// tolerance & fit calculator
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Dial in scale factors, shrinkage compensation, and hole clearances.

Tolerance & Shrinkage Calculator

1 · Calibrate from a test print

Print a calibration object (a 20 mm cube works), measure each axis with calipers, and enter the numbers. You get the exact scale factor to enter in your slicer, per axis.

Designed Measured Slicer scale X
—
Y
—
Z
—

Tip: measure in the same units you design in. Scale = designed ÷ measured — anything within ±0.05% of 100% is already excellent; don't chase noise.

2 · Shrinkage presets (no test print yet)

Starting-point compensation by material. These are consensus ranges — your printer, part geometry, and cooling all shift them. Calibrate with card 1 when you can.

100.25% Typical shrinkage 0.2–0.3% → suggested uniform scale.

Resin values assume post-cure shrinkage. For dimension-critical resin parts, calibrate after your full wash-and-cure routine.

3 · Hole & fit clearance

FDM prints holes undersized and pins oversized. Enter the nominal size of the mating part, pick the fit you want, and get the dimension to model in CAD.

— Model this dimension in CAD for the selected fit.

Rules of thumb for a calibrated FDM printer at 0.4 mm nozzle. Resin needs roughly half these clearances. Always validate press fits with a test coupon before committing a long print.