Abstract <p>Shape memory effects have been studied in Ni–Mn–X (X = In, Ga, Sn) alloy systems. Nevertheless, low mechanical performance limits their possible applications. Some works have proposed the addition of a fourth element like Sn, Ga, Co, Mg, and Cr to reduce brittleness. However, this addition often causes the emergence of a second phase capable of improving mechanical behavior, sacrificing other properties of interest. We use melt spinning which compared with arc melting limits the emergence of second phases due to their high cooling rates. In this study, a Ni₅₀Mn₃₃Cr₁₀In₇ alloy was synthesized by arc melting and melt spinning, which allowed us to obtain bulk and ribbons, respectively. The difference in martensitic transformation temperatures and transformation-related energy between the two synthesis methods was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, the second phase’s distribution and chemical composition were observed and determined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, respectively.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>