Nitinol actuators

[sanddrag]

We were going to use some nichrome (spelling) wire last year to burn through cord to release a spring mechanism. We got it working really well too. We even showed videos to FIRST of exactly what it did and how much smoke it produced and how we would contain the smoke and make sure there was no chance of fire, but they would not let us use it. It still is really cool stuff to play with though.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

We were going to use some nichrome (spelling) wire last year to burn through cord to release a spring mechanism. We got it working really well too. We even showed videos to FIRST of exactly what it did and how much smoke it produced and how we would contain the smoke and make sure there was no chance of fire, but they would not let us use it. It still is really cool stuff to play with though.

Nichrome wire is used in heating coils for toasters and irons. Although it is great for those applications, it does present a fire hazard and it is considered exposed wiring since it is conductive. A draw back is that it is fragile when heated if not well supported. Just look into the top of a toaster and you will see what I mean.
Al