摘要 |
An actuator comprises an actuator element in the form of a lamina 2 made from a shape memory material. A heating element 6 is bonded to the lamina 2 and serves to heat the lamina 2 to cause it change phase and thereby operate the actuator. The heating element 6 is encapsulated in a bonding layer 4 which is bonded to the lamina 2. The heating element 6 is made from a superelastic and/or shape memory effect material, for example an alloy such as NiTi, which exhibits superelastic properties so that the heating element 6 can follow the strain induced in the lamina 2 without being strained beyond its elastic limit.
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