From The Workbench

All of our designs evolve through a series of prototype generations—MK1, MK2, MK3, and so on—each representing a distinct step in the process rather than a march toward a guaranteed release. For every iteration, we define a specific objective, observe how the physical object actually behaves once it exists, and let that response drive the next move. These MK units aren’t just precursors to a final product—they are complete, self-contained explorations, each capturing a moment where intent meets reality and the design reveals something new.

Our "From the Workbench" releases are selected directly from this development stream—individual MK units that stand on their own as complete, working artifacts. They’re offered in extremely limited quantities and reflect the design exactly as it existed at that moment, with all of its strengths and unresolved edges intact. These are not finished products, but real pieces of the process, shared as-is.

• MK prototypes — development units, not production products
• Extremely limited and never remade
• Captures a real moment in the design’s evolution
• Imperfections reflect active engineering tradeoffs and iteration
• Sold as-is — no returns; final version may differ or never exist

About the MK1 Shape Memoruler Prototype

This batch represents functional prototypes rather than fully production-qualified pieces. Considerable development has gone into making the markings legible while preserving the alloy’s shape-memory performance, since excessive local heating during laser processing can permanently affect behavior. To minimize that risk, these rulers were engraved conservatively with many light passes rather than fewer aggressive ones, prioritizing material integrity even if some markings are lighter than a final production version. Because fixturing and tooling are still evolving, alignment and cosmetic consistency may vary from piece to piece.

There is still substantial validation work ahead before a full production release. That includes benchmarking processed parts against as-milled stock, establishing bend strain limits that can be confidently communicated to customers, and running long-term durability testing through repeated use cycles. Straightening performance under different heating methods also needs to be characterized so the user experience can be accurately described and reliably repeated. Current scribing and separation methods also leave edge finishes and corner conditions that are acceptable for prototypes but not yet at the desired final standard. This release helps fund and inform that next stage of process refinement while offering an honest snapshot of the product in development.

About the Shape Memoruler

The Degrees of Freedom Shape Memoruler is a little metal ruler which can be bent (within a limit) and returned straight with the application of sufficient heat. It’s made from a special alloy of nickel and titanium called Nitinol, which toggles between two atomic arrangements during a phase transition triggered by heat. As long as you don’t bend it to the degree that you disrupt the special structure, it will always go back straight if you bring it past 50C. Be careful, though: put a coiled one in boiling water and it’ll whip open fast enough to make a splash.

One face of these 20cm x 1cm x 0.3mm rulers features laser engraved metric graduations down to 0.5mm. On the opposite face, you’ll find information on its alloy, strain tolerance, acceptable bend radius, and transition temperature.

Of all things, first practical use for this product was giving my daughter a simple science experiment to share with classmates during a stressful visit to a new kindergarten class. I guess it can measure curved things too, but let’s be serious, the ruler functionality is mostly a way to justify buying and carrying around a piece of weird metal. 

We sell these in pairs because their learning curve usually leads to over-bending, resulting permanent curvature. You will have one to whoops and another to whoa.