Nickel Alloy Nitinol-O vs Nitinol-SM
Nickel Alloy · Nitinol temper comparison
Nitinol-O and Nitinol-SM are two conditions of the same nickel alloy grade, Nitinol: O (annealed) versus SM (shape Memory). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Nitinol-O is the stronger of the two: yield strength 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for Nitinol-SM, about 3.1 times as much. Nitinol-O is harder — 250 HV against 210 HV for Nitinol-SM — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. Nitinol-O is stiffer (75 GPa vs 34 GPa) and Nitinol-O runs hotter in service (300°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, Nitinol-SM forms better (good vs fair).
Nitinol-OChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Nitinol-O vs Nitinol-SM: 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)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 24 GPa3.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Elongation at Break 30% · Compressive Strength 1,000 MPa145 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 350 MPa50.8 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 40 MPa·√m36.4 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell C 22 HRC
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.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 500 J/kg·K0.12 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 1.7 % IACS
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.
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 12 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 10% · Weldability 35 / 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-SM — frequently asked
Is Nitinol-O stronger than Nitinol-SM?
Yes. Nitinol-O has a typical yield strength of 400 MPa (58 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for Nitinol-SM — about 3.1 times as much. Tensile strength is 950 MPa (138 ksi) vs 1,000 MPa (145 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or SM?
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-SM?
Pick Nitinol-O when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Nitinol-O and Nitinol-SM 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.