What are the challenges in maintaining dimensional stability during cast iron animal sculpture cooling?

Maintaining dimensional stability during the cooling of cast iron animal sculptures presents several challenges. One primary issue is uneven cooling rates, which can cause internal stresses leading to warping or cracking. The high thermal contraction of cast iron exacerbates this problem, often resulting in shrinkage defects. Additionally, complex geometries in animal sculptures create varying wall thicknesses, further complicating uniform cooling. Poor mold design or inadequate venting can trap gases, causing porosity and dimensional inaccuracies. Finally, residual stresses from improper heat treatment may lead to long-term distortion, compromising the sculpture's structural integrity and artistic detail. Addressing these challenges requires precise control of cooling rates, optimized mold design, and post-casting treatments.