Feb 14, 2003
Nitinol is a family of intermetallic materials that contain a nearly equal mixture of nickel and titanium, with other elements often added to adjust or "tune" the material properties. Nitinol exhibits a combination of unique characteristics including "Shape Memory" and "Superelasticity" that enable nitinol assemblies to flex like muscles when electrically driven, dynamically changing their internal structure at certain temperatures and then returning to their original shape when the current flow is ceased.
By building upon a strong history in the automation of both insertion and splicing technologies, Autosplice has quickly moved to the forefront when it comes to attaching nitinol muscle wire to PCB assemblies. For example, to create muscle wire assemblies for applications such as micro-latches for opening secure medical dispensing cabinets, Autosplice developed an automated process whereby clip-on tabs are spliced to the muscle wire, which is then attached directly to pins that have been inserted into the PCB using Autosplice automation technologies. The integrated process provides a simple and automation-friendly electro-mechanical interconnection that consistently holds the muscle wire in the desired position and simultaneously provides the electrical connection needed to drive its operation.
Autosplice also has developed variations on the basic process that allow for splicing the clip-on tabs at specified positions along an entire reel of nitinol wire and then re-reeling it for subsequent trimming and attachment during a final assembly process. Additional process alternatives can include pre-molding plastic housings around the clip-on terminals to create complete self-contained slip-on nitinol actuator assemblies.
Because of its light-weight, low-cost and simplicity, nitinol muscle wire is rapidly gaining attention as a cost-effective alternative to other physical triggering devices such as solenoids that require more space, power and design complexity. Muscle wire has significant advantages for creating miniaturized assemblies because the Autosplice method allows the actuator wire to be attached directly to a PCB with a minimal use of PCB real estate. In addition to the initial uses for implementing electronically triggered micro-latches in medical assemblies, nitinol muscle wire offers opportunities for reducing the size and cost of many solenoid applications in the automotive industry, such as opening vents or triggering latches. The low-power advantages of muscle wire also make it a good candidate for implementing physical triggering mechanisms in products where battery life is a critical factor, such as toys or other portable devices.
Autosplice is a manufacturer of terminals, component assemblies and applicator systems, providing automated solutions for creating electrical interconnections. Autosplice systems enable substantial cost savings and provide superior reliability over conventional connector products and assembly methods. For more information on Autosplice�s products or to discuss unique applications, contact Dave Trail at (858) 678-3183 or dtrail@autosplice.com
