Age hardening of EN AW 2014 alloy extruded in the semi-solid state

► Thixoextruded 2014 rod reveals two different structures at the front and rear ends. ► The front end is predominantly globular evidencing forming in the semi-solid state. ► Rear end is extruded in the solid-state with a concurrent recrystallization process. ► Response to T6 heat treatment of the globular front has been age hardening. ► The rear end, on the other hand, has softened upon T6 heat treatment.