Nickel Alloy Nitinol-O vs Nitinol Shape Set
Nickel Alloy · Nitinol temper comparison
Nitinol-O and Nitinol Shape Set are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Nitinol: O (annealed) versus Shape Set (shape Set / Aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Nitinol Shape Set is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for Nitinol-O, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi). In exchange, Nitinol-O is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 12% for Nitinol Shape Set, and Nitinol Shape Set is harder (33 HRC vs 22 HRC). Nitinol Shape Set conducts electricity better (2 % IACS vs 1.7 % IACS).
Nitinol-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Nitinol Shape SetChoose it when strength drives the design.
Nitinol-O vs Nitinol Shape Set: 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
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell C
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 24 GPa3.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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.
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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.25 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: 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 Shape Set — frequently asked
Is Nitinol Shape Set stronger than Nitinol-O?
Yes. Nitinol Shape Set has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 400 MPa (58 ksi) for Nitinol-O — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 1,300 MPa (189 ksi) vs 950 MPa (138 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or Shape Set?
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.
Which welds better, Nitinol-O or Nitinol Shape Set?
Nitinol-O. Its weldability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for Nitinol Shape Set.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Nitinol-O and Nitinol Shape Set 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.