HFT40018T-01 Memory Alloy Thermostatic Valve, G1
The Legom HFT40018T-01 Memory Alloy Thermostatic Valve is a G1 internal thread thermostatic mixing valve that uses a shape memory alloy (SMA) thermostatic element rather than the wax cartridge technology found in conventional TMVs. Shape memory alloys are metallic materials that return to a precisely defined shape when heated to a specific temperature — a property that enables highly repeatable, fatigue-resistant thermostatic actuation with consistent accuracy across the valve’s service life, without the potential for wax degradation or leakage associated with wax cartridge designs.
With a temperature adjustment range of 20–60°C, control accuracy of ±2°C, working pressure range of 0.03–1 MPa, and G1 internal thread connections, the HFT40018T-01 suits commercial water heater installations where the memory alloy technology’s long-term stability and resistance to performance drift are valued. Manufactured from 57-3 copper with nickel plating with a white ABS silk-screen handwheel.
Key Benefits
- Shape memory alloy thermostatic element – Uses a metallic SMA element rather than a wax cartridge. Shape memory alloys recover their programmed shape with exceptional repeatability — millions of cycles without fatigue — providing long-term thermostatic accuracy that is inherently resistant to the degradation that can affect wax elements over extended service life
- No wax — no wax leakage risk – Conventional wax TMV cartridges can develop micro-leaks in the wax capsule over time, causing the valve to lose calibration or fail to close fully. The SMA element eliminates this failure mode entirely, as there is no liquid wax to contain
- G1 internal thread for DN25 pipework – Positioned between the mid-commercial DN20 models and the larger DN32 variants, the G1 (DN25) connection suits commercial installations with moderate-to-high hot water flow demand
- ±2°C temperature control accuracy – Consistent mixed water delivery within ±2°C of the set point across varying supply pressure and temperature conditions
- 20–60°C adjustment range – White handwheel allows full-range adjustment with factory-preset narrower ranges available for safety applications
- No electricity required – Self-acting thermostatic operation — the SMA element responds directly to water temperature without any electrical connection
- 57-3 copper with nickel plating – Corrosion-resistant body for durable commercial hot water service
- Wide pressure range 0.03–1 MPa – Covers gravity-fed through mains-pressure commercial water supply systems
- Customizable preset temperature ranges – OEM orders can specify factory-preset ranges for restricted-adjustment safety applications
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | HFT40018T-01 |
| Thermostatic Element Type | Shape memory alloy (SMA) |
| Body Material | 57-3 copper, nickel plated |
| Handwheel | ABS white silk-screen, 40mm |
| Connection | G1 internal thread (DN25) |
| Temperature Adjustment Range | 20–60°C (standard); 35–55°C / 40–50°C / 30–60°C (preset options) |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ± 2°C |
| Working Pressure Range | 0.03 MPa – 1 MPa |
| Ideal Working Pressure | 0.1 MPa – 0.5 MPa |
| Cold Water Temperature Range | 5°C – 29°C |
| Hot Water Temperature Range | 30°C – 99°C |
| Primary Use | Commercial water heater systems |
SMA vs Wax Cartridge — Technology Comparison
| Characteristic | Shape Memory Alloy (HFT40018T-01) | Wax Cartridge (HFT30001/65001 etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Actuating element | Metallic alloy (solid state) | Wax capsule (phase change) |
| Leakage risk from element | None — no liquid wax | Possible micro-leakage over time |
| Cycle fatigue | Extremely high resistance | Gradual wax degradation possible |
| Response speed | Fast | Standard |
| Temperature accuracy | ± 2°C | ± 2°C |
| Electricity needed | No | No |
Application & Use Cases
- Long-service-life commercial installations – The SMA element’s exceptional cycle fatigue resistance makes the HFT40018T-01 particularly suited to high-usage commercial installations where the valve cycles frequently throughout the day and long-term calibration stability is a priority
- Healthcare and aged care facilities – Where consistent temperature accuracy over many years of continuous service is a safety requirement and valve replacement must be minimized to reduce disruption to building occupants
- Commercial water heaters requiring premium element longevity – Hotels, hospitals, student accommodation, and apartment buildings where the valve operates in high-demand, continuous-use environments that stress conventional wax cartridges
