Abstract
Since the discovery of the Shape Memory Alloy (SMA), various products have been introduced utilizing the alloy. However up until now, the variety of products using SMA is limited and penetration into the mass market is minute. Some products have commercially failed. On the macro level, the history of the SMA is relatively short. We believe the future of the SMA products is very promising if some solutions are found to some of the complications, such as improving the operational characteristics in high temperature, the issue of nickel content in the medical field, processability of the Ti-Ni alloy, and creating good production methods for complicated shapes. Looking back from here on the history of the introduction of SMA products into the market, we understand the fundamentals of the production process. Using this as a foundation, innovative thinking should open the door for innumerable production methods, and more excellent products will be invented.
