What are the advantages and disadvantages of nitinol?

Answer 1

Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy, offers several advantages, including its unique shape memory and superelastic properties, which allow it to return to a predetermined shape when heated and absorb significant stress without permanent deformation. These characteristics make it ideal for medical devices like stents and guidewires. However, disadvantages include its relatively high cost, limited machining capabilities, and potential biocompatibility issues depending on the application and patient sensitivities. Additionally, its performance can be affected by temperature and alloy composition, requiring careful control in manufacturing.