The squeeze casting of a Mg-5wt%Al-0.6wt%Zr alloy was carried out to investigate the conditions for the formation and the prevention of macrodefects, such as macrosegregation and shrinkage defects. The effects of the process parameters, the applied pressure, the die temperature, and the pouring temperature on the formation of macrodefcts were investigated in correlation with the evolution of macrostructure. Three types of macrodefects were found; macrosegregation only, shrinkage defects only, both macrosegregation and shrinkage defects. It was found that the pouring temperature, the die temperature, and the applied pressure are closely related to the formation of macrodefects. Sound castings without macrosegregation and shrinkage defects can be obtained under the conditions of 80 MPa < P < 110 MPa, 730˚C < Tp < 760˚C, and 180˚C < Tp < 250˚C. (Received April 15, 1998)