What is SMA?

SMA stands for Shape Memory Alloy made of high strength nickel and titanium. Shape Memory Alloys have a unique property compared to most other metals in that they can be “trained” to remember a certain shape. This shape can be recalled through heat activation. When heat is applied to the metal, the crystalline structure of the metal changes from martensite to austenite creating a physical structural shift. Since SMA has an ability to “remember” a shape, we also refer to it as “Smart Metal”. The following video demonstrates the amazing properties of SMA wire.