China's precision casting industry is rapidly advancing toward high-end development, with demand for silica sol processes continuing to rise.

In the first half of 2026, China's investment casting industry underwent a significant structural transformation. Industry exhibition data revealed that orders for precision castings are rapidly shifting from conventional mechanical components to high-value sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, and new energy equipment. The silicone sol lost-wax process, renowned for its superior surface finish and dimensional accuracy, has captured over 45% of the market share, becoming the dominant method for producing high-end castings. Downstream foundries have imposed stricter requirements on the purity and high-temperature resistance of shell-forming materials like mullite sand and high-alumina refractory aggregates, driving robust demand for premium refractory raw materials. Concurrently, widespread adoption of digital simulation technology has significantly reduced casting defect rates, compelling upstream refractory manufacturers to optimize their calcination processes and ensure consistent material properties.