Abstract: A method for producing an MSM actuator element, having a crystal orientation along a first crystal axis, from a monocrystalline MSM body by introducing a molten alloying material into a molding shell and subsequently solidifying the alloying material, comprising the following steps: providing a molding shell which comprises a nucleation region (24), a selector region (26) and a crystal region (28) and is oriented along a longitudinal axis (22) at least in some sections, introducing the molten MSM alloying material, in particular NiMnGa-based alloying material, into the molding shell without providing a separate nucleation crystal, compacting the MSM alloying material by generating a solidification front moving from the nucleation region across the selector region into the crystal region along a solidification path.