---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Laboratory analysis and expertise of nitinol – Metallurgical Expertise"
description: "Our laboratory is expert in metallurgical analysis and the analysis of alloys such as nitinol, offering advanced expertise in determining chemical composition and physico-chemical properties. Your need: perform nitinol alloy analysis Nitinol is a memory metal alloy composed mainly of..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/nitinol-characterisation/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_665491e650807", "Arnaud JOUDRAIN Meta"]
timestamp: "2026-04-22T08:20:02Z"
published: "2024-05-28T12:55:15Z"
language: "en"
author: "Laure Durieux"
---

# Laboratory analysis and expertise of nitinol – Metallurgical Expertise

Our laboratory is expert in **[metallurgical](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-metallurgy-steelmaking-analysis.md)** analysis and the **[analysis of alloys](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/metallic-alloy-analysis-laboratory.md)** such as**nitinol**, offering advanced expertise in determining **chemical composition** and **physico-chemical properties**.

## Your need: perform nitinol alloy analysis

Nitinol is a memory metal alloy composed mainly of [nickel](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-nickel-alloys.md) (55%) and titanium (45%). It takes its name from the elements that compose it (Nickel and Titanium) and from the laboratory where it was developed (Naval Ordnance Laboratory). Nitinol is particularly known for its two unique properties: shape memory and super-elasticity.

### What are the properties of Nitinol?

 Shape memory :
Nitinol is an alloy with a unique ability to remember its original shape. After deformation at low temperature, it can return to its original shape when heated above a certain temperature. This property is due to a reversible phase transformation between two crystalline structures: martensite (low temperature) and austenite (high temperature).

 Super-elasticity :
At temperatures slightly above the transformation temperature of martensite, nitinol can be reversibly deformed under mechanical stress, returning to its original shape once the stress has been removed. This gives it an elasticity far superior to that of conventional metals.

### Analysis of the composition of Nitinol: an essential quality control

The chemical composition analysis of nitinol **verifies the presence and concentration of critical alloying elements** such as nickel and titanium, thus ensuring compliance of materials for safety and performance-critical applications.

## The FILAB laboratory, a specialist in metallurgical analysis and nitinol analysis

The FILAB laboratory offers metallurgical analysis services for cobalt to several hundred clients, some of which are [COFRAC ISO 17025](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en.md) accredited.

We use cutting-edge analytical methods, such as optical emission spectrometry and ICP analysis, to provide highly accurate cobalt and cobalt alloy analysis results.

### Our methods for analyzing cobalt and alloys

We use advanced analytical techniques such as spectrometry and ICP analysis to accurately detect the chemical composition of nitinol. These methods measure element content and ensure material quality.

## Our technical resources

 [### Elemental analyzers C,H,O,N,S](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-elemental-analysis.md)
### Elemental analyzers

Carbon, Sulphur (C/S)

### Elemental analyzers

Nitrogen, Oxygen and Hydrogen (N / O / H)

 [### Spark Spectrometry SEO](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-oes-alloys.md) [### Basic analysis techniques ICP-AES and ICP-MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes.md) [### SEM](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md)
## Our analysis of metals and alloys

[Iron](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/iron-alloys-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md): [steel](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-steel.md), [steel 316l](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-steel.md), [stainless steel](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/stainless-steel-laboratory-analysis.md), [cast iron](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-cast-iron.md)

[Titanium](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-titanium-alloys.md) : [TiAl](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-of-tial.md), T40, TA6V

[Cobalt](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-cobalt-alloys.md) : Cobalt Stellite Grade 6, Cobalt Stellite Grade 21

[Nickel](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-nickel-alloys.md) ([Nitinol](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/nitinol-characterisation.md), [Inconel](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-inconel-metals.md) 718, Inconel 625, [René 77](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-of-rene-77.md), [Hastelloy X](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/analysis-hastelloy-x-nickel-alloy.md)) 

[Zinc](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-zinc-alloys.md)

[Chromium](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-chromium-6/): [chromium VI](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/chromium-vi-analysis.md)

[Copper](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-copper-alloys.md): [brass](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-brass-copper-alloys.md), [bronze](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-of-bronze.md)

[Aluminium](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-aluminum-alloys.md): AS7G06

[Tin](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-tin-alloy-sn.md) : SAC 305, SAC 0807, [Tin-Lead (SNPB)](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-snpb-alloys.md)

[Lead](https://filab.fr/en/laboratory-analysis-lead/)

[Molybdenum](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/molybdenum-laboratory-analysis.md)

### Why choose our laboratory for the analysis of Nitinol?

Our FILAB laboratory offers services dedicated to **nitinol analysis**, tailored to the specific needs of each industry. Performing a **nitinol composition analysis** can address several industrial issues:

  **Quality control**: ensure nitinol meets technical specifications and industry standards to ensure product durability, safety and performance. **Performance optimization**: precisely adapt the nitinol composition to the conditions of use, such as super-elasticity. **Regulatory compliance**: check that nitinol meets the standards (ISO, NF) and legal requirements specific to certain industries, such as aerospace, medical and robotics. **Failure prevention**: identify undesirable elements or differences in composition that could compromise the strength and stability of the alloy under extreme conditions.
### Our accreditations

 ![](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ESSAI-Logo-COFRAC.jpg)
The FILAB laboratory is accredited by COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee) – Laboratories section – for its departments in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Expertise, Materials Expertise, and Environment in the following fields: 

✔️ Physicochemical analysis of metallic materials
✔️ Physicochemical analysis of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products
✔️ Physicochemical analysis of medical devices, medical equipment, and chemical and biological products

Scope available No. 1-1793

This [Nadcap accreditation](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en/materials-testing-nadcap-laboratory.md) notably covers:
✔️ Chemical analysis (ICP-OES) of critical metallic alloys (Al, Fe, Ni, Ti)
✔️ Metallography

An international recognition that confirms our commitment to quality and reliability for the most demanding applications, particularly in the aerospace sector.

 ![](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PNG-bleu-e1775737225243-1024x446.png) [Explore our accreditations](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en.md)
## FAQ

 What are the applications of Nitinol?
Nitinol is used in many areas because of its unique properties:

Medical devices:

Cardiovascular stents: Nitinol stents can be compressed for insertion into a blood vessel and return to their original shape to keep the vessel open.
Orthodontic wires: Nitinol orthodontic wires exert a constant force on the teeth, facilitating their alignment.
Surgical instruments: Nitinol is used to make catheter clamps and guides because of its flexibility and ability to regain shape.

Aerospace industry:

Connectors and fasteners: Nitinol is used for connections that need to be robust but flexible.
Deployment systems: Used in mechanisms that require accurate and reliable deployment, such as satellite dishes.

Industrial applications:

Actuators and sensors: Nitinol is used in devices where mechanical action is required in response to a temperature change.
Robots and automation: Nitinol components can be used to create precise, controlled movements.

 What are the benefits and limitations of using Nitinol?
**Benefits:**
- Biocompatibility: Nitinol is well tolerated by the human body, making it ideal for medical applications.
- Corrosion resistance: Good corrosion resistance, especially in biological and marine environments.
- Durability: High capacity to withstand deformation cycles and regain its original shape.

**Limitations:**
- Cost: Nitinol is relatively expensive compared to other metal alloys.
- Manufacturing process: The methods of manufacture and heat treatment must be carefully controlled to obtain the desired properties.
- Temperature limits: Nitinol’s performance is limited by specific temperature ranges, beyond which its shape memory and super-elasticity properties are altered.