Optimization of series production of SMA wire actuators using a modular automation platform

The automated manufacturing of SMA actuator systems is still a major challenge due to the special properties of SMA. For many small and medium-sized companies, the necessary human and financial resources for the development of special production systems are often not available. This prevents the further market breakthrough of SMA actuator systems to a considerable extent and therefore represents an enormous obstacle to innovation.

Consequently, the expert knowledge on shape memory alloys and the production engineering background of Fraunhofer IWU is combined with the domain -specific knowledge for automation systems of Xenon and the specialized knowledge for handling systems and wire processing of Kieselstein. The work is supported by ibH Ingenieurbüro für Feinwerktechnik Hagedorn with its many years of experience in the development and design of special precision tools and the toolmaking expertise of Lutz Arnold, the design office for tools and production equipment.

Within the project, a modular automation platform is currently being developed at the Fraunhofer IWU. This not only enables valuable research results, but also helps small and medium-sized companies in particular to build on the project's expertise and implement their own automation solutions cost- efficiently.