Shape Memory Alloy Microactuators

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Because of its high energy density, the use of shape memory alloys(SMA) in designing microactuatiors is gaining much attention in recent years. Shape memory alloys can undergo a shape change at a low temperature with a small applied deformation force, and retain this deformation until they are heated, at which point they return to the original shape. This is called the shape memory effect(SME), and a plethora of alloys show this effect. Among them, TiNi-based alloys have relatively high electrical resistivity, which to develope helical-shape memory springs. These springs are used to develop fast protatonist/antagonist configuration actuators. The developed actuator has an actuation speed of 1 mm per 15 .approx. 20 ms and a minimum operating period of 2 sec.