Nickel Alloy Nitinol-O vs Nitinol-SE
Nickel Alloy · Nitinol temper comparison
Nitinol-O and Nitinol-SE are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Nitinol: O (annealed) versus SE (superelastic (austenitic, Af ≈ 0…18 °C), shape-set + aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Nitinol-SE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for Nitinol-O, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). In exchange, Nitinol-O is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 13% for Nitinol-SE, and Nitinol-SE is harder (32 HRC vs 22 HRC). Nitinol-O runs hotter in service (300°C vs 90°C continuous).
Nitinol-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Nitinol-SEChoose it when strength drives the design.
Nitinol-O vs Nitinol-SE: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all nickel alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all nickel alloy grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 24 GPa3.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 1,000 MPa145 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 40 MPa·√m36.4 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 6.45 g/cm³0.23 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,300°C2,372 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,310°C2,390 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 18 W/m·K10.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 11 µm/m·K6.1 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.7 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁻⁶ Ω·m39.4 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 V · Corrosion Resistance 82 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Same in both: Machinability 12 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 10% · Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 45 / 100 · Castability 15 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 400 MJ/kg171,969 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 26 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 900 L/kg108 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every nickel alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Nitinol-O vs Nitinol-SE — frequently asked
Is Nitinol-SE stronger than Nitinol-O?
Yes. Nitinol-SE has a typical yield strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for Nitinol-O — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 1,400 MPa (203 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or SE?
O is the default Nitinol condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose Nitinol-O over Nitinol-SE?
Pick Nitinol-O when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick Nitinol-SE when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Nitinol-O and Nitinol-SE side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.