Casting Shrinkage Allowance Calculator
Pattern oversize for solid shrinkage — by alloy.
Patternmakers' 'shrink rules' are simply rulers stretched by these percentages. Grey iron shrinks least because graphite EXPANDS on freezing — partially refunding the contraction.
Formula
Casting Shrinkage Allowance Calculator is a free casting shrinkage for design engineers, metallurgists and QA inspectors — instant, accurate and 100% client-side, with the governing formula and reference shown next to the result so the number can be defended, not just quoted.
About Casting Shrinkage Allowance Calculator
Pattern oversize for solid shrinkage — by alloy. The calculation implements pattern = dimension × (1 + shrinkage%) (Foundry practice — AFS handbooks). Patternmakers' 'shrink rules' are simply rulers stretched by these percentages. Grey iron shrinks least because graphite EXPANDS on freezing — partially refunding the contraction.
How to use Casting Shrinkage Allowance Calculator
- 1Enter Finished casting dimension in mm.
- 2Enter Alloy (1 grey CI (1%) · 2 steel (2%) · 3 aluminium (1.3%) · 4 brass (1.5%)).
- 3Read Pattern dimension, Allowance added instantly — no submit button needed.
- 4Need US units? Flip the SI/Imperial toggle and every field converts.
Why use Casting Shrinkage Allowance Calculator?
- ✓Implements the standard formula — pattern = dimension × (1 + shrinkage%)
- ✓Reference cited on-page: Foundry practice — AFS handbooks
- ✓One-click SI ⇄ Imperial toggle — values convert in place, physics stays in SI
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser — nothing uploaded, free forever
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the Casting Shrinkage Allowance Calculator use?+
It computes pattern = dimension × (1 + shrinkage%), per Foundry practice — AFS handbooks. The formula is displayed under the result.
What should I keep in mind when using this calculator?+
Patternmakers' 'shrink rules' are simply rulers stretched by these percentages. Grey iron shrinks least because graphite EXPANDS on freezing — partially refunding the contraction.
Where do the material property defaults come from?+
Defaults are standard handbook values (ASM, manufacturer datasheets, the cited standard). Always substitute certified values from your material's test certificate for critical work.
Is the Casting Shrinkage Allowance Calculator free to use?+
Yes — completely free, no sign-up, no limits. It runs client-side in your browser, so inputs stay private and results are instant even on slow connections.
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