Pressure
Deep-sea applications bring extreme pressure conditions. Actuators and their components need to be designed to withstand these forces without deformation or failure.
ThermoFlex MADE FROM NITINOL can continue to operate with little to no change in performance while under 25,000 pounds of pressure.
Corrosion
The presence of saltwater and dissolved chemicals creates a highly corrosive environment. Actuators need special materials, coatings, and sealing to prevent damage and ensure long-term functionality.
The Protective Oxide Layer: ThermoFlex owes its excellent corrosion resistance to the formation of a thin, stable, and highly adherent layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on its surface.
How it forms: This oxide layer forms naturally and almost instantaneously when titanium is exposed to oxygen or moisture.
Self-Healing: Importantly, this oxide layer is self-healing. Even if it gets damaged, it will quickly reform in the presence of oxygen.