Nitinol Flat Wire — Shape Memory & Superelastic Alloy ASTM F2063 Supplier
Princeton Nitinol supplies medical-grade Nitinol (NiTi) flat wire and strip engineered for shape memory and superelastic performance. Fully compliant with ASTM F2063, ISO 5832-11, and ISO 9001:2015. Thickness from 0.013 mm to 2 mm, width from 0.05 mm to 30 mm with custom Af temperatures and surface finishes — trusted by medical device OEMs, sensor manufacturers, and industrial actuator designers worldwide.
ASTM F2063 Certified Flat Wire
Medical-grade chemistry and transformation temperature control for orthodontic archwires, implantable sensors, and surgical instrument components.
Ultra-Thin Ribbon — 0.013 mm
Ultra-fine flat wire for micro-sensors, MEMS actuators, and miniature flexure applications requiring minimal cross-section.
Directional Flexibility
Rectangular cross-section provides anisotropic bending — flexible in the thin dimension, stiff in the wide dimension. Enables preferential-axis flexures.
Product Overview — NiTi Flat Wire & Strip
Our superelastic Nitinol flat wire delivers up to 8% recoverable strain with the added benefit of directional mechanical properties. Unlike round wire, the rectangular cross-section of flat wire provides anisotropic bending behavior — highly flexible in the thin dimension while maintaining stiffness in the wide dimension. This makes it the material of choice for orthodontic archwires (where torque control matters), eyeglass frame components, flexible electrical contacts, and precision sensor flexures that must bend in one plane while resisting lateral deflection.
Shape memory Nitinol flat wire and strip function as solid-state thermal actuators with a preferential bending axis. When heated above Af, the flat wire recovers its preset geometry with up to 600 MPa recovery stress. Applications span deployable antenna elements, thermal switch bimorphs, and micro-actuator flexures. Every flat wire and strip is fully traceable to its heat lot with full material certification including DSC thermogram and dimensional inspection.
Key Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Directional Superelasticity — 8% recoverable strain | Anisotropic bending — flexible in the thin axis, stiff in the wide axis. Ideal for orthodontic torque control and planar flexure applications. |
| Shape Memory Actuation — preferential bend axis | Heat-activated recovery with directional control. Up to 600 MPa recovery stress for thermal actuators and deployable structures. |
| ASTM F2063 / ISO 5832-11 Compliant | Meets strict chemical, mechanical, and biocompatibility requirements for medical devices and surgical implants. |
| Ultra-Thin — down to 0.013 mm | Enables micro-sensor, MEMS actuator, and miniature flexure applications demanding minimal thickness and precise dimensional control. |
| Width-to-Thickness Ratio Customizable | Choose any aspect ratio from near-square to wide ribbon — tailor bending stiffness ratios to your exact application requirements. |
| 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. |
| Edge Condition Control | Rounded, square, or chamfered edges available — critical for orthodontic archwires where patient comfort depends on smooth edges. |
Technical Specifications
Standard Size Examples & Tolerances
| Width × Thickness (mm) | Width Tolerance (±mm) | Thickness Tolerance (±mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 × 0.5 | 0.10 | 0.05 |
| 4.0 × 0.5 | 0.10 | 0.05 |
| 3.0 × 0.5 | 0.10 | 0.05 |
| 5.0 × 0.2 | 0.08 | 0.04 |
| 3.0 × 0.2 | 0.05 | 0.03 |
| 1.5 × 0.2 | 0.05 | 0.03 |
| 0.8 × 0.2 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| 0.5 × 0.2 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
Physical & Mechanical Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) Alloy — near-equiatomic |
| Nickel Content (Nominal) | 54.5 – 57.0 wt% (balance titanium) |
| Thickness Range | 0.013 mm – 2.0 mm |
| Width Range | 0.05 mm – 30 mm |
| Tensile Strength (Superelastic) | ≥ 850 – 1100 MPa (dimension-dependent) |
| Elongation | ≥ 10% |
| Recoverable Strain | Up to 8% |
| Max Recovery Stress (SME) | 600 MPa |
| Af Temperature Range | −10 °C to +120 °C (customizable) |
| Density | ~6.45 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1310 °C |
| Standards | ASTM F2063, ISO 5832-11, GB/T 24627 |
Surface Finish & Edge Options
Applications
Medical Devices
- Orthodontic archwires (torque control)
- Implantable sensor flexures
- Stent marker bands
- Surgical staple blanks
- Aneurysm clip springs
- Endoscopic tool flexures
- Bone plate pre-forms
- Dental implant components
Aerospace & Defense
- Deployable antenna ribbon elements
- Thermal switch bimorphs
- Satellite release mechanism flexures
- Vibration damping shims
- Morphing structure skin actuators
- Cryogenic coupling strips
- Solar array hinge flexures
Industrial & Consumer
- Eyeglass frame bridge & temple components
- 5G antenna compressible contacts
- USB-C connector spring contacts
- Micro-actuator flexures
- Flexible circuit substrates
- Robotic gripper elements
- Fire safety trigger strips
Why Choose Princeton Nitinol
VIM + VAR Melted Wire Stock
All flat wire rolled from double-melt round wire — minimizes inclusions that become stress risers in thin-gauge flat wire applications.
