material shrinkage

[/məˈtɪriəl ˈʃrɪŋkɪdʒ/]
nounpl: material shrinkages
encolhimento de material
1. The reduction in size or volume of a material due to loss of moisture, cooling, or chemical changes
The concrete experienced significant material shrinkage as it cured over several weeks.
O concreto sofreu encolhimento de material significativo enquanto curava ao longo de várias semanas.
2. In manufacturing and textiles, the loss of dimension that occurs during production, processing, or washing
The fabric undergoes material shrinkage of about 5% when washed in hot water.
O tecido sofre encolhimento de material de cerca de 5% quando lavado em água quente.
3. In casting and molding, the reduction in size of a product as it cools and solidifies
Engineers must account for material shrinkage when designing metal castings.
Os engenheiros devem levar em conta o encolhimento de material ao projetar fundições de metal.
Material shrinkage is a critical concern in Brazilian manufacturing and construction industries, particularly in textile production in São Paulo and concrete/cement work in major urban centers. The term is widely used in technical and engineering contexts across both Brazil and the USA, with significant practical implications for quality control and product specifications.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
shrinkagedimensional reductioncontractionmaterial contractionsize reduction
Antonyms / Antônimos
material expansionmaterial growthdimensional increase

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
encolhimento de material
Standard term used in manufacturing, textiles, and construction
São Paulo
encolhimento do material
Common in industrial and manufacturing contexts
Rio de Janeiro
retração do material
Alternative term, especially in engineering contexts
Portugal
retração do material
Preferred term in European Portuguese technical documentation

Related Words

thermal shrinkagemoisture shrinkagedrying shrinkagecasting shrinkagelinear shrinkagevolumetric shrinkageshrink allowance

Related Idioms & Phrases

account for shrinkage
shrinkage allowance
compensate for shrinkage
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