In the designation of the aluminum alloy 2017-T36, what does the "2" indicate?

In the designation of aluminum alloys, the first digit is significant as it indicates the series of the alloy. Specifically, for the alloy 2017-T36, the "2" denotes that this alloy belongs to the 2000 series, which primarily comprises copper as the main alloying element. Each series of aluminum alloys is characterized by the primary alloying agent used, and the 2000 series is notable for its strong heat-treated alloys, which are commonly utilized in aerospace applications.

The other aspects of the designation, such as the temper (represented by the "T36" in this case), and information regarding melting temperatures or specific tempering states, are denoted by different characters and numbers in the designation.

Understanding this numbering system is crucial when selecting materials for specific applications, as it directly informs users about the alloy’s properties and potential uses.