S. Takaoka, The Furukawa Electric Co.,Ltd., Hiratsuka, Japan
Association of Shape Memory Alloys in Japan was established in1993, has been promoting the shape memory alloys in Japan. The members are ingot makers, process makers, applied product makers and the individuals, mainly researchers. Applications of SMA products in Japan have been extended to various fields year by year. From the point of view of fatigue property, Ni-Ti alloys are mostly used for SMA applications in Japan. The Ni-Ti alloys are classified in shape memory alloys and superelastic alloys.. Among those shape memory applications there are thermal actuators using Ni-Ti coil springs. They are applied to air conditioning louver, thermostatic mixing valve, shuts-off valve of hot water ,water flow control valve, under floor vent, electric rice cooker and oil flow control system of the Shinkansen (bullet train). The newest one is the automatic CVT for Mercedes-Benz. Another use is shape memory wire for electrical current operated actuator, for example, film chamber lock for camera. For the superelastic applications this alloys are used to antenna core wires for cellar phones, wears (brassiere, dress, hat etc.), eyeglass frames and fishing lines. The latter is applied in medical field, to catheter tube, guide wire for catheter, stent and orthodontic wire. It has continued the new inquiries from various field, we are developing the new applications.
Summary: Introduction of Association of Shape Memory Alloys in Japan, and applications for shape memory and superelastic alloys in Japan market.
