SMP being formed

In many ways this material is the polymer equivalent of shape memory metal - e.g., Smart wire. The material is a cast thermo-setting resin with extraordinary memory properties. Most polymers have some ‘memory’ but this one can be stretched by up to 200% and still remember its original condition. The material is cast to ‘remember’ that it should be a flat sheet. When heated above 70°C, it softens, and can be shaped by stretching, bending, blowing etc. When cool it retains its new shape, but if the material is re-heated to 70°C, it reverts to its flat sheet condition. Commercial applications include deployable structures, and tooling for industrial manufacturing.

The material can be cut and machined like acrylics and uses in the classroom include both SMP demonstrations and real project applications – e.g., a safety mechanism that provides mechanical movement if fluid or air get too hot.
SMA (sheet size approx. 3mm thick x 10cms x 15cms)
Shape Memory Polymer is available here at MUTR.