Nitinol for Medical Devices, October 19-21, 2026

Sponsored by:

The unique properties of the shape memory alloy Nitinol have led to many transformational medical device innovations, including self-expanding stents, percutaneous delivered heart valves, kink resistant guide wires, and self-locking orthopedic devices. Its superelastic qualities allow the alloy to withstand large amounts of recoverable strain, and its potential for excellent biocompatibility and fatigue resistance make it the material of choice for some of the most demanding medical device applications. However, Nitinol’s unique properties are very dependent upon alloy composition and processing.

In this course, you will learn the variables that affect Nitinol’s properties, how to control them, and how its unique properties can be applied in medical devices.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, you can successfully:

• Identify the reasons for Nitinol’s unique properties
• Describe how Nitinol performs in a variety of conditions
• Describe basic Nitinol device manufacturing principles
• Recognize how to apply the benefits of Nitinol’s properties to real world applications

WHO SHOULD ENROLL:

• Manufacturing Engineers
• Quality Engineers
• Device Designers
• Biomedical Engineers
• Technicians
• Test Engineers who are working with Nitinol in Industry, Government or Academia.
• Individuals new to the industry
• Individuals with new roles/responsibilities that require a fundamental understanding of Nitinol’s application in medical device design.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Fundamentals of Shape Memory

1. History
2. Shape Memory and Superelasticity
3. Thermal and Mechanical Properties
4. ASTM Standards

Nitinol Processing

1. Melting
2. Hot and Cold Working
3. Shape Setting
4. Machining and Joining

Design and Application

1. Where is Nitinol Used?
2. Medical Device Characteristics
3. Design Case Studies

Environmental Effects

Continuing Education Units: 2.0