod for guidewire cores and endoscopic components to heavy bar for CNC-machined structural implants. |
| Centerless Ground Finish | Precision diameter tolerance (ISO h8/h9) and superior surface finish (Ra ≤0.4 μm) for Swiss turning and CNC machining. |
| Controlled Af Temperature (±5 °C) | Consistent, predictable transformation behavior validated by DSC per ASTM F2004 for every lot. |
| Biocompatible — TiO2 Passive Layer | Natural titanium oxide surface resists corrosion in body fluids; nickel release well below ISO 10993 thresholds. |
| Straightness Verified | Maximum deviation 0.5 mm per 300 mm for precision machining setups. Custom straightening available. |
Technical Specifications
Diameter Tolerance by Range (Cold-Processed Bar — ASTM F2063)
| Diameter (mm) | High-Precision Tolerance (±mm) | Standard Tolerance (±mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 – 6 | 0.03 | 0.05 |
| >6 – 10 | 0.04 | 0.06 |
| >10 – 18 | 0.05 | 0.08 |
| >18 – 30 | 0.06 | 0.10 |
| >30 – 50 | 0.09 | 0.13 |
| >50 – 65 | 0.12 | 0.16 |
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) Alloy — near-equiatomic |
| Nickel Content (Nominal) | 54.5 – 57.0 wt% (balance titanium) |
| Diameter Range | 0.1 mm – 100 mm |
| Length | Up to 3000 mm |
| Tensile Strength (Superelastic) | 700 – 1600 MPa (diameter-dependent) |
| Elongation | ≥ 10% |
| Af Temperature Range | −50 °C to +130 °C (customizable) |
| Austenite Elastic Modulus | 70 – 80 GPa |
| Martensite Elastic Modulus | 28 – 40 GPa |
| Density | ~6.45 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1310 °C |
| Straightness | ≤ 0.5 mm / 300 mm (standard); tighter on request |
| Standards | ASTM F2063, ISO 5832-11, GB/T 24627 |
Surface Finish Options
Applications
Medical Devices
- Orthopaedic bone pins & K-wires
- Guidewire core wire (0.1–1.0 mm)
- Spinal implant rods
- Dental implant abutments
- Surgical instrument shafts
- Intramedullary nails
- Bone drill blanks
- Endoscopic tool shafts
Aerospace & Defense
- Cryogenic coupling pins
- Actuator drive shafts
- Release mechanism pins
- Vibration damping mounts
- Deployable structure hinges
- Thermal trigger pins
- Satellite release bolts
Industrial & Consumer
- CNC-machined flexures
- Robotic actuator shafts
- Precision alignment pins
- Eyeglass frame temples
- Automotive thermal valve stems
- Fire safety trigger pins
- Fishing rod guides
Why Choose Princeton Nitinol
VIM + VAR Melting
Double-melt process minimizes non-metallic inclusions — critical for fatigue-limited medical implants and high-reliability aerospace components.
Full Documentation Package
Certificate of conformance, DSC thermogram (ASTM F2004), tensile report, and surface inspection data with every shipment.
Centerless Ground Precision
ISO h8/h9 tolerances with superior surface finish for Swiss turning and CNC machining. Diameter verified by in-line laser micrometry.
Custom Cut-to-Length
Cut to your exact length specification. No minimum piece size — ideal for prototyping and full-scale production.
R&D & Prototyping Support
Small-batch samples for proof-of-concept work. Technical team available to discuss Af selection, machinability, and heat treatment parameters.
Global Shipping & Export Packaging
Tube-packed or bundle-wrapped with moisture barrier. DAP/FCA incoterms. Customs-compliant documentation worldwide.
Packaging & Available Forms
| Form | Description | Typical Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Rod (0.1–3.0 mm) | Straightened, cut to length, precision diameter | Tube-packed in protective containers, 150–300 mm lengths |
| Standard Rod (3.0–25 mm) | Centerless ground or polished finish | Bundle-wrapped with interleaving, moisture-barrier bag |
| Heavy Bar (25–100 mm) | Hot-rolled, solution-treated, or annealed | Individual protective wrapping, palletized |
| Custom-Machined Blanks | Pre-cut to length with end-finishing options | Custom compartment trays per customer specification |
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitinol bar and rod are solid cylindrical forms of nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy. Bar typically refers to larger diameters (≥6 mm) used for machining and structural applications, while rod covers the full diameter range from 0.1 mm up to 100 mm. Available in superelastic (springs back after bending) and shape memory (heat-activated recovery) grades, conforming to ASTM F2063.
ASTM F2063 is the international standard for wrought nickel-titanium shape memory alloys for medical devices and surgical implants. For bar and rod, it governs chemical composition (54.5–57.0 wt% nickel), transformation temperature methodology, and mechanical properties. Medical device OEMs require ASTM F2063 compliance for FDA and EU MDR submissions. Full material certification included with every order.
Superelastic (austenitic) bar/rod is used above its Af temperature — it springs back after bending without heating, ideal for orthopaedic pins, flexible drive shafts, and compliant tooling. Shape memory (martensitic) bar/rod is deformed cold and recovers its shape upon heating, suitable for thermal actuators, cryogenic couplings, and temperature-triggered release mechanisms.
Diameter range: 0.1 mm to 100 mm. Length: up to 3000 mm. Tolerances: ±0.03 mm for 3–6 mm diameter, ±0.04 mm for 6–10 mm, ±0.06 mm for 10–30 mm, ±0.09 mm for 30–50 mm. ISO h8/h9/h11 tolerance grades available. Custom diameters and lengths on request. Centerless ground finish is standard for precision applications.
We supply polished, centerless ground, pickled, black oxide, and lightly oxidized surface finishes. Centerless ground finish is recommended for precision machining applications requiring tight diameter tolerances and smooth surface finish. Black oxide finish provides enhanced lubricity for forming operations. Custom surface requirements are welcomed.
Standard MOQ is 1 kg or 1 piece, whichever is greater. Small-batch samples available for R&D and prototyping. Stock sizes ship in 5–7 business days. Custom diameters and Af specifications delivered in 2–4 weeks. Volume pricing applies at 10 kg, 50 kg, and 100 kg+ tiers. Contact us for a detailed quotation with lead time.
Also available: Nitinol Alloy Wire ASTM F2063 | Nitinol Sheet & Plate ASTM F2063 | Nitinol Tube | Nitinol Spring | Shape Memory Flat Wire