Laser shape setting feasibility for promoting shape memory effect in thin Ti rich-NiTi wires

Shape setting is a crucial step in the production route for NiTi Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) for tuning the final functional performances. A laser beam can be effectively used as an alternative method for a fast shape setting of NiTi wires, with the goal of inducing martensitic transformation and the corresponding thermo-mechanical response. In this work, Ti rich NiTi wires were subjected to laser scanning for inducing Shape Memory Effect. The feasibility of the laser heat treatment was studied by exploring the effect of the principal laser parameters, such as laser power and scanning speed, on the promotion of the martensitic transformation. It was demonstrated that laser shape setting can be successfully carried out on thin Ti rich NiTi wires for promoting the martensitic transformation in a temperature range of interest for promising SME performance.