Application of calcium as alloying element for magnesium alloys has been considered according to literature data. Mg–7%Al–4%Ca–0.5%Mn casting alloy was offered, which possesses the low propensity to the hot brittleness and good castability. The alloy has the moderate strength (σu = 150 MPa) and the satisfactory percentage elongation (δ = 3%). It is shown, that calcium-containing alloys smelting of Mg–Al–Ca–Mn system is preferable with the application of low-chloride flux FL10 (20%MgCl2; 29%KCl; 12%BaCl2; 23%CaF2; 15%MgF2; 1%B2O3). The alloy smelting in the atmosphere of argon and SF6 mixture results in the increased shelling and waste of calcium. The heat treatment is offered for the developed alloy, which is directed to the Al2Ca phase spheroidizing. The developed magnesium alloy, alloyed with calcium, is perspective for the industry production of low-cost moulding

The mechanical properties of castings depend on the grain size. There is evidence that titanium and boron (Al–5Ti–1B master alloy) affect the grain size of magnesium alloys. Here, the influence of the addition of 0–1 wt. % of Al–5Ti–1B master alloy on the grain size of AZ91 magnesium alloy was investigated. Melting of the alloy was performed in steel and corundum crucibles. To study the effect of cooling rate on grain size, cylindrical samples were cast in steel and fireclay molds. The Al–5Ti–1B master alloy addition did not change the phase composition of the AZ91 alloy. This study demonstrates that the addition of Al–5Ti–1B did not contribute to the grain refinement of the AZ91 alloy, but rather led to its coarsening for samples cast in both the steel and fireclay molds. Increasing the holding time after the addition of the Al–5Ti–1B master alloy from 15 to 110 minutes also did not lead to significant grain coarsening. The mechanical properties of the AZ91 alloy samples slightly improved after Al–5Ti–1B addition