Cutting of large Ni-Mn-Ga single crystalline actuator elements

The present paper deals with the evaluation of relevant erosive and cutting technologies for the preparation of single crystalline Ni-Mn-Ga actuator elements. The selected cutting processes, namely wire eroding, sawing and water jet cutting, were examined with regard to possible surface damages and achievable kerfs. The results show that the studied cutting processes are suitable for the production of Ni-Mn-Ga actuator elements.