Net-shape manufacturing of NiTi shape-memory parts

NiTi parts have been produced by two net-shape manufacturing techniques: metal injection moulding (MIM) and three-dimensional printing (3DP). MIM parts were processed by using pre-alloyed powders, and two layer-manufacturing techniques: dropping of a binder on powder beds, and dropping of a solvent on powder-polymer granule beds. Both MIM and 3DP sintered parts are porous, and exhibit shape memory behaviour. MIM parts processed from Ni and TiH2 based feedstocks show a shape memory effect of more than 4%