The Mg-6Al-1Ca-1Nd alloy samples were fabricated by centrifugal casting method and by gravity casting

respectively.The microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-6Al-1Ca-1Nd alloy fabricated were characterized by OM（optical microscope）

SEM（scanning electron microscope）

XRD（X-ray diffraction） and hardness testing.The results show that the grain size of Mg-6Al-1Ca-1Nd alloy exhibiting equaixed grain fabricated by centrifugal casting is finer than that fabricated by gravity casting.With increasing in centrifugal speed

the grain size is decreased.The XRD analysis shows that there exists Mg17Al12、Al2Nd and Al2Ca phases and α-Mg in the Mg-6Al-1Ca-1Nd alloy fabricated by centrifugal casting.However

absence of Al2Ca phase can be observed

and the content of Mg17Al12 and Al2Nd is decreased in the Mg-6Al-1Ca-1Nd alloy fabricated by gravity casting.With increasing in centrifugal speed

the hardness value of the alloy fabricated by centrifugal casting is increased

and with the centrifugal speed of 1 541 r/min

the hardness value reaches HV58.5.