Additive manufacturing of shape memory NiTi thin films (Conference Presentation)

Shape memory nickel-titanium (NiTi) thin films have demonstrated superior capabilities in microelectromechanical systems and biomedical implants due to its corrosion resistance, large work output per unit mass, radiation resistance, and biocompatibility. The goal of this project is to additively manufacture NiTi thin film devices with micrometer resolution. NiTi colloid inks for 3D printing applications were developed and characterized. NiTi thin films were then printed onto a ceramic substrate using an aerosol jet printer, subsequently, sintering and heat treatment procedures were developed. Damping capability and output power density of the printed NiTi thin films were eventually characterized.