- Solar thermal commercial systems – Where high storage temperatures and large temperature differentials between hot and cold supplies create demanding operating conditions for thermostatic elements
- Installations with restricted maintenance access – Where cartridge replacement is difficult and the longest possible service life between interventions is a design requirement
Installation Notes
- Connect hot water supply to the hot inlet (H), cold water supply to the cold inlet (C), and mixed water outlet (M) to the distribution pipework using male G1 fittings with appropriate thread sealant
- Install isolation valves upstream of both hot and cold inlets to enable servicing without shutting down the building water supply
- Install a strainer on the cold inlet to protect the SMA element and valve internals from grit and debris
- The valve performs optimally at 0.1–0.5 MPa — verify inlet pressure is within this range at peak flow conditions
- After installation, verify outlet temperature at the furthest fixture with a calibrated thermometer before commissioning for occupant use
- To adjust the set temperature, turn the white handwheel and allow 1 minute stabilisation before re-measuring outlet temperature
- Flush supply lines before installation to remove debris that could affect the SMA element’s precision actuation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shape memory alloy and how does it work in a thermostatic valve?
A shape memory alloy is a metallic material — typically a nickel-titanium (Nitinol) alloy — that has been processed to “remember” a specific shape at a defined temperature. When cooled below its transformation temperature, the alloy can be deformed. When reheated to the transformation temperature, it recovers its original shape with considerable force. In a thermostatic valve, this shape recovery generates the mechanical movement that opens or closes the mixing mechanism — expanding to open the hot water path as water temperature rises, and contracting to close it as temperature falls. Because the transformation is a solid-state crystalline phase change rather than a liquid-solid phase change like wax melting, the cycle can be repeated millions of times with negligible fatigue.
How does the SMA element compare to a wax cartridge in practical terms?
In normal commercial service, both technologies deliver equivalent temperature accuracy (±2°C) and self-acting thermostatic control. The practical advantage of the SMA element becomes apparent over extended service life: wax cartridges can develop micro-leaks in the wax encapsulation that cause calibration drift or prevent the valve from fully closing the hot water port. The SMA element has no liquid wax to contain — it is a solid metallic component that maintains its thermostatic properties without the risk of wax capsule failure. For high-usage commercial installations, the SMA element’s inherently longer calibration stability can reduce the frequency of cartridge replacement and associated maintenance costs.
Can the temperature range be factory-preset?
Yes. OEM and project orders can specify factory-preset temperature ranges of 35–55°C, 40–50°C, or 30–60°C that mechanically restrict handwheel travel. Contact the Legom team to specify the required preset range when ordering.
What connection size is G1 and what flow capacity does it provide?
G1 is a parallel pipe thread with a nominal bore of approximately 25mm (DN25), positioned between G3/4 (DN20) and G1¼ (DN32). It provides significantly higher flow capacity than G3/4 domestic valves while remaining more compact than the G1¼ and larger commercial models. G1 is commonly used in mid-size commercial hot water distribution systems and is a standard connection size on many commercial water heater outlets.
OEM & ODM Customization
Legom supports OEM and ODM services for the HFT40018T-01 Memory Alloy Thermostatic Valve. Customization options include preset temperature range, connection size, body finish, and handwheel color. Contact us via WhatsApp or info@legomsmart.com.
Product information last reviewed by the Legom Technical Team. For the most current specifications, refer to the official datasheet or contact our sales team.
Custom OEM & ODM Solutions
Legom is a direct manufacturer offering end-to-end OEM and ODM services. With our in-house engineering and production capabilities, we work closely with distributors and system integrators to deliver fully customized solutions under strict NDA.
