1. What is Clay Shrinkage?

Clay shrinkage refers to the reduction in size that occurs when clay dries and is fired. This calculator helps estimate the final size after shrinkage for glass applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple shrinkage formula:

Where:

• \( Original\ size \) — Starting dimension of the clay piece (cm)
• \( Shrink\ rate \) — Expected shrinkage rate (decimal)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much the clay will shrink based on its original size and the material's characteristic shrinkage rate.

3. Importance of Shrinkage Calculation

Details: Accurate shrinkage calculation is crucial for creating properly sized glass components that fit with clay elements after firing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter original size in centimeters and shrinkage rate as a decimal (e.g., 0.12 for 12% shrinkage). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical shrinkage rate for clay?
A: Shrinkage rates vary by clay type but typically range from 5-15% (0.05-0.15).

Q2: How does this affect glass work?
A: Knowing the final clay size helps create properly fitting glass components that will match after firing.

Q3: Should I measure before or after drying?
A: Original size should be measured when the clay is in its workable state before any drying occurs.

Q4: Does firing temperature affect shrinkage?
A: Yes, higher firing temperatures generally result in greater shrinkage.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a basic estimate, but actual shrinkage may vary based on clay composition, thickness, and firing conditions.