Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are active metallic materials classified nowadays as "smart" or "intelligent" materials. One of their main areas of interest is that of actuators. The use of Shape Memory Alloys in actuators offers the opportunity to develop robust, simple and lightweight elements that can represent an alternative to electro-magnetic actuators commonly used in several fields of industrial applications, such as automotive, appliances, etc.

SAES Getters S.p.A., thanks to its vertically integrated process and to the scientific and quality approach, developed a NiTi-based wires family which can represent a solution for shape memory actuators. The trained SAES SmartFlex NiTi actuators show a very sophisticated profile of properties. In this paper the mechanical, thermal and electrical response of these shape memory wires, with diameters ranging from 20 to 500 mm, will be examined and discussed, with particular focus on the design of the actuator. The thermo-mechanical properties have been investigated and measured by several methods. The most common and useful tests for these commercially available wires will be also described.