Notebookcheck Logo

From nuts and bolts to smart metals: New 3D-printed shape memory alloys can redefine engineering

Upon heating above the austenite finish temperature (Af), the Nickel Titanium alloy recovers its initial shape. (Image source: ScienceDirect)
Upon heating above the austenite finish temperature (Af), the Nickel Titanium alloy recovers its initial shape. (Image source: ScienceDirect)
Researchers developed active interlocking metasurfaces using shape memory alloys like Nickel-Titanium (NiTi), allowing for temperature-controlled locking and unlocking. These structures were created through additive manufacturing for dynamic applications.

Researchers have developed active interlocking metasurfaces (ILMs) using shape memory alloys (SMAs) like Nickel-Titanium (NiTi), which are metals that can "remember" and return to their original shape when heated. These new ILMs can lock and unlock based on temperature, making it a smarter way to create mechanical connections between materials.

Traditionally, joints and fasteners like bolts or adhesives are used to hold components together. However, ILMs use tiny interlocking features to connect parts, allowing them to transmit force and limit movement in precise directions. You might be wondering where the innovation lies in all of this? It lies in adding active materials like NiTi, which change shape when heated, to make these joints more responsive. These joints allow for controlled engagement and disengagement of the surfaces, without the need for manual intervention or external force.

Unit cell of the two proposed Interlocking Metasurfaces, featuring a) Pinch Grip and b) Expanding Anchor designs. (Image source: ScienceDirect)
Unit cell of the two proposed Interlocking Metasurfaces, featuring a) Pinch Grip and b) Expanding Anchor designs. (Image source: ScienceDirect)

The study explored two different ILM designs, called Pinch Grip (PG) and Expanding Anchors (EA). These were built using a technique called additive manufacturing, which is similar to 3D printing but for metals. By heating these structures, the researchers could activate the shape memory effect (SME), allowing the parts to move, lock, or unlock as needed. This makes the joints adaptable and ideal for dynamic environments, where components may need to be frequently reassembled or adjusted.

Using computer modeling (finite element analysis), the team was able to predict how these ILMs would behave under stress, and thermomechanical testing showed they could withstand repeated use without losing their strength or shape recovery ability.

This study is a major showcase of how combining advanced materials and additive manufacturing can lead to new ways of creating strong, flexible, and smart connections for engineering and industrial applications.

3D-printed NiTi shape memory alloy Pinch Grip 1x1 array parts with optical micrographs of the polished cross sections. (Image source: ScienceDirect)
3D-printed NiTi shape memory alloy Pinch Grip 1x1 array parts with optical micrographs of the polished cross sections. (Image source: ScienceDirect)
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
Mail Logo
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 10 > From nuts and bolts to smart metals: New 3D-printed shape memory alloys can redefine engineering
Anubhav Sharma, 2024-10-10 (Update: 2024-10-15)