When should you use this tool?
Use it when a functional part repeatedly prints too small, too large or with incorrect holes and you need to separate global shrinkage from local tolerance error.
LayerCompass Tool
Dimensional Accuracy & Shrinkage Calculator
Compare CAD target dimensions with the printed measurement. The tool calculates dimensional error and filament shrinkage and helps distinguish proportional shrinkage from hole/contour error or a likely mechanical cause.
Enter target and measured dimensions
Measure consistently
Use a reasonably large calibration part and avoid measuring only across the first-layer elephant foot. Measure X and Y several times at comparable locations. Use a separate tolerance test for holes and mating features.
Important: if X and Y differ substantially, do not average them into one shrinkage value. Check belts, skew/squareness, mechanics, temperature and measurement method first.
If split helmet, enclosure or large-model sections line up in the slicer but not after printing, see Split 3D Printed Parts Do Not Fit for a diagnosis covering elephant foot, flow, warping and fit clearance.
Tool guide
Dimensional Accuracy & Shrinkage Calculator: when and how should you use it?
A useful result starts with the right question. These notes explain what the tool is designed for, how to interpret its output and where a calculation is intentionally only an approximation.
How to use it well
Measure a reasonably large calibration part, record X/Y/Z separately, and test holes or mating features independently. Compensate only repeatable systematic error.
Limits & important notes
One calibration cube cannot prove pure material shrinkage. Skew, belts, flow, elephant foot, measurement error and geometry can bias the result.
Frequently asked questions
What does 99.6% shrinkage mean in OrcaSlicer?
If a nominal 100 mm distance measures 99.6 mm after cooling, the measured shrinkage value is 99.6%. OrcaSlicer then compensates that proportional effect when slicing.
Why not simply scale the entire model larger?
Global scaling also changes holes, clearances and every proportion. A constant hole or contour error can be better handled with the slicer controls designed for that purpose.
What if X and Y differ significantly?
A single material-shrinkage value may not be the main issue. Check skew/squareness, belts, mechanics and measurement method.
Should I compensate from one measurement immediately?
Treat it as a starting value and print the same test again. For functional fits, repeatability and multiple measurements matter more than one perfect point.
These tools provide guidance and calculations from your inputs. Safety-critical, electrical or highly loaded parts require additional verification.
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