Shrinkage Window
- Last UpdatedNov 18, 2025
- 3 minute read
You can set the parameters for shrinkage compensation on a panel by adding a Shrinkage Definition (DSHRNK) to the panel using the Shrinkage Creation window.
You can process the shrinkage compensation in Part Generation, if you set the required parameter. For more information, see Part Generation window.
There are of two types of shrinkage compensation:
Manual shrinkage
You can define parameters to stretch a particular selected plate or a set of plates individually. The procedure is more precise. For more information, see Manual calculation definition of shrinkage compensation.
Automatic shrinkage
The administrator defines the shrinkage compensation. The compensation is estimated from the profiles welded to the plates and their edges/seams. The procedure adds material locally, next to the welds, and reduces unnecessary distortion of other features on the plates. For more information, see Automatic calculation definition of shrinkage compensation.
Note: You can create only a manual shrinkage compensation or an automatic shrinkage compensation on a selected panel, you can perform different methods on different panels.
Automatic Compensation Calculation
Defines how the shrinkage compensation is calculated.
If you select the Automatic Compensation Calculation checkbox, the calculation uses the automatic shrinkage compensation algorithm defined by the Shrinkage Configuration.
If you do not select the Automatic Compensation Calculation checkbox, the following options become available and the calculation is performed manually based on these options.
Main Direction
Defines the main direction for the calculation. For example:
(1) Main direction, (2) Main (primary) shrinkage, (3) Longitudonal (secondary) shrinkage.
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Auto |
The main shrinkage direction is calculated from the profiles connected to the plates at the panel. This is done on a panel level, before being split into separate plates. |
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X |
The main shrinkage direction is the global X direction. The X-coordinate is transformed and projected onto the planar surface of the selected plate. |
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Y |
The main shrinkage direction is the global Y direction. The Y-coordinate is transformed and projected onto the planar surface of the selected plate. |
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Z |
The main shrinkage direction is the global Z direction. The Z-coordinate is transformed and projected onto the planar surface of the selected plate. |
Along Main Direction
Defines how to stretch a panel along the main direction to consider the shrinkage caused by bevels on plate edges.
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Scale Factor |
Defines a Scale Factor which stretches the panel along the main direction. |
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Distance Factor |
Defines a Distance Factor which stretches the panel along the main direction, the factor is divided by the Partition. |
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Partition |
Defines the most frequent partition. |
Perpendicular to Main Direction
Defines how to stretch a panel perpendicular to the main direction to consider the shrinkage caused by fillet welds (stiffeners).
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Scale Factor |
Defines a Scale Factor which stretches the panel perpendicular to the main direction. |
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Distance Factor |
Defines a Distance Factor which stretches the panel perpendicular to the main direction (1), the factor is divided by the most frequent Partition. |
Perpendicular to Seams
Defines how to stretch a panel perpendicular to the main direction to consider the shrinkage caused by butt welds (seams).
Note: If you add values to factor fields, the application applies the shrinkage factors, regardless panel seams.
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Scale Factor |
Defines a Scale Factor which stretches the panel perpendicular to the main direction (1). |
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Distance Factor |
Defines a Distance Factor which stretches the panel perpendicular to the main direction (1), the factor is divided by the Partition. |
Create
Adds shrinkage compensation information to a selected panel.
Note: If you create a Shrinkage Definition on a panel that already contains a Shrinkage Definition, the application overwrites the pre-existing definition.
Note: To modify the shrinkage properties on a panel, access the Change Shrinkage Compensation using the Properties grid and change the definition from there.