Influence of surface state on properties of Ni-Mn-Ga actuator elements

The wire eroding technology was applied for the production of Ni-Mn-Ga single crystalline actuator elements. This paper presents results for the optimized preparation of Ni-Mn-Ga single crystalline actuator elements. The surface quality of the single crystalline Ni-Mn-Ga actuator elements was investigated after the processing route. A relation was found between preparation parameters and the quality of orientations. The results are discussed with respect to surface roughness and twinning behavior and will help to better understand the microstructure-property relationship of this new class of smart materials.