Nitinol wire is widely known for its unique shape memory and excellent elasticity, allowing it to return to its original shape after deformation. It also demonstrates good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for various medical implants. However, nitinol has poor formability, meaning it is difficult to shape or bend permanently without specialized processing techniques. This limits its use in applications requiring extensive manual shaping during surgery. Understanding this limitation is crucial when selecting materials for surgical devices that demand precise molding or adjustments in the operating room.

Reference: Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, 3rd Edition.