MANUFACTURING – 3D PRINTING (REIN LA/MLA/DLP) CALCULATOR
Resin Shrinkage
A precise tool.
What is the Resin Shrinkage & How does it work?
Resin‑based SLA, MSLA and DLP printers solidify a liquid polymer layer by layer. During the photopolymerisation reaction the molecular network contracts, causing the printed part to shrink slightly compared with the original CAD model.
The amount of linear shrinkage is typically expressed as a percentage of the printed dimension and varies with resin chemistry, exposure energy and post‑cure temperature. Most standard engineering resins exhibit a shrinkage in the range of 0.5 % to 2 %.
Because shrinkage is essentially isotropic for homogeneous resins, the final size can be estimated by applying the same reduction factor to each linear dimension. This allows designers to compensate in the slicer or CAD model, ensuring that the cured part meets the required tolerances.
L_{final};=;L_{printed}timesleft(1-frac{text{shrinkage%}}{100}right)
shrinkage% = typical linear shrinkage of the resin after cure (e.g., 0.8 %)
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes resin shrinkage in 3D printing?
Resin shrinkage occurs during the photopolymerization reaction as the molecular network contracts.
How much does resin typically shrink?
Most standard engineering resins exhibit a shrinkage of 0.5% to 2% of the printed dimension.
Does exposure energy affect resin shrinkage?
Yes, higher exposure energy can lead to greater shrinkage during the photopolymerization process.
What is the impact of post-cure temperature on resin shrinkage?
Post-cure temperature can influence resin shrinkage; higher temperatures may cause more contraction.
How do I account for resin shrinkage in my 3D prints?
To account for shrinkage, scale up your CAD model dimensions by the expected shrinkage percentage before printing.
Are there any resins with lower shrinkage rates?
Yes, some specialized resins are designed to have lower shrinkage rates for applications requiring precision.
Can resin shrinkage be completely eliminated?
While complete elimination is challenging, using the right resin and optimizing printing parameters can minimize shrinkage.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.