ABSTRACT
Although recent research and development in the area of shape memory alloys (SMA) continues to yield novel and unique results the widespread commercial application of these materials continues to lag. This paper considers strategic and commercial issues for the application of SMA products.
Through the use of established product management techniques such as life cycle analysis and bipolar mapping the paper concludes that for SMA applications to become more reactive and less proactive there needs to be a pull from product design and innovation. For this to occur, the differentiating material functions of shape memory must be promoted and perceived as adding value to the product.
Consideration is given to the commercialisation of SMA actuators and the role of an R&D/Market interface. The paper shows that for SMA actuators to become commercially viable the physical and mechanical properties of commercially available SMA’s must be consolidated and future R&D focused on design properties relevant to applications.
