Thermal Gradient A thermal gradient is the temperature difference between different regions of a 3D printed part during cooling. It influences thermal contraction, residual stresses, and warping. High thermal gradients cause uneven shrinkage, cracking, or layer separation, especially in metal and high-temperature polymer printing. Proper thermal management, including controlled cooling rates, heated chambers, and optimized print orientation, minimizes thermal gradients. Advanced simulation tools predict thermal behavior for accurate design validation. Managing thermal gradients enhances dimensional stability, structural integrity, and print reliability. |