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 different feedstocks based on prealloyed powders, or blends of elemental titanium hydride and nickel powders. 3DP 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%.