Abstract: A process for casting a magnesium alloy consisting of 10.00-13.00% by weight of aluminium, 0.00-10.00% by weight of zinc, and 5.00-13.00% by weight of aluminium, 10.00-22.00% by weight of zinc, also containing 0.10-0.5% by weight of manganese, and the balance being magnesium and unavoidable impurities, the total impurity level being below 0.0% by weight, wherein the alloy is cast in a die in which the temperature is controlled in the range of 150-340° C., the die is filled in a time which expressed in milliseconds is equal to the product of a number between 2 and 300 multiplied by the average part thickness expressed in millimetre, the static metal pressures being maintained during casting between 20-70 MPa and may subsequently be intensified up to 180 MPa.

Abstract: Procedure for the production of a thixotropic magnesium alloy by adding a grain refiner combined with controlled, rapid solidification with subsequent heating to the two-phase area. It is preferable to use a solidification rate of >1.degree. C./s, more preferably >10.degree. C./s. It is essential that the solidification takes place at such a speed that growth of dendrites is avoided. Heating to the two-phase area is carried out rapidly in 1-30 minutes, preferably 2-5 minutes. By heating an alloy comprising 2-8 weight % Zn, 1.5-5 weight % RE, 0.2-0.8 weight Zr balanced with magnesium to a temperature in the two-phase area after casting, the structure will assume a form in which the .alpha.-phase is globular (RE=rare earth metal). The size of the spheres will be dependent on the temperature and the holding time at that temperature and they will be surrounded by a low-smelting matrix. It is preferable that the alloy has a grain size of not greater than <100 .mu.m, more preferably 50-100 .mu.m.