High Entropy Shape Memory Alloys (HE-SMAs) as a special variant in the high entropy field have the potential to overcome common challenges in SMA applications. Due to functional degradation and fatigue of SMAs they are often unsuitable for the envisaged technical application. In the SMA field, processes like creating nano-compounds, SIM-aging and strain glasses are widely investigated to improve functional properties with limited success in terms of actual applications.

In the last decade, Ni-Ti-related HE-SMAs were identified as promising candidates to address those challenges. Arc-melting followed by subsequent heat-treatments is the most common method of alloy production. Due to dissolution, segregation as well as dendritic growth this typically results in brittle materials. Specifically, HE-SMAs feature promising functional potential by showing high recoverable stresses, despite remaining weaknesses such as phase and grain boundaries as well as transformation defects. Thus, it is mandatory to improve the material properties by subsequent processing to reach the full potential of the alloys. Therefore, in the present study thermo-mechanical processing, including hot-rolling and extrusion, was employed. In order to overcome the challenge of forming SMA actuators, the processing was carried out in a protective hull. Careful selection of thermo-mechanical parameters was essential to ensure successful shaping. Additionally, production parameters were found to be strongly dependent on the quality of the as-cast materials. It is shown how processing influences the microstructure of the material and thereby increasing its initial mechanical and functional properties.