The present work has investigated the effect of trace elements Cd and Sn on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Si-Cu-Mg cast alloy. With the increase of Cd addition the strength of alloy rises at first and then drops. The optimal amount of Cd and Sn addition for Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy is about 0.27% and 0.1% respectively. Due to the formation of some coarse Cd-rich phases and pure Cd particles the mechanical properties of alloy decrease when Cd amount exceeds 0.27%. When more than 0.1% Sn added, some Sn atoms form low-melting eutectic compound at grain boundary, and then cause over-burning in alloy when solution treated, which may deteriorate properties of alloy, especially ductility of alloy. On the other hand, the addition of Cd and Sn remarkably increases the peak hardness and reduces the time to reach aging peak in Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy. The action of Cd /Sn in quaternary Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy is effectively the same as that occur in binary Al-Cu alloy that the enhanced hardening associated with Cd / Sn addition is due to the promotion of the 6’ phase.