Full Documentation Package
Certificate of conformance, DSC thermogram (ASTM F2004), tensile report, and dimensional inspection data with every shipment.
Precision Width & Thickness Control
Laser micrometer verified dimensions. Tolerances down to ±0.02 mm on ultra-fine flat wire. Consistent cross-section for predictable bending behavior.
Custom Aspect Ratios
Choose any width-to-thickness combination within our production range. No need to compromise with off-the-shelf sizes.
R&D & Prototyping Support
Small-batch samples for proof-of-concept work. Technical team available to discuss Af selection, edge condition, and formability parameters.
Global Shipping & Export Packaging
Flat wire spooled or coiled with interleaving to prevent surface damage. Moisture-barrier packaging. DAP/FCA incoterms worldwide.
Packaging & Available Forms
| Form | Description | Typical Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Spooled Flat Wire | Continuous length, precision-layer wound | Plastic spools (diameter 100–300 mm), vacuum-sealed with desiccant |
| Straightened Cut Lengths | Cut to specified length, straightened | Tube-packed in 150 mm or 300 mm lengths |
| Flat Wire Coils | Large-diameter coil for high-volume processing | Bulk coils on poly-wrapped carriers, 5–50 kg |
| Strip (Width > 10 mm) | Wide flat wire / narrow strip, spooled or cut | Interleaved with protective paper, flat-packed or spooled |
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitinol flat wire (also called Nitinol strip or ribbon) is a rectangular cross-section form of nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy. Unlike round wire, the flat profile provides directional bending properties — flexible in the thin dimension, stiff in the wide dimension. Available in superelastic (springs back without heating) and shape memory (heat-activated recovery) grades. Thickness from 0.013 mm to 2 mm, width from 0.05 mm to 30 mm, conforming to ASTM F2063.
ASTM F2063 is the international standard for wrought nickel-titanium shape memory alloys for medical devices and surgical implants. For flat wire and strip, it governs chemical composition (54.5–57.0 wt% nickel), transformation temperature methodology, and mechanical properties. Medical device manufacturers require ASTM F2063 compliance for FDA and EU MDR regulatory submissions. Full material certification included with every order.
Superelastic (austenitic) flat wire is used above its Af temperature — it springs back after bending without heating, ideal for orthodontic archwires, eyeglass frame components, and flexible sensor substrates. Shape memory (martensitic) flat wire is deformed cold and recovers its programmed shape upon heating, suitable for thermal actuators, deployable antenna elements, and temperature-triggered switches.
Thickness: 0.013 mm (ultra-thin ribbon) to 2.0 mm. Width: 0.05 mm to 30 mm. Standard tolerance examples: 5×0.5 mm (±0.10 width / ±0.05 thickness), 3×0.2 mm (±0.05 width / ±0.03 thickness), 0.5×0.2 mm (±0.02 width / ±0.02 thickness). Ultra-fine tolerances down to ±0.0005 mm (0.013 mm thickness) available from select production lines. Custom dimensions and tighter tolerances on request.
We supply bright/polished, black oxide, light oxide (golden to brown), pickled/acid-washed, etched, and abrasive-finished flat wire surfaces. Bright polished is standard for medical applications. Black oxide finish provides enhanced lubricity for forming and drawing operations. Light oxide is common for shape memory flat wire. Custom surface requirements are welcomed.
Standard MOQ is 1 kg or 500 linear meters, whichever is less. Small-batch samples available for R&D and prototyping. Stock sizes ship in 5–7 business days. Custom dimensions and Af specifications delivered in 2–4 weeks. Volume pricing applies at 10 kg, 50 kg, and 100 kg+ tiers. Contact us with your flat wire specifications for a detailed quotation.
Also available: Nitinol Alloy Wire ASTM F2063 | Nitinol Sheet & Plate ASTM F2063 | Nitinol Bar & Rod | Nitinol Tube | Nitinol Spring